Fw: Ask Three Questions! Putting Disability on the Agenda for Elections 2014

 

 

From: Orlaith Grehan

Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 3:25 PM

To: thomaschambers@eircom.net

Subject: Ask Three Questions! Putting Disability on the Agenda for Elections 2014

 

On 23 May this year, citizens across Ireland will elect the candidates they choose to represent them in local government and the European parliament over the next five years. These elections represent a hugely important moment for the 595,000 people in Ireland with a disability, their families, friends and communities.

Here at the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), we are determined to seize this opportunity to have the voice of people with disabilities heard and listened to in the processes that affect their everyday lives. People with disabilities count, and our 'Ask Three Questions' campaign works to ensure that disability is placed firmly on the agenda by providing everyone with the important questions for whenever their candidates come canvassing. We want everyone to ask these questions, and, most importantly, to get the three answers which matter!

We are also urging all candidates to sign our pledge to 'Leave Nobody Behind' pledge, committing to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind and that, if elected, they will work to implement our Top Election Priorities, as set out in our manifestos.

Here is why we want everyone to get involved:

·         Almost 600,000 people in Ireland have a disability – that's 13% of the population.

·         People with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty as the rest of the population – 11% experience high levels of consistent poverty.

·         Just 20% of people with disabilities are at work, compared to 50% for the overall population.

·         75% of people who use disability services are NOT satisfied with the level of control they have over their lives.

We don't think these realities can be ignored any longer. We are seeking your support in making the case for an inclusive society that says we leave nobody behind: please share and promote this campaign throughout the run-up to the elections on 23 May.

Further information on the DFI election campaign, including copies of the Local and European Election 2014 Manifestos, the 'Ask Three Questions' card and the 'Leave Nobody Behind' pledge,  can be found at http://disability-federation.ie/index.php?uniqueID=10807.

 

 

 

 

 

Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is the national support organisation for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland who provide services to people with disabilities and disabling conditions. Disability Federation of Ireland, Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8. Telephone: 01 – 4547978, Fax: 01 – 4547981, Email: info@disability-federation.ie, Web: www.disability-federation.ie Union of Voluntary Organisations of People with Disabilities trading as The Disability Federation of Ireland, is a company limited by guarantee not having share capital, registered in Dublin, Ireland with registered offices at Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8. Company Registration Number 140948, CHY No 6177.