Leap's call for #GE2020

We believe that focussing on these issues, which are in line with Ireland’s ratification of the UNCRPD, will begin to reverse the rising poverty of people with disabilities in Ireland.

The number of people with disabilities living in consistent poverty has grown from a figure of 11% in 2011 to 24% of adults with a disability living in consistent poverty today. We are asking political candidates and parties to commit to:

??Establish a Joint Oireachtas Committee to implement the UNCRPD (See here https://bit.ly/35F1SUC)

??Ratify the Optional Protocol of the UNCRPD (See here why this is critical https://bit.ly/2QCWQ72)

??Support families of children with disabilities to stay in the workforce if they choose or provide them with basic income to live with dignity in the home.

??Provide Community Builders in each region to work with families of children with disabilities to support them to stay connected to ordinary community places and spaces.

??Move to a model of commissioning of services which is outcomes based (see here - NDA paper https://bit.ly/2QFuLMt)

??Offer choice and control through Personal Budgets and expand them to include children with disabilities.

??Progress to a model of fully inclusive education including 3rd level education.

??Remove the need for students with disabilities to be enrolled on full -time courses in order to qualify for SUSI Grant.

??Set higher targets and incentives for employment for people with disabilities and further address systemic barriers including transport.