Mayor Martin encourages everyone to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day for People with Disabilities

December 3, 2021

Mayor Martin encourages everyone to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day for People with Disabilities today (Friday 3 December 2021).  This year's theme is focused on learning from the experiences of the pandemic to reduce barriers faced by those with disabilities across our community.  

Speaking about the importance of inclusion the Mayor said: “We should all recognise the tireless efforts of those with disabilities, parents, caregivers, volunteers and professionals right across the Lisburn Castlereagh area.  They faced the challenges of the pandemic and continue to make a real difference in ensuring the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities are championed at every level of society.

"Thank you for all that you do to make our community a better place for us all.

"As a council, we have Disability and Autism Friendly sessions at our leisure facilities, tactile maps and wheelchair friendly paths in our parks amongst other initiatives. We also have a state of the art Poolpod to provide access to the competition pool at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for customers with a disability and restricted mobility.  During the past year, we have consulted on our Disability Action Plan and our Changing Places Toilet Policy to see how we can continue to best serve everyone in our community.  Your voices have made each better and we are grateful for your input.

“Through the Community Planning Partnership, we work with voluntary and statutory organisations such as the local Health & Social Care Trusts to ensure a healthy and better environment for all.  We are proud to work alongside local charities and social enterprises such as ADD-NI and Stepping Stones. Both these organisations offer vital and important support for those with autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, learning difficulties and learning disabilities.  In partnership with Disability Sport NI we established a Disability Sports Hub at Lough Moss.  It hosts spots equipment packs including: twelve sports wheelchairs, one rugby wheelchair, three track chairs, five hand cycles, four tandem bikes, three trikes, three boccia sets and one sensory activity pack.

”Please make time today to learn a bit more about what International Day for People with Disabilities means."