18/02/2026
Alliance Calls For Action On Representation Of People With Disabilities
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has emphasised the need for political institutions to be fully inclusive and representative of people with disabilities. The Strangford representative was speaking following her selection by the Northern Ireland Assembly to attend the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM) Regional Forum.
The conference, taking place in Edinburgh on 20 and 21 February 2026, will focus on strategies to encourage more individuals with disabilities to stand for election, ensuring parliaments accurately reflect the diversity of the societies they serve.
Ms Armstrong, a prominent advocate for disability rights, shared her personal connection to the cause: "As a member of the deaf community and a long-time advocate of disability rights, it's a privilege to be chosen to attend this Commonwealth Forum on behalf of the NI Assembly. I am looking forward to meeting other parliamentarians with disabilities and learning how they are improving opportunities for people with different abilities to be part of our democratic processes."
Reflecting on her own experiences, she noted that as her hearing loss has become more pronounced, the necessity for significant improvements in how political institutions accommodate those with sensory disabilities has become increasingly clear.
Regarding her upcoming legislative work, Ms Armstrong stated: "This year, I will bring forward amendments to the Sign Language Bill that will hopefully have a positive impact on the many people who lose their hearing as a result of age, illness or trauma."
She concluded by highlighting the importance of cross-regional learning: "Political institutions should be inclusive and representative of persons with disabilities, and I look forward to learning from political representatives across the UK and the Mediterranean region about their experiences and the improvements they are implementing. I also encourage anyone with a disability who is interested in getting involved in politics to reach out."
The conference, taking place in Edinburgh on 20 and 21 February 2026, will focus on strategies to encourage more individuals with disabilities to stand for election, ensuring parliaments accurately reflect the diversity of the societies they serve.
Reflecting on her own experiences, she noted that as her hearing loss has become more pronounced, the necessity for significant improvements in how political institutions accommodate those with sensory disabilities has become increasingly clear.
Regarding her upcoming legislative work, Ms Armstrong stated: "This year, I will bring forward amendments to the Sign Language Bill that will hopefully have a positive impact on the many people who lose their hearing as a result of age, illness or trauma."
She concluded by highlighting the importance of cross-regional learning: "Political institutions should be inclusive and representative of persons with disabilities, and I look forward to learning from political representatives across the UK and the Mediterranean region about their experiences and the improvements they are implementing. I also encourage anyone with a disability who is interested in getting involved in politics to reach out."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2023
People With Learning Disabilities Must Lead The Conversation - Alliance
The Alliance Party has hosted people with learning disabilities, their families and a number of support organisation at Parliament Buildings to celebrate Learning Disability Week 2023.
People With Learning Disabilities Must Lead The Conversation - Alliance
The Alliance Party has hosted people with learning disabilities, their families and a number of support organisation at Parliament Buildings to celebrate Learning Disability Week 2023.
03 October 2008
Mental Health Professionals Criticise Lack Of Progress
Despite several health groups slamming the provision of mental health treatment in Northern Ireland - which they say has not improved much six years after a major review of services began - the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has reiterated his commitment to delivering the review content's 'vision'.
Mental Health Professionals Criticise Lack Of Progress
Despite several health groups slamming the provision of mental health treatment in Northern Ireland - which they say has not improved much six years after a major review of services began - the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has reiterated his commitment to delivering the review content's 'vision'.
23 November 2015
Action Plan Published For Pupils With Learning Difficulties
A cross-departmental action plan to assist young people with severe learning disabilities making the transition from school into adult services, has been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
Action Plan Published For Pupils With Learning Difficulties
A cross-departmental action plan to assist young people with severe learning disabilities making the transition from school into adult services, has been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
25 October 2022
Consultation Launches On Proposed Closure Of Muckamore Abbey Hospital
A public consultation on the proposed closure of Muckamore Abbey Hospital has been launched by Health Minister Robin Swann. The Minister emphasised that closure, if approved after public consultation, would be on a carefully planned and phased basis, with intensive engagement with patients and families.
Consultation Launches On Proposed Closure Of Muckamore Abbey Hospital
A public consultation on the proposed closure of Muckamore Abbey Hospital has been launched by Health Minister Robin Swann. The Minister emphasised that closure, if approved after public consultation, would be on a carefully planned and phased basis, with intensive engagement with patients and families.
21 June 2022
Greens Call For Regional Model For Learning Disability Services
The Green Party NI has called on the Health Minister to recognise the impact that isolation and disruption to services has had on people with a learning disability.
Greens Call For Regional Model For Learning Disability Services
The Green Party NI has called on the Health Minister to recognise the impact that isolation and disruption to services has had on people with a learning disability.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.