New resource launched to promote respect for people with disabilities in Causeway Coast and Glens

“I’ve seen people be horrible to other people with disabilities just because they’re not the same and that’s not fair.”

The words of Alexander, a young autistic advocate, who spoke about the importance of helping people understand and respect one another at the launch of a new resource for schools and community groups aimed at promoting inclusion, understanding and respect for people with disabilities in Causeway Coast and Glens.

Guest speakers pictured at the launch of the new disability hate crime lesson plan are: Julieann Hawthorne, Education Authority ABSIT team, Hannah Crothers, Autism NI, PCSP Chairperson Cllr Oliver McMullan, PSNI Sgt Wendy McConnell, Michael McCartan, Hate Crime Advocacy Service, Orlaith Quinn PCSP Officer and Guest Speaker Disability Advocate Alexander Myles.

placeholder image — Guest speakers pictured at the launch of the new disability hate crime lesson plan are: Julieann Hawthorne, Education Authority ABSIT team, Hannah Crothers, Autism NI, PCSP Chairperson Cllr Oliver McMullan, PSNI Sgt Wendy McConnell, Michael McCartan, Hate Crime Advocacy Service, Orlaith Quinn PCSP Officer and Guest Speaker Disability Advocate Alexander Myles.

The ‘We All Belong: An Introduction to Differences and Disability’ resource was officially launched at the Royal Court Hotel on October 14, as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Developed by Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), the resource was created in partnership with Autism NI, Disability Action, Mencap, Hate Crime Advocacy Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Education Authority.

PCSP Chairperson Cllr Oliver McMullan with Hannah Crothers from Autism NI who spoke at the launch event of the new “We all belong” resource during hate crime awareness week.

It includes an engaging animation, lesson plans and interactive activities designed to introduce children and young people to the message that everyone is unique and that our differences should be understood, respected and valued.

Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP Chairperson, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:“T his resource provides an opportunity to engage with children and young people at an early stage, helping them understand disability, appreciate difference and develop respect for each other.

“I would like to thank the teachers and community-based youth workers attending today. We know that your commitment to ensuring these messages reach young people will help create safer, kinder and more inclusive communities for everyone.”

A key contribution to the launch came from Alexander, a young autistic advocate, who spoke about the importance of helping people understand and respect one another, he said: “I’ve seen people be horrible to other people with disabilities just because they’re not the same and that’s not fair.

PCSP Chairperson Cllr Oliver McMullan with Caitlin Morgan and Christine O'Neill from EA’s youth service who hosted an information stand at the launch event of the new “We all belong” resource during Hate Crime Awareness Week.

“I think helping people to understand that everyone has unique differences, whether you have a disability or not, is important. Increasing your knowledge and understanding of disability can really help everyone feel safe and supported in schools and in the local community.”

Schools, community groups and churches working with young people are encouraged to access the resource and use it to support conversations about disability, inclusion and respect.

For further information or to request a copy of the resource, contact the PCSP by emailing [email protected] or calling 028 2076 2225.