The first ever A-Z guide for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland is to be launched on Friday.

The guide, which contains advice on benefits, education, transport and equipment will be unveiled by the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, in Belfast.

Speaking before the Mobility 2002 Show, Mr Dodds said the guide would ensure that disabled people were aware of their rights.

"It is a signpost to the services that are available from a number of organisations." he said.

Nigel Dodds: "This guide points people in the right direction"

"It gives information on everything from cold weather payments to child benefit, from housing to holidays and from transport to tax."

There are estimated to be about 300,000 people with disabilities in Northern Ireland.

The scheme is a joint venture between the Social Security Agency and Disability Action.

"It is ironic that people with disabilities are among those most in need of help and yet quite often they have the most difficulty accessing the help available," added the minister.

'Invaluable resource'

"Access to information can mean the difference between getting the help you need and, on the other hand, being unaware of your entitlement and rights. That is why this guide is so important - it points people in the right direction."

Monica Wilson, chief executive of Disability Action, said the booklet would prove to be "an invaluable resource for disabled people, carers, families and professionals in Northern Ireland".

The A-Z Guide for People with Disabilities is available in audiotape format and some copies in Braille and can be obtained from the Motoboility 2002 Show at the King's Hall.

Copies are also available from social security offices across the province or by phoning the free phone number 0800 052 4041 and text phone 0800 052 8090.