SDLP Launches Disabled Members Group

The SDLP has launched a dedicated party activist group to promote the full participation of people with disabilities within Northern Ireland's society.

North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon established the body to actively support "the full realisation of disabled people's rights within society".

The group has been meeting for a number of months to identify the challenges faced by that sector of the community, in order to map out a strategy towards ensuring full inclusivity.

"There is no excuse for the continued systemic denial of the rights of disabled people. My party colleagues and I are committed to seeing the policy and legislative change required to ensure the full participation of people with disabilities in our society is met," the SDLP MLA said

"In recent months we have successfully developed and seen motions pass unanimously in councils across Northern Ireland that recognise the importance of protecting disabled people's rights. For us, this is an endorsement of our mission, to challenge the systemic denial of rights for disabled people."

SDLP Disabled Group Chairperson, Sean Fitzsimons, echoed Mrs Mallon's sentiment and called for a halt in the marginalisation of those living with disabilities.

He said: "We have watched with dismay as our hard fought for rights have been eroded and swept aside. Poor legal protection and our enforced absence from all tables, has led to policy decisions that have devastated our lives. This is both unacceptable and unsustainable.

"Disabled People's rights are human rights. We look forward to working with all disabled people and their allies to advance this nonpartisan issue.

"Make space at all tables."



(JG)