Annual Report 2005 - The National Disability Authority

Annual Report 2005
virtually every measure, people with disabilities are significantly more excluded from
Irish society than non-disabled people. The report suggests a set of 25 indicators of
participation which if monitored over time would enable measurement of whether
progress is being achieved in including people with disabilities.
Disability and Social Inclusion
The NDA collaborated with the Equality Authority to commission research exploring
the relationship between disability and social exclusion. This research was undertaken
by the Economic and Social Research Institute and was launched at the NDA on 14 th
June 2005. The aim of the study was to examine social inclusion and exclusion for
people with disabilities under four headings: education, earnings, poverty and social
participation. This was carried out through an analysis of data collected in the Living
in Ireland Survey and the Quarterly National Household Survey. When data on each
of these areas was examined, it emerged that people with disabilities are significantly
more excluded from Irish society than non-disabled people. The degree of impairment
associated with the disability was found to be a significant factor in the degree of
exclusion experienced.
Objective 1.5
To develop baseline quantitative and qualitative
data to inform and underpin the planning and
development of policy, practices and services
for people with disabilities.
The NDA continued to develop its research work during 2005, with a range of inhouse
and commissioned projects; through the provision of funding to support
individuals and organisations undertaking disability-themed research; and initiatives
aimed at promoting standardised approaches to data gathering.
Collaboration in research projects
Research Advisory Committee
The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) was formally established in May 2002,
under the Chairmanship of Professor Ferdinand Von Prondzynski. The committee was
established to provide advice and support to the NDA’s Research Unit on the planning
and monitoring of its research programme. Membership of the RAC covers a wide
range of backgrounds and specialities, including people with disabilities, their families,
representatives of Government Departments and their agencies, and representatives of
research centres, both University based and other.
The Research Advisory Committee met in March and June 2005 and advised the NDA
on the implementation of its research programme and on possible future priorities.
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