Cllr calls for hidden disability parking spaces in Offaly
One in five people in Ireland are living with a disability, and an estimated 80% of those disabilities are non-visible
A COUNCILLOR has called for the introduction of Hidden Disability parking spaces in Offaly.
During the July monthly meeting of Offaly County Council, Councillor Claire Murray (Sinn Féin) brought forward a motion calling for greater recognition and support for people living with hidden disabilities.
She said she was submitting the motion during Disability Pride Month, and she wanted to see the introduction of designated Hidden Disability Parking Spaces at selected Council-owned public car parks and facilities. She also called on the Council's Public Sector Duty Committee to engage with people who have lived experience of visible and non-visible disabilities to help inform accessibility planning and the delivery of public services.
"Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and respect disabled people while also raising awareness that many disabilities are not immediately visible,” the councillor said. “One in five people in Ireland are living with a disability, and an estimated 80% of those disabilities are non-visible."
She said hidden disabilities include conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, autism, Fibromyalgia, Functional Neurological Disorder, epilepsy, COPD and inflammatory bowel disease. “While these conditions affect people in different ways, many experience fatigue, chronic pain, mobility fluctuations, sensory overload or neurological symptoms.”
The motion called on the County Council to engage with disability organisations, explore appropriate signage and awareness measures, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, and promote staff awareness and training in relation to hidden disabilities across Council services and facilities. It also asked that people “with lived experience of both visible and non-visible disabilities are involved in informing accessibility planning through the Council's IHREC/Public Sector Duty Committee.”
The motion was seconded by Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy who said it was a “very important motion. Unfortunately some members of the public might question the need for these parking spaces but we need to do what we can to point out that they are needed.” Cllr Seán O'Brien agreed that this was an important motion. “When we are thinking of disability parking,” he remarked, “it’s important that we include everybody.”