NAS Northern Ireland gives evidence to another Committee!

At the beginning of March, the NAS gave evidence to the Social Development Committee at the Northern Ireland Assembly. This followed on from a very successful session giving evidence to the Employment and Learning Committee in January. Both these committees oversee the work of the departments that are in charge of benefits for people with autism.

Shirelle Stewart and Caroline Bogue of NAS Northern Ireland told MLAs about the obstacles facing people with autism when they apply for benefits. They also told them about the Don’t Write Me Off campaign.

The Committee was particularly concerned to hear that sanctions had been placed on people with autism who were getting Employment and Support Allowance. They believe that this could be avoided if people with autism had proper access to advocacy, which is one of our demands in Don’t Write Me Off. The Committee has prepared a press release, which you can read.

This was a great step forward for Don’t Write Me Off in Northern Ireland. We are gaining more support from politicians all the time!