Disabled discriminated further over sexuality

THE country’s 30,000 disabled people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual suffer further discrimination because of their sexual disorientation, the National Disability Authority (NDA) said yesterday.

Discrimination and exclusion of disabled people are “common experiences” even within the disabled and lesbian, gay and bisexual communities, an NDA discussion document says.

“This discrimination and exclusion has very real consequences, both for the individual in terms of mental well being, access to services and quality of life, and for Irish society in terms of full, open and equal participation for all its members.”

The paper says there is a lack of research into sexual orientation and disability.

“Research needs to be undertaken into lives, experiences and needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual disabled people living across Ireland.

“Research into the experiences of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in residential care is urgently required to inform policy, standards and practice.”

The document says the Disability Bill going through the Dáil proposes the introduction of needs assessment and adds: “These should address sexuality and include sexual and social needs like identifying services and social activities that disabled people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual need to access.”

NDA chairperson Angela Kerins said: “An inclusive Irish society for people with disabilities requires that individuals have equal access and opportunities to all aspects of economic, social and cultural life and that diversity within the disability community is acknowledged, supported and valued.”

She hoped the discussion paper would inform not only the NDA work in fulfilling its statutory remit on policy, research and standards but would also stimulate further discussion on disability and sexual orientation among a wide range of individuals and organisations.