DERRY City and Strabane District Council in partnership with the Public Health Agency held its first annual conference to celebrate people with disabilities at the Guildhall on Tuesday 29th November.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock said she was delighted with the level of participation in the conference.
She added: “The European Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated every year but this was the first year Council hosted a conference which turned out to be the biggest celebration of the event in Northern Ireland, it was a huge success.
“Many travelled long distances to attend the conference which reminds us how important these type of events are in ensuring access and inclusion is part of our everyday life and it also provided an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the achievements of those with disabilities.
“Council is committed to ensuring our new district is a place where residents and visitors are treated equally, have the same footing and the best opportunity to increase their quality of life experience and overall health and wellbeing.’’
Louise Boyce, Derry City and Strabane District’s Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer added that Council is committed to working in partnership with agencies such as the Public Health Agency to promote and improve Access and Inclusion for the pan disability community in the Western region.
“It was great to have Jason Smyth at the conference who has had huge achievements over the years in his professional running career, including his recent success at the Paralympics in Rio where he achieved his fifth Gold Medal.
“His ability to inspire and encourage those in attendance was very uplifting and supports our work with those with various abilities, by ensuring they speak out and help us all work towards leading and supporting the needs and policies that affect people with disabilities.”
At the event Aeidin McCarter, Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council launched ‘Moving Mountains’, a booklet featuring inspirational stories from people with disabilities.
To find out more about Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Access and Inclusion programmes and “Moving Mountains” [email protected] or telephone 028 7125 3253 ext: 4349.