Disability Committee to discuss future of service provision with Neurological Alliance of Ireland and National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers

The UNCRPD is a landmark Convention which simply seeks to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the same human rights as everyone else. This calls for a step-change across all sectors of society from a medial model of disability to a social and rights-based model of care, which ensures the inclusion of all groups of people with disabilities across our communities. 

Representatives from the following organisations are also due to appear:

• National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers
• Neurological Alliance of Ireland

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan TD said: “Last week, the Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte addressed the Committee about limitations and challenges in accessing current service provision, as highlighted in previous meetings. 

“We welcome the opportunity to hear from  the Neurological Alliance and the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers about the future and innovative services for people with disabilities.”

“The UNCRPD has wide ranging relevance and implications for people living with a neurological disability. Article 26 of the Convention calls on State parties to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services and programmes for people with a neuro-disability but there are shortfalls in the access to timely rehabilitation and services for them. This affects people with strokes, acquired brain injury and spinal injury as well as progressive neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.” 

“We look forward to discussing aligning disability services with the UNCPRD with The National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers. Two thirds of disability services are provided on behalf of the State by the voluntary sector and their member organisations have community presence and connections across cities, towns and villages throughout Ireland. Their input is crucial to any discuss on these and any other issues surrounding the future provision of disability services.”