People with disabilities have the same political, legal social and economic rights as non disabled people. The problem arises when one considers the difficulties disabled have in trying to get those rights implemented.

In ireland as part of the Government's Disability Strategy, two important pieces of legislation have been enacted:

The Disability Act 2005 and the Comhairle Amendment Act.

These is also specific legislation outlawing discrimination on the grounds of disability in employment

(The Employment Equality Act 1998) and in access to goods and services (The Equal Status Act 2000).

There is an entitlement for persons with disabilities booklet published by Comhairle.

For further information contact Shine/IPAA or information can be obtained direct from Comhairle or any Citizens Advise Centre.

www.comhairle.ie

Contact Details For Voluntary Organisations:

Carers Association:

Priors Orchard, Johns Quay, Kilkenny

056 7721424 or www.carersireland.com

The Centre for Independent Living:

Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.

01 8730455 or www.dubcil.org

Forum for People with Disabilities:

21, Hill Street, Dublin 2.

01 8786077 or www.inforum.ie

People With Disabilities in Ireland.

Richmond Square, Morning Star Avenue, Dublin 7.

01 8721744 or www.pwdi.ie

National Parents & Siblings Alliance

01 8624100 or www.npsa.com

Mental Health Ireland

Mensana House, 6, Adelaide Street, Dunlaoghaire, Co Dublin

01 2841166 or www.mentalhealthireland.ie

National Council for Special Education:

This statutory body was set up in January 2004. The National Council for Special Education has offices locally.

The Council plays a key role in the development and delivery of services for people with special needs.

These services are coordinated by a team of Specail Education Needs Organisers. ( SNEOs)

The Council also has advisory and research roles and can establish expert groups to look at specific areas

of special needs provision. The responsibility for processing of applications for resources for children with

special needs has now been taken over by th National Council for Special Education from the

Department of Education and Science.

Contact Details for the Council:

National Council for Special Education

1-2, Mill Street,

Trim,

Co Meath.

046 948 6400