International Day for persons with Disabilities: We need to include disability in all aspect of our work moving forward

Labour Senator Mary Moran recognises the achievements in disability in Ireland and throughout the world but asks legislators at home and abroad to remain vigilant in moving forward. Today, 3 December 2013, marks the International Day for Persons with Disabilities worldwide and this year's theme is 'Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all.'
'The United Nations estimates that over one billion people around the world live with some form of disability--this is approximately 15% of the world's population. The International Day for Persons with Disabilities has been in existence since 1992 and presents an opportunity to highlight the importance of developing and working together to create an inclusive society for all people 
'As Labour Seanad Spokesperson on Disability, I have raised the issue of equal rights and inclusiveness for people with disabilities on numerous occasions. Most recently I moved a Private Members Motion before the Seanad on the great work of Special Olympics Ireland. I have also had the great opportunity to work with local people in my area to make our town a more accessibility friendly place for those with disabilities and limited mobility. A local Dundalk man, John Morgan recently completed the tremendous comprehensive study of the accessibility in Dundalk and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and our local partners on this issue.
'The International Day for Persons with Disabilities enables the many  support groups to highlight the need for the further inclusiveness in our society. Many of us are fortunate enough to not have to worry about the width of a doorway, the looks of a stranger or the whether sign language will be provided during an event. Disability advocacy and rights groups each day work to raise awareness amongst legislators and ordinary people on the ground and without them many of would not have a clue on the struggles and exclusion some people with disabilities face.
'In my role as a Labour Senator I will continue to highlight the issue of inclusiveness for those with disabilities within the Seanad and in my own local community and would encourage others to do the same. I would like to thank and recognise the great work that all of the disability support groups and agencies do 365 days of the year in raising awareness and providing important community supports.'