International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on 3 December and the theme this year is fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress. In marking this important day, the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy, hosted an event in Leinster House bringing together Members and advocates.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and increase awareness of the experience of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Speaking at the event, the Ceann Comhairle stated:
We all know somebody in our lives who is living with a disability. They are our colleagues, our neighbours, our friends and our family members. Yet many continue to face systemic barriers in education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure and civic participation. All of which contribute to reduced inclusion and opportunities in society.
Attendees of the event marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the Houses of the Oireachtas
Guest speakers at the event included Sean Connick, chief executive of the John F. Kennedy Trust CLG; Jack Kavanagh, director of Move The Needle and board member of National Disability Authority and students from Ramsgrange Community School in County Wexford. Music was performed by the Nomads music group and jazz singer Emilie Conway. The event was also attended by representatives from the DPO Network organisations and members of the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters.
At the event the Ceann Comhairle noted that the day works to "amplify voices and to celebrate achievements", and that "we must ensure that persons with disabilities are not just included in conversations about the future - they must be leading them."
The Houses of the Oireachtas is a leader in this field, with the Oireachtas Work Learning Programme, known as the OWL programme, becoming the first supported employment model in the Civil and public services that provides practical learning experiences and opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities and autism.