## **ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NORTH WEST FORUM OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES HELD 12 JANUARY 2023 IN DISABILITY ACTION, GORTFOYLE HOUSE** 

## **CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS** 

I am delighted to welcome everyone today both in person and online. This year 2023 was the year we started to emerge from COVID.  As a group of people with disabilities we have been further marginalized by COVID however given the commitment of our Committee and by the support of technology (Zoom) we have worked continuously since 2020 to continue to achieve Human Rights and Equality for disabled people living in Northern Ireland. 

We have kept up to date with all the committees meetings, networks and organisations that we work with and are represented on.  A special thanks to Tony who has worked tirelessly to provide information, advice and support to people with disabilities who come to us for much needed help and advice. 

The Forum is represented on the following Committees and Fora:- 

Disability Action – Board of Directors, 

Disability Action - Strategic Advisory Board 

Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Disability Housing Forum and Central Housing Forum 

Regional Health and Social Services Committee 

IMTAC 

Disabled People Against the Cuts (DPAC) 

Disabled People Coalition for NI 

NI Consortium on Human Rights (Chairperson) 

Equality Coalition 

North West Community Network 

NI Union of Supported Employment 



UNCRPD Independent Mechanism for Northern Ireland – Disability Advisory Forum 

Disability Employment Network 

Disabled Peoples Coalition NI 

We hope in this incoming year to meet again regularly and continue the work and representation that is required to ensure disabled peoples aachieve their human rights in all aspects of their lives. 

Thank each and every one of you for your continued support and work. 

Patricia Bray 

Chairperson