Further reductions in barriers facing people with disabilities

Winners of 'Rights and Participation' projects have been lauded for their positive steps in bringing down barriers facing people with disabilities.

Equality Minister John Spellar was speaking today during a reception, in Belfast, for representatives from the 12 Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) project winners, who had received funding from DWP during the European Year of People with Disabilities 2003.

A total of 12 organisations from Northern Ireland received funding from the Department of Works and Pensions totalling in excess of £220,000 for projects falling within the UK theme 'Promote Rights and Participation' during the Disabilities year.

“Whilst talking to project winners, I was struck by the importance that the funding of their particular projects had for their respective organisations," Mr Spellar said. "There was an overwhelming sense of achievement and a strong feeling that, at last, the barriers that people with disabilities face on a daily basis are slowly coming down.”

Also attending the reception was Maria Eagle the Minister at the Department for Works and Pensions.

Commenting on her visit to Northern Ireland, Ms Eagle said: “I am delighted to be here in Northern Ireland and to be provided with this opportunity to meet with representatives from the 12 successful DWP project winners. It has been a very interesting morning and I too have learned from today’s event.

“No matter what part of the United Kingdom I have visited, I have been very impressed with the enthusiasm shown, not only by the project winners, but also by all organisations who work with disabled groups and people with disabilities. Northern Ireland is no different in this regard.”

The European Year of People with Disabilities was launched in Northern Ireland by the then Minister with responsibilities for issues relating to people with disabilities, Des Browne in January 2003.

(MB)