17/12/2009 -

Council Celebrates International Day of People with Disabilities

SLIGO LOCAL AUTHORITIES HOST LOCAL DISABILITY GROUPS

Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council have hosted information stands to inform the Sligo community about the excellent work being delivered by local disability groups. The initiative was organised to mark the recent ‘International Day of People with Disabilities.’

 
- Members from the Ballytivnan Resource Centre at their Information Stand in County Hall. They also had the opportunity to meet the Cathaoirleach Councillor Murray and elected members.

The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Gerry Murray hosted a reception in County Hall with the aim of ‘promoting awareness among the general public of disability issues.’ The Cathaoirleach outlined the benefits of the Council’s ‘Open Local Government’ Programme: ‘This programme has seen in the region of seventy people undertake our one day course in Local Government, and I can honestly say that presenting the certificates to the people who have completed the course is one of my proudest duties as Cathaoirleach of this Council. The programme has encouraged us to make our services more open and more accessible, and it also allows us to be more aware of the particular needs and requirements of the disabled members of our community. It is a true learning experience for all concerned, and it has the potential to develop even further in the years ahead.’

 
- The Irish Wheelchair Association with Cllrs Matt Lyons, Declan Bree, Gerard Mullaney, Hubert Keaney and Michael Fleming and Cathaoirleach Councillor Murray

The Cathaoirleach noted that the ‘Open Local Government’ Programme was the inspiration for a number of other initiatives.. ‘the monthly podcast of news and information is a ‘first’ for Local Authorities in terms of providing news and information to a listening audience, and this project was a direct result of consultation with local disability groups. Our text alert facility was introduced to provide a ‘rapid response’ for people encountering traffic hazards around Sligo town. After being piloted by the local branch of the People With Disabilities, Ireland (PWDI), the system was extended to the wider community in the last year.’

The Cathaoirleach concluded his address by commending ‘our local disability groups, and the dedicated people working as their advocates.’

Agencies Represented in City Hall

• Employment Response
• Irish Wheelchair Association
• Special Olympics Ireland
• Deaf-Hear Organisation

 Agencies Represented in County Hall

• Irish Wheelchair Association
• National Learning Network/Rehab Care
• Northwest Parents and Friends
• Our Voice Disability Advocacy Service
• Citizens Information Bureau
• Resource Centre Ballytivnan
• Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership