merrion street

Since 1992, the 3^rd of December has been annually observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The theme of this year’s day is “Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership.”

The theme encourages us to work together to ensure that the barriers to full equality and participation for people with disabilities will become a thing of the past,” the Minister said. “The Government has implemented a wide range of initiatives that are aimed at progressing this overarching objective, including the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2019 - 2021. The Department of Justice and Equality is currently overseeing a review of the Strategy to ensure it remains relevant for the rest of its lifetime. As part of this review we have recently consulted with disability organisations and individuals with lived experience of disability and their families. This will ensure that the revised strategy responds to the real needs and priorities of people with disabilities.

Minister McGrath will celebrate the day by attending an event to relaunch the Central Remedial Clinic's ribbon from burgundy to purple to match its Purple Light up event.

I would encourage everyone to acknowledge this important day because disability is an issue that affects us all. Everyone has a contribution to make in ensuring our workplaces, schools and communities are more inclusive places for people with disabilities.  Start a conversation, raise your own awareness of barriers or attend one of the many events happening around the country. These are all examples of positive steps that people can take today.

the Minister said. 

But please remember that these positive steps have to be a 365 days per year acknowledgement rather than just on this albeit very important day in the calendar.

the Minister concluded.