“Framework for mainstreaming Irelands experience.pptVIP

“Framework for mainstreaming Irelands experience Siobhan Barron Director National Disability Authority Ireland Mainstreaming is Ensuring persons with disabilities can take their place in mainstream society; Ensuring mainstream public services include persons with disabilities Considering the impact on persons with disability of mainstream public policies Why is mainstreaming important It enables a move from segregation to inclusion Statistics Number of people in Council of Europe countries = 800 million Number of people in Council of Europe countries with disabilities = 80 million which is approximately equivalent to entire population of Germany or over 10 times population of greater London Statistics – contd/… Approximately four out of five adults of working age with a disability has acquired that disability as an adult The incidence of disability rises progressively as we age By age 80, nearly four out of every ten people has a disability Barriers to mainstreaming Lack of knowledge and skills Established custom and practice Invisibility Attitudes and Perceptions Lack of supports Key developments in Ireland Department (Ministry) of Equality and Law Reform established in 1993 – disability equality role Government established a Commission to examine issues Commission reported in 1996 – “A Strategy for Equality” Key developments in Ireland contd/… Government statement of commitment to mainstreaming in 2000 National Disability Authority established 2000 National Disability Strategy launched in 2004 Disability in Legislation Disability is one of 9 grounds covered in: Employment Equality Act 1998 – employment and training Equal Status Act 2000 – access to goods, services and facilities Disability in Legislation Equality infrastructure established Equality Act 2004 - amendments National Disability Authority (NDA) Independent statutory body Established to support achievement of m