Local people invited to disability information event

It is being held in Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn on Friday February 17 from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Lisburn Access Group and the recently formed Community of Interest Disability Group, chaired by the local Health Trust helped with the organisation of the event.

Councillor Margaret Tolerton, the Council’s Disability Champion, speaking at the launch of the event, said: “This event aims to recognise and applaud the positive work being undertaken by local groups on disability issues right across the disability spectrum. Through hosting an event that brings local groups together the Council is encouraging these groups to share information and identify good practice within the field of disability.”

The morning and afternoon information sessions will see government officials, healthcare professionals, educationalists, community and transport representatives cover topics such as health and social care, access to public transport, benefits available to those with a disability and the new digital switchover scheme.

Lisburn in Focus, the Talking Newspaper, Lisburn Access Group, Chest Heart and Stroke, the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Disability Sports and other organisations that work with the elderly and the deaf, will exhibit their products and services at the event.

Ms Irene Orr of Lisburn Access Group added: “Lisburn City Council continues to embrace disability matters enthusiastically and its facilitation and support through this event is to be welcomed by local groups. In the present economic climate there is increased pressure on available financial resources from both the statutory and voluntary sectors – making the support and services provided by local groups even more important.”

Within Northern Ireland it is expected that over the next twenty years the number of people over 50 will increase by more than 30%.

An ageing population will result in an increase in the number of those with a disability, both regionally and locally, and will have consequences for a wide range of public services.

Such an expected demographic change provides an opportunity for all those involved in disability matters/areas to come together to meet new challenges locally.

Ms Margaret O’Kane on behalf of the Community of Interest Disability Group commented: “It is deeply encouraging to see genuine recognition for the substantial work that local groups undertake on an ongoing basis within their local community.

“Without such work the lives of many of those with a disability would be curtailed.”

Councillor Margaret Tolerton concluded: “The Council would like everyone with an interest in disability matters or whose lives are affected by a disability issue to put the date in their diary and hopefully attend the event or ‘drop-in’ during the day.

“We’re certain it will be of interest and that it will contribute to promoting the ongoing good work of our local groups.”

For further details of the event please contact Stephen Malcolm at Lisburn City Council on 028 9250 9491 or e-mail stephen.malcolm@lisburn.gov.uk.

julieann.spence@ulsterstar.co.uk