DPO Network Position Paper on the Role of Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) in Ireland

This paper sets out the DPO Network’s understanding of the role of Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) in advancing the effective and meaningful participation and inclusion of disabled people in Ireland. We explain what we mean by ‘meaningful participation’ on page four of this paper. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) recognises disabled people as having rights on an equal basis with others. This emphasises their right to fully and effectively take part and be included in society.

The UN CRPD further recognises DPOs as having the mandate (authority) to represent disabled people in issues concerning them. Article 4.3 of the UN CRPD, requires States to closely consult and actively involve DPOs in the decision-making process. The DPO Network acknowledges the vital role and responsibilities of DPOs in representing and advocating for the rights and interests of disabled people as well as how they contribute to putting the UN CRPD into practice.

This paper aims to share the views of the DPO Network about the role of DPOs in Ireland and raise awareness and understanding of the role of DPOs in Ireland. It is informed by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities General Comment 7 (GC 7 see glossary on page 20). This sets out how disabled people should be involved in bringing about and overseeing the UN CRPD.

You can watch the ISL videos for DPO Network Position Paper below.

To read the English text you can click here to download a PDF of the report. You can click here to download a Plain English Version of the report.

You can visit the DPO Network website to find out more at www.dponetwork.ie