A north Wales disability rights campaigner has called for more training and employment opportunities for disabled people.

Ken Mack, from Rhosddu near Wrexham, has twin sons who were brain-damaged and have had learning difficulties from birth.

People and employers are very reluctant to take on people, particularly those with learning disabilities Ken Mack

His call for improved services came after the European Year of Disabled People - which aims to raise awareness and promote the civil rights of disabled people - was launched in Wales on Monday.

Mr Mack, 61, and his wife are the twins' only carers.

He said 30-year-old Kenneth and David have had to fight discrimination throughout their lives.

"I would like to take the battle out of disability for my children and all the other disabled people.

"My sons, particularly David, have been the subject of discrimination four or five times just for wanting voluntary work and I won't expose them to that anymore.

"There's an awful lot of discrimination out there despite the Disability Discrimination Act.

The 61-year-old has written countless letters

"People and employers are very reluctant to take on people, particularly those with learning disabilities.

"We have tried. I have taken David for an interview for some voluntary work at a cake shop in Wrexham and the interview went well.

"I received a letter from the prospective employers saying that he was 'picking his face' as they put it.

"That's the sort of discrimination I've had for my boys," he said.

Both David and Kenneth suffered severe epileptic fits throughout their childhood.

David stopped fitting at the age of 11, and along with his brother, has been taught how to run a home.

People's potential

Mr Mack said he believes many prospective employers do not understand that people with disabilities do not need to be constantly watched.

"You have this continual discrimination going on and I think part of the problem is lack of honesty with people.

"They feel that they need to provide a level of supervision which they can't afford to do.

"It would be nice if there was something out in the community for my sons, it's a grey area.

"There needs to be more understanding and people with disabilities need to be allowed to reach their potential - because they do have potential.

"If they could go out into the community, it is an avenue to allow them to become more independent.

"We're 61 and you're continual thought is 'What is going to happen to them when you're no longer about?'"

"It is bad enough if you are born with, or develop a disability, but the fact that you also have to fight to obtain adequate community services is appalling," he said.

The launch of the European Year of Disabled People in Cardiff is one of a series of high-profile events taking place across Europe.

The event at Cardiff County Hall included a celebration of music, poetry, drama and art created by disabled artists from all over Wales.