Make Way Day goes online

(Above) Cllr Hazel Smyth.

Westmeath County Council wants to hear from local groups and interested parties about the obstacles that make the everyday lives of people with disabilities more difficult.

The council is one of 30 local authorities taking part in this year's Make Way Day, which takes place next Friday, September 25.

Coordinated by The Disability Federation of Ireland, Make Way Day is an annual campaign that brings the disability and wider community together to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share.

Due to Covid-19, this year instead of taking to the streets Make Way Day is going online with local authorities hosting virtual meetings at 11am on Friday morning.

Cllr Hazel Smyth will host Westmeath’s virtual meeting and the council has invited groups and members of the public to participate.

“Tell your story, take part in the discussion and seek a positive way forward. We want to hear about obstacles that block the way and make the everyday lives of people with disabilities more difficult and the potential ideas of how to address this, “ the council said.

If you are interested in attending the virtual Make Way Day meeting on September 25, please email dce@westmeathcoco.ie with details of your organisation, and names and email addresses of attendees. (Please note numbers will be limited).

The council is also seeking representatives who would like to speak about their experiences in the past, either good or poor to get a balanced approach. Please contact Margaret Egan at dce@westmeathcoco.ie to discuss including your story.