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18/09/2001
Executive publishes response to disability rights report
A new public consultation document entitled "Improving Civil Rights for Disabled People" has been published in response to recommendations made by the UK Disability Rights Task Force.
The Task Force report, entitled "From Exclusion to Inclusion", focused on the full range of issues that affect disabled people’s lives and the rights they require to participate fully in society, free from discrimination.
Welcoming the publication of the Executive’s response to the report, Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey said: "The Disability Rights Task Force set a challenging agenda to bring about improved civil rights for disabled people and I am delighted that we have been able to respond to its recommendations in such a positive manner.
"I am confident that our response will play an important role in achieving equality of opportunity for disabled people. The Executive is determined to ensure that people with disabilities do not face discrimination and have the opportunity to participate fully in society."
"Disabled people already have important rights under the Disability Discrimination Act. The Executive has shown its commitment to disabled people by agreeing to give the Equality Commission strong powers to enforce these rights."
Many new proposals are to be brought forward that aim to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. These measures include recognising persons diagnosed with HIV as being disabled, and those with cancer as being disabled in cases that evidently require substantial treatment. Much of the red tape surrounding the issue of recognition of blindness is also to be removed.
Other proposals include helping to ensure that employers cannot avoid having to make reasonable accommodation for disabled people and removing the exemption for small employers from disability discrimination law. (CL)
The Task Force report, entitled "From Exclusion to Inclusion", focused on the full range of issues that affect disabled people’s lives and the rights they require to participate fully in society, free from discrimination.
Welcoming the publication of the Executive’s response to the report, Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey said: "The Disability Rights Task Force set a challenging agenda to bring about improved civil rights for disabled people and I am delighted that we have been able to respond to its recommendations in such a positive manner.
"I am confident that our response will play an important role in achieving equality of opportunity for disabled people. The Executive is determined to ensure that people with disabilities do not face discrimination and have the opportunity to participate fully in society."
"Disabled people already have important rights under the Disability Discrimination Act. The Executive has shown its commitment to disabled people by agreeing to give the Equality Commission strong powers to enforce these rights."
Many new proposals are to be brought forward that aim to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. These measures include recognising persons diagnosed with HIV as being disabled, and those with cancer as being disabled in cases that evidently require substantial treatment. Much of the red tape surrounding the issue of recognition of blindness is also to be removed.
Other proposals include helping to ensure that employers cannot avoid having to make reasonable accommodation for disabled people and removing the exemption for small employers from disability discrimination law. (CL)
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21 August 2003
Guide aims to help balance disability rights with health and safety
A guide developed as a joint initiative between Northern Ireland’s 26 district councils, the Health and Safety Executive, the Equality Commission and Disability Action, is offering local employers advice on balancing disability rights with health and safety in the workplace.
Guide aims to help balance disability rights with health and safety
A guide developed as a joint initiative between Northern Ireland’s 26 district councils, the Health and Safety Executive, the Equality Commission and Disability Action, is offering local employers advice on balancing disability rights with health and safety in the workplace.
17 July 2008
Staff Member Suspended As Care Home Abuse Probed
A member of staff at a County Derry care home has been suspended over the alleged abuse of a resident. The PSNI have confirmed that they will investigate the claim at Longfield Care Centre in Eglinton, after the alleged abuse was brought to their attention on 7 July.
Staff Member Suspended As Care Home Abuse Probed
A member of staff at a County Derry care home has been suspended over the alleged abuse of a resident. The PSNI have confirmed that they will investigate the claim at Longfield Care Centre in Eglinton, after the alleged abuse was brought to their attention on 7 July.
03 July 2003
UN convention on disability welcomed
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has welcomed the decision taken by a United Nations Ad Hoc Committee to proceed with a new policy of the rights of disabled people.
UN convention on disability welcomed
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has welcomed the decision taken by a United Nations Ad Hoc Committee to proceed with a new policy of the rights of disabled people.
04 July 2003
Call for action to improve and protect rights of disabled
The Equality Commission has called on the Government to improve and protect the rights of disabled people across Northern Ireland. The Commission made the call as it published its first review of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Call for action to improve and protect rights of disabled
The Equality Commission has called on the Government to improve and protect the rights of disabled people across Northern Ireland. The Commission made the call as it published its first review of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
15 February 2006
New legislation to improve rights of people with disabilities
People living with disabilities in Northern Ireland are to benefit from a new legislation, which will improve their civil rights. Equality Minister, Jeff Rooker, today announced the Disability Discrimination Order 2006, which will increase the scope of legislation to include more people with disabilities.
New legislation to improve rights of people with disabilities
People living with disabilities in Northern Ireland are to benefit from a new legislation, which will improve their civil rights. Equality Minister, Jeff Rooker, today announced the Disability Discrimination Order 2006, which will increase the scope of legislation to include more people with disabilities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
