Plea to consider those with disabilities

Dear sir - Enable Ireland would like to ask members of the public to consider the small things that they can do for people with disabilities in the community. Our Action Week on Disability takes place from 15th - 20th September. This year"s campaign focuses on the issue of access for people with disabilities. In research we carried out for Action Week, it is clear that, while society may have moved on, our service users require more support from their communities. It is the responsibility of each of us to take the needs of people with disabilities into account to help remove barriers to independence and inclusion. This could involve not parking on footpaths, not parking in disabled parking spaces, giving someone with a disability the opportunity of employment, or to participate in a social occasion. These are things most of us take for granted. We invite readers to take Action on Disability by purchasing a Gold Badge from one of our volunteers on the streets or from our collection boxes located in a selection of local retail outlets /shops during the week. You can also donate by phoning our donations hotline 1850 204 304. Enable Ireland is a leading national provider of services for people with disabilities. Founded in 1948, Enable Ireland supports over 3,700 children, adults and their families in Ireland. Monies raised locally will be used to enhance the services Enable Ireland provide for people with disabilities through centre-based locations and outreach services in Dublin, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. I would like to thank your readers for their continuing support for Enable Ireland and look forward to their involvement in this year"s Action Week on Disability. Yours, Fionnuala O"Donovan, Chief Executive, Enable Ireland Disability Services.