“Framework for mainstreaming Ireland's experience"

Siobhan BarronDirector

National Disability AuthorityIreland

Mainstreaming is

• Ensuring persons with disabilities can take their place in mainstream society;

• Ensuring mainstream public services include persons with disabilities

• Considering the impact on persons with disability of mainstream public policies

Why is mainstreaming important

It enables a move from segregation to inclusion

Statistics

• Number of people in Council of Europe countries = 800 million

• Number of people in Council of Europe countries with disabilities = 80 million which is approximately equivalent to entire population of Germany or over 10 times population of greater London

Statistics – contd/…

• Approximately four out of five adults of working age with a disability has acquired that disability as an adult

• The incidence of disability rises progressively as we age

• By age 80, nearly four out of every ten people has a disability

Barriers to mainstreaming

• Lack of knowledge and skills

• Established custom and practice

• Invisibility

• Attitudes and Perceptions

• Lack of supports

Key developments in Ireland

• Department (Ministry) of Equality and Law Reform established in 1993 – disability equality role

• Government established a Commission to examine issues

• Commission reported in 1996 – “A Strategy for Equality”

Key developments in Ireland contd/…

• Government statement of commitment to mainstreaming in 2000

• National Disability Authority established 2000

• National Disability Strategy launched in 2004

Disability in Legislation

Disability is one of 9 grounds covered in:

• Employment Equality Act 1998 – employment and training

• Equal Status Act 2000 – access to goods, services and facilities

Disability in Legislation

• Equality infrastructure established

• Equality Act 2004 - amendments

National Disability Authority (NDA)

• Independent statutory body

• Established to support achievement of mainstreaming

• Advise and provide information to Government on disability matters

• Receives funding annually from Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

NDA Functions

NDA functions include:

• Advice

• Research

• Input to standards for programmes and services

• Codes of Practice

NDA Functions – contd/ …

• Monitoring implementation of standards and codes of practice

• Liaison with stakeholders

• Monitor employment in public sector

• Centre of Excellence in Universal Design

Definition of Disability

Definition of disability in the Disability Act:

• Based on social model

• Concentrates resources where most needed

Definition of Disability – contd/…

• “disability”, in relation to a person, means

a substantial restriction in the capacity of

the person to carry on a profession,

business or occupation in the State or to

participate in social or cultural life in the

State by reason of an enduring physical,

mental health or intellectual impairment

National Disability Strategy

• Disability Act 2005

• “Sectoral Plans” – programmes of action by 6 government departments

• Legislation for Personal Advocacy Service

National Disability Strategy contd/…

• Special multi-annual budget for high priority services

• Education legislation

• Cabinet Procedures – disability focus

Mainstreaming in the Strategy

• Legal obligations to ensure buildings, services and information accessible

• Public services must provide integrated services to persons with disabilities and others

Mainstreaming in the Strategycontd/…

• Public procurement to include accessibility requirement

• Access officer in every public body

• Complaints with appeal to Ombudsman

Mainstreaming in the Strategycontd/…

• “Sectoral Plans” in health, environment, social welfare, employment, transport and communications

• Obligations for cross-agency co-operation

Mainstreaming in the Strategycontd/…

• Consultation with disability sector

• Published plans of action

• Progress reports

Framework to Support Strategy

• Cabinet Committee – Taoiseach and relevant Ministers

• Senior Officials Group – 10 government departments

• Monitoring committees in 6 departments

Framework to Support Strategycontd/…

• Key supporting role for the NDA

• Engagement with disability sector

• New office for Disability and Mental Health

Office for Disability and Mental Health

• Minister for Disability and Mental Health

• Covers 4 departments – health, education, employment and justice

• Support, co-ordination and co-operation

Monitoring and Measuring Performance

• National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group (NDSSMG)

• Chair – Department of the Taoiseach

• Vice Chair – Chair of Disability Stakeholder Group

Monitoring and Measuring Performance – contd/…

• Secretariat – Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

• Members – Senior Officials, NDA and Disability Groups

Monitoring and Measuring Performance – contd/…

• NDSSMG meets twice per year to discuss progress and issues

• Reporting framework

• Reports to Cabinet Committee

• Targets and Indicators

Disability Proofing

• Cabinet procedures amended

• Proposals for legislation and policy to be disability proofed

• Guidelines being developed

Learning and Conclusion

• Clear Programme of Action

• Framework for co-operation and monitoring

• Supported at highest levels – Government, senior officials

Learning and Conclusion – contd/…

• Inclusion in core business at local level

• Engagement with sector – shared learning

• Skills and knowledge developed in public sector

Thank you

Siobhan Barron

www.nda.ie