Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is today (Thursday 3 December 2009) hosting a learning event for Fire, Police and Ambulance personnel on disability issues as part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

 

The Emergency Services Disability Forum was established in 2007 with NIFRS, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) meeting regularly throughout the year to discuss and share best practice on the range of disability issues affecting the emergency services. 

Adčle Davidson, Equality Manager, NIFRS explains – “International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues, the rights of persons with disabilities and how the emergency services, as employers, have a responsibility to ensure proper management of disability within the workplace and through service delivery in the wider community.

 

“Mr Michael Rubenstien, an expert in the field of equality and discrimination will address delegates on disability legislation and the challenges facing Northern Ireland’s Emergency Services.

 

"NIFRS is proud to be hosting this event to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities as we are committed to developing a workforce that is based on diversity and equality and providing the best possible fire and rescue service to the entire community.”