Relaunch of advisory groups to improve access to Council services and facilities

by Gráinne Connolly

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has relaunched a number of Advisory Groups to provide support, guidance and direction to Elected Members and Council Officers on matters related to disability, with a particular focus on how Council services are designed and delivered.

The three Groups include:

• the Disability Advisory Group;
   
• the Enniskillen Access Advisory Group (previously known as Ardhowen Arts and Disability Advisory Group)
   
•  the Omagh Access Advisory Group (previously known as Strule Arts and Disability Advisory Group)

The groups were initially established to provide support to the Council's Arts and Heritage service, however following a period of consultation, the Groups have now been relaunched with a wider remit to include all Council facilities and services. 

Membership of the Disability Advisory Group consists of both Elected Members and Volunteer Members, whilst both Access Advisory Groups consist solely of Volunteer Members who either have a disability or represent people with disabilities.

Speaking about the relaunch of the three Advisory Groups to include a wider remit, Councillor Victor Warrington, Chairman of the Disability Advisory Group, said:

"The Council is committed to promoting Equality of Opportunity for all people within the District and has worked with all three Groups representing people with disabilities for several years.

"The Groups have provided invaluable support, guidance and direction to Elected Members and Council Officers in matters related to disability and accessibility with regard to the Council's Arts and Heritage service and venues thus far.

"I am delighted that this invaluable support and input is now being extended across all Council services and facilities.

""I would like to convey my appreciation to Group members for their involvement and support to date and for their efforts in helping us reach this important stage." 

The Disability Advisory Group will also work to ensure that the Council is delivering upon its promises outlined within its Disability Action Plan 2017-2019.

The Groups will meet on a regular basis throughout the year.

If you have an issue or concern regarding access to Council services or facilities and would like to bring this to the Groups' attention for consideration, please contact a member of the relevant Group - contact details are available on the Council's website - https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/

Alternatively, for further information on the Disability Advisory Group, or any of the Access Advisory Groups or to raise an issue or concern, email disability@fermanaghomagh.com or telephone Matthew Nevin or Finbar Maguire, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777 or Text Phone 028 8225 6216.