A month-long campaign to keep pressure on the Government to publish a rights-based disability Bill was launched today.
The "Rights Make The Difference Campaign" is supported by Amnesty International and a number of disability groups including the National Association of Intellectually Disabled of Ireland (NAMHI).
The alliance hopes to garner 100,000 signatures in a nationwide petition next month as part of its campaign.
The publication of planned legislation was postponed last year after disability groups complained that a failure to provide for access to services by right would render the legislation virtually impotent.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, intervened in July and promised the Bill would be rights-based. However, the Disability Consultation Group (DCLG) which has been advising the Government wrote to him recently expressing concern that his commitment was being watered down.
The DCLG represents more than 500 disability organisations.
They sought clarification about indications from the junior minister at the Department of Justice, Mr Wille O'Dea, that the Bill would limit the terms of legal recourse in the event of agreed services not being provided.
Mr Seamus Greene of the National Parents and Siblings Alliance (NPSA) today said the Bill must ensure access to services and needs assessment as a matter of right.
There should also be a duty for public and private bodies providing public services to remove "barriers to full participation of people with disabilities in Irish society".
"In this, the European Year of People with Disabilities (EYPD), and given the national celebrations and mood of self-congratulation which existed around the outstanding spectacle of the Special Olympics, the Government must grasp this opportunity to allow people with disabilities to finally participate fully in society and to exercise the same rights and obligations as every other citizen of this country," Mr Greene said.
Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh backed the campaign saying issue was relevant to all people not jsut those affected by disability.
"It is an issue for all of us who live on this islandwho seek to build an Ireland of equals that not only fully includes people with disabilities but that enables them to reach their full potential as persons," Mr Ó Snodaigh said.