Wicklow County Council have linked in with the Disability Federation Ireland to provide a Community Development Worker (Laura English) for three days per week. Laura’s role is to support the council to respond to the needs of people with disabilities in County Wicklow and help them to proactively engage with implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at local level.
While physical access to the built environment will be a key concern, to be addressed in partnership with Wicklow’s Access Officer Richella Wood, there is an acknowledgement that people with disabilities face a range of barriers to full and equal participation. As such Laura’s role will involve working with all departments within the council and with other existing local groups and services, including the County Partnerships, Education and Training Boards (ETB’s), Wicklow Local Sports Partnership, the Public Participation Network and disability organisations.
A new Disability and Inclusion Steering Committe, DISC, has been formed to progress awareness of issues.