MEMBERSHIP
Miss Judith McGaffin (Chairman)    
Mrs Joan Bruton           
Mr James Clarke   
Rev Canon Will Murphy
Mr Ian Slaine

TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Standing Committee in March 2005 established the Working Group on Disability to address issues concerning disability that affect the Church of Ireland and to consider the implications of legislation and proposed legislation on disability in both jurisdictions.  The Church of Ireland is frequently invited to comment on consultation documents, white papers and draft legislation.  It was envisaged that a working group with expertise in this area would be in a position to prepare considered responses on behalf of the Church. 

POLICY STATEMENT
The challenge for the Church is to encourage dioceses and parishes, not only to conform to the law in each jurisdiction, but to implement a policy to make all aspects of church life and worship accessible to all.  The following statement determining the Church’s policy, was approved some years ago by the Standing Committee:

• The Church of Ireland recognises that each person is entitled to participate fully in the life of the Church;

• The Church is committed to keeping policies, practices and procedures under review to ensure that people with disabilities are not treated less favourably;

• The Church aims to encourage members, employees and others acting on its behalf to promote practices and attitudes which do not discriminate against people with disabilities.

Please click here for Working Group on Disability Committee news.