Disabled people in Carlow invited to have their say on law change

Disabled people in Carlow, as well as their families, carers, and representative groups, are being invited to take part in a consultation that could change disability law.

23% of people in Carlow report experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty.

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, which is why disabled people and disabled communities in Carlow must contribute to the process.

“We know that many people in Carlow 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 services, accessibility of public buildings, universal design, employment supports and the use of genetic data,” Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, said.

”We would really like to hear from more individuals and families in Carlow 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,” she added.

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 Disability 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 9th.