Ensuring our natural environment is fully accessible to everyone is vital work to build equality and an inclusive society says Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA.
Introducing a new video, launched today on International Day of People with Disabilities, the Minister said it highlights the projects his department is working on to introduce new facilities to connect more people to the environment.
“In DAERA we are working hard to improve access to our country parks, lakes, beaches and forests for people with disabilities.
“From getting wheelchair users onto our beaches and lakes, to introducing sensory facilities at parks for people with special needs, we are committed to developing an inclusive society and greater equality,” explained Minister Poots.
“New equipment means more people can now go canoeing, fishing or rowing on Lough Erne and the support we’re providing to social farms is helping people with mental health issues. I want every person to have access to and benefit from our great outdoor facilities and to enjoy the benefits that being out in the natural environment bring.
“The video is only a snap shot of many of the wonderful projects we are working on to benefit our society by ensuring that everyone is included, regardless of their disability,” he added.
You can view the DAERA Access all Areas video at https://vimeo.com/641092135
Notes to editors:
- DAERA is committed to the fulfilment of the two disability duties as set out under Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995.
- The recently published Disability Action Plan set out how the Department will continue to work to ensure disability equality in everything it does: across all aspects of its business; in how it treat its customers and staff; and all those who use its services, to ensure that it maintains sustainability at the heart of a living, working, active landscape valued by everyone.
- View our Disability Action Plan at http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/daera-disability-action-plan-2019-2024
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
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