Disabled demand better recognition in 2003

People with disabilities are demanding better recognition in 2003. It has been designated European year of people with disabilities.

The disabled in Ireland say they want more control over decisions which affect their lives.

The Forum of people with disabilities says 70% of people with a disability are unemployed.

We are also a nation without any rights-based disability legislation. The Combat Poverty agency says families headed by a disabled person are likely to be poor.

The forum also wants a number of other statistics tackled this year. It is calling for advocacy for people who are deprived of a voice or are afraid to speak out in support of their needs.

They are also calling for empowerment of disabled people who are earning less than the minimum wage.

They are lobbying for the introduction of disabled rights, which the Government is committed by Europe, to adopt in 2003.