MLAs urged to include those with disabilities in decision-making

Politicians from different parties have been encouraged to work together to help people with disabilities to feel included in decision-making at Stormont.

The appeal was made during a meeting of the Northern Ireland Disabled People’s Parliament.

Eoin Kenny, 33, from Londonderry, has a learning disability and wants to ensure his voice is heard.

“I’d like politicians to work together for people with a disability because we rely on politicians to help us, to understand us, so we can feel included,” he said.

Almost a quarter of the population in Northern Ireland has a limiting long-term health problem or disability, according to the last census.

Caleb, a 17-year-old from Lisburn who has complex special needs, including autism, said: “My friends and I, along with many others want to be seen heard and included in your world.

“We want laws to give us a future. We are human beings just like you.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons were in the chamber during the session.

They both said they were listening to all the concerns and were doing their best to address them.

Lyons promised that a new disability strategy from the Northern Ireland Executive would bring about significant changes.

“I can guarantee to you today that this will not simply be a wish-list. It will contain substantive actions that will make a real difference,” he said.

A draft of the strategy is due to be published on Monday, with a public consultation to follow.

Sinn Féin’s Carál Ní Chuilín chaired the meeting in her role as principal deputy speaker of the assembly.

She said she would take on-board the points made, adding: “I hear you. I also see you. I understand you and I will do my best to give you the support that you need.”

Eva Hanna, 20, a student from Ballynahinch, wants to see accessibility issues addressed especially in terms of buildings and transport.

As a wheelchair-user, she says more needs to be done to improve access.

She added: “There’s also a lot of barriers to employment for disabled people.”

The parliament brought together deaf and disabled representatives from across Northern Ireland to debate a motion focused on ensuring their full involvement in decision-making processes across government.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins met members of the parliament before the formal debate.

The Assembly chamber has been the scene of many angry clashes, but Friday’s meeting was polite throughout and ended with a round of applause on all sides.