On Friday 16th July 2021, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, T.D., invited interested parties to apply to become members of the next Disability Stakeholders Group (DSG). This will be the sixth DSG and it will begin its work in January 2022.
The DSG has an important role in monitoring the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2022 (NDIS). The NDIS is the key cross departmental framework for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Ireland across. Through its actions, the strategy supports effective progress in implementing the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with a Disability (UNCRPD).
Individuals and organisations can submit an expression of interest to join the DSG by completing the form available here. More information on the DSG and how to complete the expression of interest form is available here; (Easy to Read version here).
The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Monday, 23 August 2022.
Announcing the invitation for expressions of interest, Minister Rabbitte said: “The Disability Stakeholder Group plays a very important role in ensuring that our disability strategy is independently monitored and progressed. As chair of the NDIS Steering Group, I have experienced first-hand the impact that the group can have in ensuring our strategy is critically assessed and that key issues are raised in departmental and steering group meetings.
“The DSG is an invaluable source of expertise and I look forward to working with the next DSG during what will be a critical time in Ireland’s journey to full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. Since taking office, it has been my priority to ensure that we continue to put in place ways of working that include directly the voices of people with lived experience of disability. Such engagements are crucial, and this lived experience can shape the implementation of our work in a real way, ensuring a more inclusive and integrated approach to how we deliver services and develop policies into the future.
“I would invite individuals with disabilities and/or lived experience of disability, Disabled Person’s Organisations and disability organisations representing the wide range of disability experiences in Ireland to apply. In particular, I hope that people who may normally be distanced from, or who have not felt the opportunity to be involved in similar activities, will look to become involved. Peer support and training will be provided to the DSG.”
