Annual Report 2005 - The National Disability Authority

Annual Report 2005
of appropriate language, terminology, images and formats that are accessible for people
with a wide range of disabilities.
Discussion paper
Disability and Sexual Orientation
The NDA published a discussion paper on disability and sexual orientation in April
2005, prepared by consultants QE5. This paper drew on evidence from a review of
selected national and international literature, focus groups and individual interviews
with lesbians, gay men and bisexuals who have disabilities. It outlined key issues for this
group, considered the legislative and policy context and made recommendations for
action. The NDA has met with stakeholders to discuss the agenda outlined in the paper.
Objective 3.2
To promote effective inclusion of people with
disabilities in all aspects of public life, including
mainstream employment, through
• Strategic partnerships with other bodies
• Continuing education and training of professions
• Guidelines for the meaningful involvement of people with disabilities
• Disability awareness programmes
Strategic partnerships with other bodies
The NDA is committed to working in partnership with other bodies and during 2005
continued to work in partnership with relevant bodies such as the Mental Health
Advisory Committee, Research and Standards Advisory Committees established under
the NDA Act 1999, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Central Statistics
Office, the National Council for Ageing and Older People, and the Women’s Health
Council. It also developed partnerships with sister organisations in Northern Ireland
and Britain and engaged in contact with European bodies.
Ageing and Disability
The NDA continued to work in partnership with the National Council on Ageing and
Older People in the area of ageing and disability, recognising that 42% of people with
disabilities are aged 65 or over (Census 2002). In 2005 a literature review on Ageing
and Disability was completed. This formed the basis for preparatory work towards a
joint discussion paper by NDA and NCAOP, which is to be developed in 2006.
Northern Ireland Mental Health and Learning Disability Review
At the same time as Ireland has been undertaking its development of a new national
mental health policy, Northern Ireland has been undertaking a substantial review of
legislation, policy and practice in mental health and learning disability. To promote
dialogue and share experiences of this significant disability initiative, the NDA hosted
a series of briefings by the Convenors of a number of the Review’s Expert Working
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