Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery launches Disability Action plan
The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery has published its Disability Action Plan following public consultation.
The plan underlines the Commission’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting people with disabilities to access the Commission.
The Commission received feedback from key stakeholders, including the Commission for Victims and Survivors (CVS), Forum Members for the Commission for Victims and Survivors (FM-CVS), and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).
The feedback highlighted several themes, including the need for clarity in terminology, the importance of timely action, and the necessity for ongoing training and awareness programmes.
For more information about the Disability Action Plan or to request the plan in an alternative format, please contact the ICRIR by email at info@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk or call us on 028 90 362006
The Disability Action Plan and Final Decisions documents can be found on the ICRIR website here.
Notes to Editors
- A public consultation on the Commission’s draft disability plan was launched on Feb 23 2024 seeking input from individuals, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. The consultation period closed on May 7, 2024.
- Under Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995), as amended by Article 5 of the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, ICRIR is mandated to promote positive attitudes towards people with disabilities and encourage their participation in public life.
Key Highlights of the Disability Action Plan:
- Inclusive Infrastructure: All public spaces managed by ICRIR are accessible to people with disabilities, facilitating ease of access and participation.
- Comprehensive Training: Robust disability awareness and equality legislation training for all staff and officeholders to promote understanding and inclusivity across the Commission’s operations.
- Accessible Information: All public documents and information are available in accessible formats, including large print, braille, and audio, upon request.
- Assistive Technologies: Providing assistive technologies and support services, such as sign language interpreters, to facilitate participation in public meetings and events.
- Engagement and Consultation: Actively seeking input from people with disabilities and their representative groups to inform decision-making processes and ensure that their voices are heard.
- Representation: Committed to promoting the representation of disabled people within ICRIR’s workforce and decision-making processes, ensuring diverse perspectives are included in policy formulation.
- Legal and Framework Alignment: The Action Plan aligns with relevant legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, to ensure comprehensive compliance and accountability.
Actions Taken:
- Terminology and Definitions: Updated language to use where appropriate “Troubles/Conflict” and acknowledged the diverse impacts on people with disabilities.
- Timeliness and Proactivity: Reviewed and adjusted timelines for action items to ensure realistic and effective delivery, embedding these activities into the Annual Workplan.
- Training and Awareness: Enhanced training programs to cover disability equality legislation comprehensively and required annual training for all staff.
- Public Life Participation: Implemented measures to encourage the participation of people with disabilities in public life, ensuring inclusive selection processes and diverse representation.