Press release
Minister Rabbitte pledges support for Make Way Day campaign
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Ms. Anne Rabbitte T.D., today announced her support for the ‘Make Way Day’ campaign taking place on Friday 24 September 2021.
This is a Disability Federation Ireland (DFI) led initiative, working in collaboration with local government, the voluntary sector and the Roads Policing Unit of An Garda Síochána.
‘Make Way Day’ asks all members of the community to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all use and share. This is particularly relevant at a time that we are using our open spaces more than we have ever done.
Members of the public are invited to be mindful of obstacles on footpaths, such as cars and bikes illegally parked, or bins obstructing the way, and to highlight them using the ‘Make Way Day’ online tool or on social media.
Welcoming the initiative, Minister Rabbitte said:
"I urge everyone who can to get out on Friday 24 September and play a part in highlighting a very important issue. This is a way for those living with a disability to shine a light on a common problem they experience as they go about their daily life. Equally, it is a great way for the wider community to become more mindful of the needs of our neighbours, friends, and fellow citizens and to gain insight into how people with disabilities sometimes face obstacles to their mobility and freedom.
"Many of these obstacles can be eliminated by community members having that knowledge and perspective and thinking twice about the day to day use of our shared spaces, such as when parking in a particular spot or putting the bins out on the street.”
ENDS