Annual Report 2005 - The National Disability Authority

National Disability Authority
Introduction
This annual report outlines the
progress over 2005 by the NDA in
implementing its strategic plan for
2004 to 2006 within its statutory
function to advise the Minister for
Justice, Equality and Law Reform,
thereby influencing policy and
practice as appropriate for people
with disabilities. It also outlines the
NDA’s activities during 2005 under
the 5 strategic priorities covered in
the strategic plan.
1.0 Equal Status
Since the National Disability Strategy was launched by the Government on 21
September 2004, it has been a key focus of NDA activities. During 2005 this has
included advising on the development of the Disability Act 2005 and the outline
Sectoral Plans of the Departments of Health and Children; Social and Family Affairs;
Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Transport; Communications, Marine
and Natural Resources and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the cross-cutting
issues to be addressed in the plans. The NDA also facilitated regional briefings with
stakeholders on the draft plans. In addition, the NDA continued to provide secretarial
support to the Disability Legislation Consultation Group (DLCG) on the Strategy.
Other important activities included the NDA research conference on Disability
and Employment which took place in October 2005, recognising the low levels
of employment of people with disabilities and the key issues to inform considerations
for policy and practice development. Research commissioned on the effectiveness
of Building Regulations on accessibility enabled the identification of crucial areas
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