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Disability

Over the last decade, society has begun to recognise that it has a responsibility towards ensuring that a person with a disability has the opportunity to participate fully in the community. Policymakers increasingly recognize the rights of people with disabilities to live in an inclusive way and as a result, a number of legislative measures, covenants, treaties and policy documents have been agreed at a European level. These international conventions, treaties and policy documents aim to provide a strong basis for measures to help people with disabilities to participate in society, including assisting them to gain and retain employment.

However, despite the existence of the above, there is still substantial evidence of the continuing disadvantage being experienced by people with disabilities, particularly in the labour market. Foe example, in 2002, 78% of those considered to be severely disabled were outside of the EU labour force (Eurostat 2003).

In the following sections you will find an outline of the disability policy and legislative framework both in the EU and in Ireland. You will also find disability demographic information, as well as links to relevant documents and websites, which you may find interesting.