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04/07/2003
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).
Entitled, 'Enabled? A Review of the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland', the report puts forward 34 recommendations including:
"The Equality Commission welcomed the Government’s commitment to making change when it accepted the recommendations made over three years ago by the Disability Rights Task Force.”
Concluding, Mrs Harbison said the Commission was calling on the Government to implement these recommendations, as well as a further 34 proposals for change that are identified as part of their own review of the Act.
"The case for change is compelling and what better time to make the necessary improvement to the rights of disabled people than during 2003 - the European Year of People with Disabilities," she said.
(MB)
The Commission made the call as it published its first review of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Entitled, 'Enabled? A Review of the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland', the report puts forward 34 recommendations including:
- Extending the protection of the DDA to people presently excluded, for example, people who have just discovered they have cancer, or multiple sclerosis
- Removing the requirement that someone has had to experience disability for longer than 12 months before the protection of the DDA applies
- Requiring employers to plan ahead when refurbishing premises or changing work practices, and think about the needs of disabled people
- Extending protection to include our transport systems
- Requiring employers and service deliverers to record the numbers of employees and customers with disabilities.
"The Equality Commission welcomed the Government’s commitment to making change when it accepted the recommendations made over three years ago by the Disability Rights Task Force.”
Concluding, Mrs Harbison said the Commission was calling on the Government to implement these recommendations, as well as a further 34 proposals for change that are identified as part of their own review of the Act.
"The case for change is compelling and what better time to make the necessary improvement to the rights of disabled people than during 2003 - the European Year of People with Disabilities," she said.
(MB)
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Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
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Human rights central to citizenship - Minister
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Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
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The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
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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.
