Today, disabled people will discover if they have to keep fighting for decency

TODAY, the Disability Bill will be published. And with it, a lot of questions will be answered.

Will people with disabilities finally be taken from the back of the political queue? Will parents be able to rest secure that the independence and dignity of their children will remain intact when they die? Will people whose life chances depend on speech therapy, one-to-one education or behavioural therapy, get those services as a right? Will access to public buildings, railway stations, shops or offices become the norm in Ireland rather than the exception? Will people with moderate, severe and profound disabilities set out in life with a statement of their needs, a statement that must be honoured by the system?

Or will there be cruel disillusionment?