Changing Attitudes Towards Disabilities in Ireland

Early 1900s People With disabilities were seen as a “burden” on society, people did not view them as equal citizens so organisations were set up to change the attitudes of the people.

Inclusion Ireland Vision Inclusion Ireland was founded in 1961. It started the change on how people in ireland viewed people with disabilities. They fought for equal rights and equal treatment in society. They also help to inform people about disabilities, they organises conferences on intellectual disability, give information & training talks to a range of groups and promote research into intellectual disability. Vision “Inclusion Ireland sets out to help people with an intellectual disability live the life of their choice to their fullest potential.”

National Council for Special Education (NCSE) The NCSE was set up to help educate people with intellectual and physical disabilities. They want people with disabilities to be able to take part in education and be able to go and work. Today they receive 20,000 applications a year for people with special need looking to get a better education.

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the United Nations. 160 countries have signed up to it including Ireland and Romania since its was started. Views “That all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Today's Attitudes Attitudes towards people with disabilities have changed a huge amount over the last 50 years in Ireland, people with disabilities can now get a proper education and go on to get jobs, they are treated equal in their communities. Through organisations and services provided today people with disabilities now have the support necessary to live a fulfilled life.