Doherty calls for EU to do more to support people with disabilities

Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty has backed calls for the EU to do more to support people with disabilities, saying it’s time to turn good intentions into real action.

She has signed a series of amendments in the European Parliament to the EU’s proposed Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, focusing on practical changes that make a difference:

• Recognising and fully supporting unseen disabilities

• Ensuring representation in decision making for persons with disabilities,

especially when it comes to topics affecting them directly

• Support for self-employed entrepreneurs with additional needs

• Backing and financial support for family carers in all Member States, including

respite services, mental health support, and legal safeguards to protect their

well-being

• Improving access to healthcare, education and work for people with additional

needs.

A standout priority is support for entrepreneurs with additional needs. “There’s no point talking about independence if we don’t give people the tools to build it,” Doherty said.

“Starting a business shouldn’t be harder just because you have additional needs.”

“Disability rights are not just gifts handed down to people from on high. People with disabilities deserve to be empowered to access their rights as citizens and support to achieve their full potential,” Doherty said.

“Disability rights is an important issue across Europe and deserves support at EU level, as well as national level.”

Doherty also renewed her call for an EU-wide Disability Card, a pledge she made during last year’s European Election campaign.

“These changes are a start,” she added. “But real inclusion doesn’t come from paperwork, it comes from action.”