Longford disabled people and groups invited to have say on disability law reform
More than one-fifth of people in Longford (21%) have reported experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty and there is a significant amount of people impacted.
Disabled people in county Longford, as well as their families, carers, and representative groups have been invited by Equality Minister Norma Foley and Minister for Disability Emer Higgins to take part in a consultation on the Disability Act.
The legislation has been described as one of the most important disability-specific pieces of legislation.
More than one-fifth of people in Longford (21%) have reported experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty and this is an issue that impacts a huge number of people.
On top of the people who access the services, there are their families, carers, the people who work for the services and others who have experience of engaging directly with them.
It has been 20 years since there has been any significant change to the Disability Act.
That is why it is important that disabled people and disabled communities in Longford, and all parts of the country, contribute to the process.
Equality Minister, Norma Foley said, “21% of people in Longford reporting experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty in Census 2022.
"When you consider the families and carers, as well as those who work in the area of disability, a huge proportion of the community is impacted by disability legislation and policies.
"The landscape for disabled people and their families has completely changed in the past 20 years and experiences are different in different parts of the country. It is important that the experiences of the disability community in Longford are part of this process.”
The Minister for Disability, Emer Higgins said they know that many people in Longford have 'valuable lived experience of disability services, accessibility and supports'.
"Their insights will be crucial in ensuring the updated legislation reflects the realities faced by disabled people and their families.
"The Disability Act covers the definition of disability, assessment of need services, accessibility of public buildings, universal design, employment supports and the use of genetic data.
"While we have had a good response we would really like to hear from more individuals and families in Longford and in all regions of the country.
"If you are taking part in the consultation, you do not need to say something about all of the issues, you can just stick to one or two topics that are relevant to you. We are accepting inputs in a wide variety of formats; written, audio and video.”
The review is a key commitment under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and the Programme for Government. It will consider how the Act can be updated to better reflect the rights, needs and experiences of disabled people today.
The consultation is open until Friday, October 9 and for more information people can visit the Disability Act Consultation webpage.