Our Patron Nuala McKeever unveiled our new name, Employers for Disability NI, and logo at an event in Malone House, Belfast on Tuesday 11 November 2008 which included a Disability Case Law Seminar delivered by Michael Rubenstein, a renowned international disability discrimination law expert.  Nuala also launched a Disability Support Pack for members.

The logo was developed for use by our members who want to ensure recognition as an organisation which values employees and customers with disabilities.  It can be used on all documentation such as advertisements, promotional materials, letterheads and websites.

The Disability Support Pack also highlights eight disability commitments, replacing the previous Agenda for Positive Action and Agenda for Customers.  In addition, a Good Practice Guide and Audit Tool forms part of the pack.  The Good Practice Guide will provide information on the practical steps which should be taken in order to implement each Disability Good Practice Commitment, as well as employer good practice examples and details of relevant disability cases.  It is produced exclusively in an on-line format to allow for ease of access by employers and regular updating; therefore it will be a resource with ongoing benefit, continuously evolving.  Sections 1 and 2 have been available for members to download since 12 November 2008.  One additional section will be added per month so that over a six month period members will receive the complete guide which will be regularly updated with member examples and case law. This process will ensure that information is forwarded to members on a manageable basis.

The Audit Tool will be available following distribution of the complete Good Practice Guide in spring 2009.  It will allow members to highlight priority areas and inform action plans to complement the Disability Good Practice Commitments and Good Practice Guide.

The President of Employers for Disability, Ulster Bank’s John West, explained:

“Employers for Disability NI gives member employers the tools they need to recruit, retain and serve people with disabilities.  Our Disability Support Pack is unique because it uses real examples of disability good practice from local employers and, as an online resource, it will be regularly updated, therefore not time bound.”

It was made possible because of the generous support of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast, Translink, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Limavady Borough Council. Photo

Click to download (available for members only): Disability Support Pack