Category: News

ILMI at Dublin Castle

ILMI attended Dublin Castle in-person, and on-line. the Government’s first public open consultation on their surprise September Green Paper setting-out their own ideas of what Disability Payments ‘reform’ could look like in the near future. After a number of presentations by non-disabled Government invited guest speakers on ‘Cost-of-Disability’ and other international examples of disability-payments, ILMI’s DPO Development Officer Peter Kearns immediately took the first opportunity to speak from the floor of around 80-participants from across the State. Peter initially registered his disappointment that there were no DPOs or disabled activists on the stage and supported comments by activists that access to participation by disabled audience members was being ‘disabled’ by having to use an app to ask questions of the non-disabled ‘expert’ panel – Dublin Castle floor-mics were quickly brought into the Hall. The Department of Social Protection officials were confronted by Peter’s query of had they used the 2018 Irish State ratification of the social model led UN Convention for disabled people to proof their Green Paper disability-payment detailed proposals.

Other activists in the large Hibernian Conference Hall followed with further suggestions on measuring the usefulness of the Green Paper by working from UNCRPD Articles on employment, education and participation. With some emotional but strong activist lived experience stories, disabled people attending, in-person or on-line, demanded to know why did the Department and Minister Humphries TD did not consult with DPOs before surprising the disability community with the Green Paper. Most disabled people attending identified that the Green Paper is primarily informed by narrative of three possible new payment ‘Tier’. Many there pointed-out that the Green Paper is evidently underpinned by the Bio-Psycho-Social ‘model’ based on a person’s functional-ability and that this ‘problem-of-the-person’ is causing concerns for disabled people and their national and local DPOs. ILMI’s Peter and other activist academics, in the Hall and on-line, quickly pointed out the Dept.’s Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) championing of this ‘model’ at the recent Stakeholders Government ‘briefing’ is very much medical model. ILMI’s DPO Officer and other activists pointed-out that the medical model ‘Bio-Psycho-Social’ approach starts from the belief that the disabled person’s impairment label led measurement of functionality to work, or not, is all about the person being the problem needing an impairment life course cure, or stabilising or fixing, to enter the world of work. The identified need to measure a disabled persons’ work related functionality by a clinical non-disabled professional on a regular payment related interview system ultimately implies impairment ‘fixing’ and taking up of a prescribed work role is the only way that then maybe a disabled individual can escape the poverty lived experience of a high percentage of disabled people compared to the general Irish non-disabled population.

ILMI will be submitting their findings from our well attended on-line discussions with activists on the social model proofing of the ‘payment’ led Green Paper before the current Department closure date for comments and ideas by the 15th December. With the very strong feedback from disabled people at Dublin Castle on Thursday 9th November regarding the disappointing medical model narrative of the Green Paper and lack of sufficient consultation evidence of a State required obligation to always effectively work from the UNCRPD when writing government social policy, Dept. officials did end the long day by saying that the closing date maybe extended. And Minister Humphries TD has suggested that there maybe further consultations beyond Cork City on 14th & Athlone Town on 23rd November. ILMI would still very much welcome members and activist submitted responses to the Green Paper – email your comments to info@ilmi.ie

Green Paper
In response to the Green Paper on welfare reform, ILMI promptly established authentic consultative spaces for members, creating a platform for concerns regarding potential reforms with significant implications for their lives. From these national cross-impairment dialogues emerged a demand for a concise document capturing key issues raised by disabled people. This summary is available now here ,not only reflects the collective sentiments of many disabled people but also underscores the value of collective activism. It serves as a testament to the power of unified voices in advocating for a more inclusive and equitable welfare system. For anyone planning to attend the in-person meetings hosted by the Department of Social Protection in Cork on November 14th and Athlone on November 23rd, this resource becomes an essential tool for informed and collective engagement in public consultations. ILMI encourages attendees to draw on the strength of collective activism, using the shared concerns outlined in the summary to reinforce their individual perspectives and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue shaping policies that directly impact the lives of disabled people. For those unable to attend, the Department is accepting submissions until December 15th, and ILMI is committed to making a comprehensive submission based on the insights garnered from the consultative spaces they facilitated.

The Department of Social Protection is holding a series of in-person meetings in Cork 14th Nov and Athlone 23rd Nov. click here to register 
ILMI Summary
PDF version
and MS Word version

Invitation to the launch of “Not in the Driving Seat” November 22nd 11am

ILMI is proud to announce that on November 22nd we will launch our research paper “Not” in the Driving Seat: Reliance on family for supports and the impact it has on disabled people”.
The launch will take place on Zoom. ILMI commissioned the research to explore the impact that forced reliance on support from family members has / has had on the quality of life, and self-determination of disabled people.
Nationally and internationally there exists an abundance of research which explores the impact on family members who provide supports for disabled family members. However, there is a significant absence of research documenting the impact that reliance on family members has on disabled people.
Carried out by Marie Lynch, a mix of focus groups and individual discussions with disabled people informs this ground breaking research.
To sign up for the launch, email info@ilmi.ie 

DPO Network meets Minister Rabbitte to present Position paper on the role of DPOs in Ireland

On Thursday 9th November, members of the DPO network met with Minister Anne Rabbitte to present out position paper “The Role of DPOs in Ireland”. The paper sets out the DPO Network’s understanding of the role of Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) in advancing the effective and meaningful participation and inclusion of disabled people in Ireland.

Among other things, the paper offers a definition of DPOs, identifies types of DPOs and their functions, highlights essential characteristics in line with international best practice and explores their importance in promoting effective and meaningful participation.

