The United Nations International Day for Persons with Disabilities is being marked today, 3rd December 2015. This year's theme is 'Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities'.
The UN International Day for Persons with Disabilities is held annually to promote awareness and generate discussion on how society can be more inclusive and accessible for all people.
People with disabilities face barriers in their lives on a regular basis. As Seanad Spokesperson for Disability and Equality I have consistently sought to address barriers and inequalities which exist in education, employment, resources and accessibility.
In recent months I have put in a very focused effort on two key areas: The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill 2013, and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy.
I welcomed the opportunity to participate in the historic Seanad debate on the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 in recent weeks. This Bill moves away from archaic notions and finally brings forward words and actions that ensure equality and dignity. Once enacted, this long-awaited piece of legislation will assist in Ireland's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I remain committed to the progression of this Bill and the early ratification of the UN Convention.
Equal opportunity in education and employment for all citizens are issues I raise on a daily basis. The introduction of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy in early October establishes the opportunities for real goals and targets to increase accessibility in the work force and society overall. The focus now shifts to seeing the barriers in education, training and employment lifted and tangible results delivered for people with a disability to meaningfully engage in each of these areas.
My work in these areas outlined, the promotion of equal opportunities and not least of all upholding the respect and dignity of people with a disability within our legislation and in all settings and situations is ongoing and foremost in my mind.
Change is often not easy and since entering politics I have learned that unfortunately change can also be slow. I am continuing to strive for improvements in the opportunities and services provided for people with a disability.
While we have seen some progress in recent months I recognise that there is still much to be done and I am re-affirming my commitment today to advocate on behalf of persons with a disability and their families for the year ahead.
As we mark and reflect today on how we can remove barriers and create a more inclusive society I would urge everyone to focus on the ability of a person and not on their disability.
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