We call on the Department of Social Protection to provide more online events during the Public Consultation for the Green Paper on Disability Reform

Regarding Public Consultation for the Green Paper on Disability Reform - Online Availability

Neuro Pride Ireland, Disability Power Ireland and Disabled Women Ireland are calling on the Department of Social Protection to provide more online events during the Public Consultation for the Green Paper on Disability Reform such as the one that occurred on Thursday the 9th November 2023. We suggest that Zoom consultations could occur during the Cork and Athlone events or during a separate time.?

Since the announcement of the Green Paper Neuro Pride Ireland has expressed to the Department of Social Protection the need for meaningful and accessible consultation. We in particular asked the Department to consider those of our community who are less likely to be addressed during traditional communications channels such as those with intellectual disabilities and the non-speaking community. Today though we extend that call for meaningful consultation to include more online consultation opportunities.?

We are aware that the Department knows the importance of including disabled people in consultations. This is best practice, both from a disability advocacy point and under the UNCRPD. Although we welcomed the hybrid approach in Dublin Castle, we do not feel like it was enough.?

The individual submission process is overwhelming and confusing to many. There have been no guidelines provided by the Department about what a submission could look like. Therefore many people have turned to the facilitated consultation events to ensure their voices, concerns and experiences are heard. We were very disappointed to realise so many people had been met with a sold out message when they went to register. This was particularly frustrating as according to the eventbrite event descriptions, participants of the Athlone and Cork consultations “were strongly encouraged to watch the presentations at the Dublin event. You can do this by registering for online access to the Dublin event in addition to this event.” However there was no option when registering for the Dublin event to attend the presentations only. Therefore we must conclude that some of the online tickets went to those who never intended to attend the afternoon workshops.??

We appreciate that when selecting the venues for the in person consultations, the Department surveyed to see which counties had the most demands. However, we maintain that more online options should be made available. For many disabled people, commuting is a burden and in many cases it is impossible. Not only do we have a lack of connections throughout Ireland’s public transport system, but it is severely lacking robust accessibility options.? For many of our communities the most accessible option is an online platform that is facilitated in an accessible manner.?

A lack of P.A. hours and support also means difficulty in travel for many disabled people. And for many of the disabled community, covid is still a serious threat, along with the seasonal flu season, many of us worry about entering public spaces, especially with the decreased use of masks. These are just some of the many reasons that we feel that the Department of Social Protection should be providing more online events during the Public Consultation for the Green Paper on Disability Reform such as the one that occurred on Thursday the 9th November 2023. We suggest that Zoom consultations could occur during the Cork and Athlone events or during a separate time.?

To any of our members or supporters that have taken the time to read this, please note you too can request this from the department by contacting them by phone, post or email.?

You can contact the consultation team by phone at 01 7043171. The lines are open on Monday and Wednesday from 9.00am to 11.00am.

Address:Disability and Carers’ Policy Unit, áras Mhic Dhiarmada, Department of Social Protection, Store street 1, Dublin 1, D01 WY03

Email:[email protected]?

Image of the 3 Disabled persons' organization logos with text reading Neuro Pride Ireland, Disability Power Ireland & Disabled Women Ireland are calling on the Department of Social Protection to provide more online events during the Public Consultation for the Green Paper on Disability Reform