Posted 15.12.2021

It's been a busy first few weeks for our new Head of Policy Nuala Toman and the team at Disability Action. We have been engaging with local politicians to advance the rights of d/Deaf and Disabled People. We have welcomed positive commitments across a broad range of parties to remove barriers which d/Deaf and disabled people face in N.Ireland.

We met with the DUP policy team and since the meeting the DUP have been prioritising removing barriers to training and employment facing d/Deaf and disabled people.

Caoimhe Archibald Sinn Féin MLA and Chair of the Economy Committee told us she is committed to working with us to address the barriers that d/Deaf and disabled people face in accessing training and employment.

We had the opportunity to engage with Sinn Féin MLA and Disability Spokesperson Pádraig Delargy who has committed to working with us to advance legislative change to improve the lives of d/Deaf and disabled people.

Kellie Armstrong of the Alliance Party wowed us with her knowledge of accessibility and committed to working towards an accessible curriculum, equality in budgeting and advancing the Disability Strategy.

We engaged with Minister Declan Kearney in the context of the first ever Disabled People's Parliament. We were moved by his experiences as a parent.  We are delighted with his commitment to incorporate the UNCRPD into law noting the need for cross Departmental Support. 

Robbie Butler MLA, Chair of the APG on Disability is working with us to remove barriers to employment and training, to advance the Disability Strategy and remove barriers for d/Deaf and disabled people.

We have more political engagements in the diary. Watch out for the updates on social media. We are still awaiting responses from some people that we are keen to meet. If we have have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet please get in touch with Nuala Toman M: 07967 322639, E: [email protected]