13
Nov
2019
The Government is seeking the views of disability organisations and of people with disabilities and their families as part of an update of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017 – 2021.
The NDIS is the key framework for policy and action to address the needs of people with disabilities. Its overarching objective is to improve the lives of people with disabilities both in a practical sense, and also in creating the best possible opportunities for people with disabilities to fulfil their potential.
The Strategy contains a commitment to a mid-term review, and stakeholders are now being asked for their opinions on how it should be renewed to reflect emerging priorities, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Ireland ratified in March 2018.
The first consultation event– to which disability organisations were invited – was launched this morning at Croke Park by the Minister of State for Disability Issues Finian McGrath TD.
A second consultation event will take place on 26 November 2019 for individuals with disabilities and their families. This will be held in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly from 11am to 3pm.
Speaking at the launch, Minister McGrath said:
“The revised Strategy needs to speak to the society of today. It must clearly respond to key issues facing people with disabilities. It is a living document and I want it to capture any new issues that have arisen since it was launched over two years ago. When the Strategy reaches the end of its lifespan in 2021, I want the lives of people with disabilities to have improved, and for them to live in an Ireland in which they can reach their full potential.”
Disability organisations and people with disabilities and their families can contribute to this consultation on the renewal of the NDIS, which will run until 29 November, by either attending one of the designated consultation events or by completing an online questionnaire here.
The outcome of the consultation will help to ensure that the NDIS remains relevant for the rest of its lifetime. A refreshed Strategy for 2020 and 2021 will be produced following the consultation process.
More details are available on the Department of Justice and Equality website here.
