Report urges forum for disabled

A permanent forum for people with disabilities could change their lives and ensure that they get the services they need, according to a new report to be launched later this week.

The report for People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI) calls for a public information campaign explaining what such an advocacy service could offer.

The Government promised a national advocacy service in 2002 so that people with disabilities would have a formal structure where they could voice their views or get someone else to do so on their behalf.

Many voluntary groups provide such a forum but the report found that there was no major network or co-ordination across these services or groups.

The PwDI report, Advocacy - the Future, by Ms Frances Fitzgerald, recommends that a nationally accredited training structure be set up so that people get the most from such a service.

More than 1,200 people with disabilities attended a series of workshops on setting up an advocacy service.

They complained that there was no co-ordination between different groups and they said they felt they were "up against a brick wall, constantly having to fight" for their rights.

Mr Michael Ringrose, chief executive of PwDI, said an advocacy service was "the first essential step in permeating the decision-making process with informed, persuasive and influential arguments for change.

"If developed properly in this country, it will change peoples' lives and ensure that people with disabilities access the services that must be theirs as of right."

Mr Ringrose also criticised some of the plans drawn up by Government Departments in conjunction with the recent Disability Bill.

Mr Ringrose said the needs of carers and the families of people with disabilities had not been properly addressed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

He also highlighted shortcomings in other Departments concerning issues such as medical cards and self-employment for people with disabilities.