Speaker Marks International Day of People with Disabilities

Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey, is hosting an event tomorrow (Friday 2 December) to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities. The event, organised in conjunction with a range of organisations that support people with disabilities, will see participants question MLAs on a range of important issues.

Speaking about the event, the Speaker said: “I am delighted to chair this important discussion and continue to give people with disabilities the opportunity to raise the issues concerning them. I am pleased to welcome the participants to Parliament Buildings particularly today, on the International Day of People with Disabilities. Many of the participants have been instrumental in co-designing the agenda. Last year I was delighted to chair the inaugural Disabled People’s Parliament.  Despite the ongoing political difficulties, today’s event underlines the importance of the Assembly continuing to engage with those it represents.”

Michael Lorimer from The Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) who helped co-design the event, added: "We very much welcome the ongoing commitment from the Speaker to ensure that disabled people's voices continue to be heard at the Assembly. Today's event builds on the success of the first Disabled People's Parliament in December 2021, once again ensuring as disabled people we play a leading role in how the Assembly marks UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities."

The Speaker concluded: “Two years ago we marked the 25^th anniversary of the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act, highlighting the need for politicians and the Assembly to be more proactive in engaging with people with disabilities. I am pleased that we continue to strengthen and build our relationship with organisations from the disability sector and we share their desire for change and the strive for progress. I look forward to chairing today’s discussion and hope that the issues and concerns raised by participants are heard and addressed by MLAs across the political spectrum here.”

The event will take place in the Senate Chamber at 11.30am on Friday 2 December. 

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact:

Caroline Moore

Deputy Communications Officer

Northern Ireland Assembly

Tel: 07900 278992

Email: caroline.moore@niassembly.gov.uk