Disability Advisory Group

Terms of Reference

Background

As a result of comments received during consultation on the Assembly Commission's 2008-2011 Disability Action Plan (DAP), the Assembly Commission committed to establishing an informal group of practitioners and representatives from the disability sector, who would assist with the development and implementation of the Assembly Commission's Disability Action Plan. A group was established and this action was included in all subsequent Disability Action Plans.

Aim and Purpose

Aim

To involve disability organisations in the work of the Assembly Commission by keeping them informed about what we are doing around disability issues and by seeking their input and advice, where appropriate.

Purpose

The External Disability Advisory Group, where appropriate, provides advice and input on the development and implementation of the Assembly Commission's Disability Action Plan and relevant disability issues.

Membership

Membership is reviewed every two years to ensure a full range of disability organisations are represented on the Group.

Current membership includes the following organisations/representatives:

  • The Cedar Foundation
  • Positive Futures
  • Deaf Access NI
  • Guide Dogs NI
  • MS Society
  • National Autistic Society
  • Jordanstown School for deaf and visually impaired
  • RNIB
  • MENCAP
  • Leonard Cheshire
  • Disability Action
  • SENSE
  • Autism NI
  • Representatives from the Disabled People's Parliament

Chair

The Assembly Commission's Equality and Good Relations Unit will Chair meetings of the External Disability Advisory Group, with support from business areas as required.

Role and Responsibilities of Members

  • To attend relevant meetings
  • To contribute and provide information and feedback, as appropriate, to the Equality Manager in furtherance of the Assembly Commission's DAP
  • To consult, as relevant, with the membership of their representative groups on issues as agreed
  • To communicate any issues to the Chair

Meeting Frequency

A full meeting of the Group is held once or twice a year (as agreed by the Group) and separate meetings on particular initiatives/issues are held as required.