Posted 25.01.2022

Disability Action has had a busy January so far meeting with some of our political representatives as part of our ongoing campaign to advance the rights of d/Deaf and disabled people in N.Ireland.

We met with representatives from the DUP and the Green Party. Paula Bradley MLA provided us with assurances that the Disability Strategy will remain a priority. Paula is assisting us to resolve gaps between protections for disabled people here and the rest of the UK.

Rachel Woods MLA has committed to ending disability discrimination and greater protections against disability hate crime. Rachel is currently liaising with the Department of Justice on the importance of disability awareness training. 

We commend Robbie Butler MLA, Chair of the APG on Disability for his leadership in holding a review of the impact of COVID-19 on d/Deaf + disabled people at the Disability APG in late February. It is estimated that 60% of people who died from COVID-19 were d/Deaf and Disabled people.

At the end of last year we met with the Department for Economy to discuss the disability employment gap and the need to have transitional place for Disability Specialist Support. Positive changes were made and there are future plans for co-designing.

We have more political engagements in the diary.  If we have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet please get in touch with our Head of Policy Nuala Toman M: 07967 322639, E: [email protected].