In this issue:
LMI’s Disability Employment Strategy Consultation
NDA National Disability Strategy
LMI’s Disability Employment Strategy Consultation
Update on ILMI Employment Consultation spaces: Developing a DPO analysis of how systems need to change!
On the evenings of Tuesday (6th) and Thursday (8th) disabled activists came online to collectively participate in workshops towards developing an ILMI employment campaign.
On Tuesday night, activists discussed further and adult education. Topics included the lack of supports in further and adult education, the need to reform provision of Personal Assistance in third level settings, access issues (physical, provision of ISL and so on) and the expectations for disabled people in further education through Education and Training boards (ETBs).
On Thursday night, activists explored internalised oppression and internalised ableism. In an honest discussion in a trusting space, activists spoke about the impact of societal systems on disabled people’s views of themselves. In an uplifting collective space, activists dug into how DPO spaces create that chance for disabled people to share their experiences and look at how to create ways to build solidarity to anlayse and the impact of internalised oppression.
The remaining ILMI employment discussion spaces over February and March are as follows:
- Mainstream employment services; including employment activation programmes such as CE, Tus and SICAP Tuesday 13th February 12 noon to 2pm
- Access to information on benefits and pathways; including reasonable accommodations and supports in employment; Thursday 15th February 12 noon to 2pm
- Role of entrepreneurs / business start-up supports for disabled people Tuesday 29th February 12 noon to 2pm
- Employment and cost of disability Tuesday March 5th 12 noon to 2pm
- Mainstream mentoring programmes (including within large corporations CSR) Thursday 7th March 12 noon to 2pm
All these discussions will take place on Zoom and be facilitated to develop collective analysis of how systems should be designed, built and resourced to realise disabled people’s potential in employment. These discussions will be guided by ILMI’s core values of human rights, collective empowerment and social justice.
What will this process deliver?
- ILMI will have its own vision for systems change to build expectations for disabled people in accessing employment.
- ILMI will have an analysis on what needs to change on different levels.
- ILMI can share this analysis with disabled people to inform local and national policy discussions (especially in relation to a new CRPD implantation strategy)
- ILMI can focus on key thematic policy issues under our Social Justice value in our new strategic plan to take strategic actions.
To register for specific thematic discussions, email info@ilmi.ie with the discussion you wish to attend.
National Disability Strategy Consultation: Act Now!
The deadline for completing the National Survey is quickly approaching – Sunday, 11th February 2024. Have you made your contribution yet? Your input is invaluable in shaping a comprehensive strategy that truly reflects the needs all of us disabled people in Ireland. To get involved and share your insights, click on this link
If you prefer alternative methods, the survey is available through various formats, catering to different accessibility needs. You can choose from options such as the Easy to Read version, Screen reader version, Irish Sign Language (ISL) version, or participate via telephone or post. Find the format that suits you best by clicking here: [Accessibility Options]
In addition to the online survey, the NDA invite you to attend two in-person Town Hall events designed to further inform the National Disability Strategy. Here are the details:
1. Galway Town Hall – The registration for the Galway Town Hall is now closed as NDA have reached capacity. To join the waiting list, please email nda-events@nda.ie
– Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
– Time: 11 am to 3 pm (including lunch)
– Location: The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Lough Atalia Road, Galway, H91 CYN3
2. Cork Town Hall
– Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
– Time: 10:30 am to 3 pm (including lunch)
– Location: Clayton Hotel Cork City, Lapp’s Quay, Cork, T12 RD6E, Ireland
To register for the Cork Town Hall, click on this link
Your participation is crucial in shaping policies that directly impact the lives us as disabled people. Make your voice heard and be a part of this important initiative!
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