Disability Matters Ards and North Down

Public benefits

Purposes and Public benefit of Disability Matters Ards and North Down Purpose 1 - To advance the education of the public within the Borough of Ards and North Down in the subject of disabilities, in particular but not exclusively by the provision of an educational website and forum for medical professionals and interested members of the public. The

direct benefits which flow from this purpose – It is our policy to offer in-house training in local schools. We aim to educate the public in matters relating to disability and it is our aim to complement the teaching of ‘life for learning’, which can benefit cross curricular teaching. These benefits can be demonstrated by – attendance at training sessions and requests for information and attendance at authorities who have requested information. The beneficiaries for this purpose - Education of the general public but especially education of the individual child, classroom teacher and local authorities. There is no harm flowing from any of the purposes of Disability Matters. Purpose 2 - The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by: i) seeking to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of disability; ii) ii) advancing education and raising awareness of disabilities. iii) Cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity with regard to people with disabilities. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose – is that members of the public can attend events promoting both disability and able persons leading to increased confidence, self-esteem, ambition and social networks and reduced isolation and reduced disability discrimination amongst disabled people and an increased valuing of diversity in wider society, enriching the lives of non-disabled people These benefits can be demonstrated by - Northern Ireland society benefits from a fairer, more equal society. Highlighting the skills and achievements of disabled people develops empathy for and understanding of marginalised members of society, contributing to social cohesion and a healthier society enriched by diversity. The beneficiaries for this purpose – general public and more so disabled people living within Northern Ireland. There is no harm flowing from any of the purposes of Disability matters.

What your organisation does

Awareness raising - primarily through a forum - Facebook Disability Matters Ards and North Down. Involvement with other community and political organisations - offering excellent signposting.