Input needed from Donegal as disability law is set to be reformed

Disabled people and representative groups in Donegal have been asked to give their input as disability law is set to be reformed.

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, and the Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, are inviting disabled people in Co. Donegal, as well as their families, carers, and representative groups, to take part in a consultation on the Disability Act, one of the most important disability-specific pieces of legislation.

With 23% of people in Donegal reporting experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty, this is an issue that impacts a huge number of people.

On top of the people who access the services, there are their families, carers, the people who work for the services, and others who have experience of engaging directly with them.

It has been twenty years since there has been any significant change to the Disability Act. That is why it is important that disabled people and disabled communities in Donegal, and all parts of the country, contribute to the process.

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said: “23% of people in Donegal reported experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty in Census 2022. When you consider the families and carers, as well as those who work in the area of disability, a huge proportion of the community is impacted by disability legislation and policies.

The landscape for disabled people and their families has completely changed in the past 20 years, and experiences are different in different parts of the country. It is important that the experiences of the disability community in Donegal are part of this process.”

The Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, added: “We know that many people in Donegal have valuable lived experience of disability services, accessibility and supports. Their insights will be crucial in ensuring the updated legislation reflects the realities faced by disabled people and their families.

The Disability Act covers the definition of disability, assessment of need for services, accessibility of public buildings, universal design, employment supports and the use of genetic data.

While we have had a good response, we would really like to hear from more individuals and families in Donegal and in all regions of the country.

If you are taking part in the consultation, you do not need to say something about all of the issues; you can just stick to one or two topics that are relevant to you. We are accepting inputs in a wide variety of formats: written, audio, and video.”

The review is a key commitment under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and the Programme for Government. It will consider how the Act can be updated to better reflect the rights, needs and experiences of disabled people today.

Visit the Disability Act Consultation webpage for more information. The consultation is open until Friday, October 9.