What is a consultation?
A
consultation
Consultation is finding out what people think about something.
is when a public body (for example a governmental department or local council) asks for people’s views on their proposals to change their service, policy or legislation on something.
Why are consultations important to Mencap NI?
Consultations are a very important part of the decision-making process.
We want to ensure that the voices of children and adults with a learning disability and their parents/carers and families who would be affected by changes are at the heart of the conversation. We want to ensure that individuals with a learning disability
rights
Rights are the things everyone should be allowed to do like have a say, or go to school.
are a reality, and that are equally valued and included within the consultation process.
Mencap respond to consultations in various ways, the most regular would be a written response.
Mencap also host
focus groups
Where a group of people meet to talk about a topic, and a researcher asks them some questions.
and on occasion will invite the officials who are preparing the consultation to directly listen to feedback.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to become more
involved
Involved is being included in something or taking part in something.
with Mencap NI consultation please contact Liam Burns, our Senior Policy & Research Officer at liam.burns@mencap.org.uk.