Annual Conference 2021

Opportunities and Aspirations for the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015:

Progressive Realisation of UNCRPD Article 12 Equal Recognition Before the Law

• Date: Thursday 14 October, 2021
• Time: A detailed event programme will be available shortly
• Location: Online

The National Disability Authority invites you to save the date of its upcoming Annual Conference which will take place virtually on Thursday 14 October 2021. The conference will explore the theme of Equal Recognition before the Law (Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) in the context of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act was enacted in December 2015, but has yet to be fully commenced. In light of Government’s commitment to commence the legislation in mid-2022, the conference will feature a holistic view of the implications of the legislation, bring together stakeholders responsible for implementing various aspects of the Act, focus on the progress made to date and the work still to be carried out, and spotlight examples of international good practice.

Article 12 of the UNCRPD obliges States Parties to recognise that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with other persons, and to take all appropriate measures to provide persons with disabilities with the support they need to make decisions. Article 12 seeks to ensure safeguards exist to promote the will and preferences of the person and to protect the equal right of persons with disabilities to control their own financial affairs.

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 is an innovative and progressive piece of legislation, which seeks to move away from a medical model interpretation of capacity, to a social model which embraces the person’s right to make their own decisions, and the state’s obligation to ensure they are supported to do so. It abolishes wardship, establishes various levels of supported decision-making and promotes the practice of advance planning. Not only will it impact the lives of thousands of people in Ireland, it has also garnered much attention from other jurisdictions who will watch its implementation closely.

The conference will be of interest to:

• Policy makers
• Public sector officials
• Health and social care professionals
• Advocacy organisations
• Legal professionals
• Financial professionals
• Disability rights organisations
• Disabled persons’ organisations
• Individuals with disabilities and family members
• Academics

Please note, this is an information notice only. You will receive an invitation to register for the conference at a later date.