It was a very productive meeting and the Minister has agreed to launch this paper later in the year. Once it is formally launched it will be made available on the websites of the members of the DPO network.

The DPO Network is an alliance of five national disabled persons’ organisations in Ireland working together to support the full implementation of the UN CRPD in Ireland.

The five DPO member organisations are:

As I Am – Ireland’s National Autism Advocacy Organisation

Disabled Women Ireland (DWI)

Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI)

Irish Deaf Society (IDS)

National Platform of Self Advocates

The DPO Network is led and informed by the active collective participation of disabled people based on their lived experience. It provides a unique space for a genuinely cross-impairment analysis of the issues faced by disabled people.

The DPO Network is committed to the human rights and social model of disability which says that the exclusion, inequality, and discrimination that disabled people experience is not the consequence of impairment but a result of the economic, cultural, social, and political barriers which are created and persist in society.

Climate Justice

On Wednesday, 8 November, ILMI’s Paula Soraghan participated in the Climate Justice event at the F2 centre in Dublin. This enlightening event featured speakers including Niall Crowley, Anastasia Crickley, and Paul Rogers. Minister Joe O’Brien delivered a keynote speech, emphasising the critical role of Climate Justice and the Community Development Sector in addressing the concerns of marginalised communities. It’s important to recognise that Climate Justice significantly affects disabled people, as the intersection of disability and poverty often means that our specific needs are overlooked in the face of the Climate Crisis. Therefore, Climate Justice is not just an environmental matter; it’s an equality issue. To effectively address this ongoing challenge, continued consultation with genuine Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs), such as ILMI, and adequate resourcing for DPOs are essential steps in breaking down these barriers.

ILMI in Mayo

During some recent visits to Mayo, ILMI conveyed a message of genuine change and empowerment for disabled people, inspiring them to become community change makers. This empowering narrative is epitomised by ILMI’s DPO Coordinator, Peter Kearns, a man of great character, boundless energy, and verve. Peter’s dedication goes beyond the call of duty, evident in his contributions to Disability Equality Training (DET) workshops and DPO sessions during Mayo Social Inclusion Week. ILMI believes in fostering community leaders who find the courage to step up and address issues affecting disabled people locally. The power of collective activism takes centre stage, emphasising that a real Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) is not just a character but a force for substantive change. As Peter engages with Mayo North East Partnership SICAP and local DPO workshops, his commitment to creating tangible impact shines through, reinforcing the understanding that DPOs are essential agents in driving social inclusion and community activation. The significance of Disability Equality Training over traditional disability awareness workshops becomes apparent, as it equips individuals with practical tools for change. Peter’s collaboration with SICAP staff underscores the shared mission of addressing deprivation through innovative, locally-led approaches, illustrating the potency of partnerships in creating lasting societal change.

Ireland’s Green Paper on Disability Payments: Update from ILMI Consultations

In a recent development, Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) has played a pivotal role in driving discussions on the Green Paper for Disability Payments. These discussions were inundated with disabled people eager to work together on this pressing issue. ILMI has actively engaged with the community and stakeholders, and the input from the participants has been nothing short of incredible. A huge thank you goes out to all who participated, as your contributions have been invaluable.

Ireland is no stranger to the ongoing debate surrounding disability rights and support for its disabled citizens. On Wednesday, 20th September, the Irish Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, unveiled a Green Paper on reform to Disability Payments. The Green Paper is not a set policy but rather a proposal for focused discussions on potential changes to disability payments in the future. No concrete decisions have been made yet, and the department emphasised that, through consultation, no changes might ultimately be implemented.

The main objectives outlined in the Green Paper are two-fold:

1. To encourage higher employment rates among disabled people, aiming to enhance their participation in society and reduce the risk of poverty and deprivation.

2. To provide better protection for disabled people who cannot work, reducing the risk of poverty and deprivation.

However, the proposed changes have been met with mixed reactions. The Green Paper suggests three key modifications to disability payments:

1. Introduction of a Three-tiered Personal Support Payment:

   – Tier one: “High support – Very low capacity to work” with a proposed payment rate equivalent to the State Pension Contributory rate.
  – Tier two: “Medium support – Low to moderate capacity to work” with a lower payment.
 – Tier three: “Low support – Moderate to high capacity to work” with the lowest proposed payment rate.

The Green Paper also outlines a linkage between these payments and the obligation to utilise public employment services.

2. Introduction of New In-Work Supports:

– The existing system of disregards would be replaced with a working-age payment model.
– The proposed approach aims to establish in-work supports based on a percentage of the income difference, ensuring an increase in income when additional work is taken on.

3. Addressing Inconsistencies in Eligibility:

– The Green Paper proposes to unify medical and age criteria for new contributory and non-contributory payments.

In our discussions, it is clear that many disabled people have concerns about these proposals. The increased payments in Tier one and Tier two still fall short of the actual cost of living for disabled people, as highlighted in the Department’s Cost of Disability Report. Additionally, the “obligation” to engage with public employment services raised concerns, with parallels drawn to the controversial “Work Capacity Assessments” in the UK.

The controversy surrounding the Green Paper persists, and it is crucial for Ireland to strike a balance between cost-effective solutions and ensuring the rights and well-being of its disabled people.

How policy is developed in relation to supporting disabled people into employment will have a significant impact on the lives of many in the country. As discussions continue, it is vital that disabled people find their voices through their DPOs and through direct participation in this process to build a system  that genuinely supports disabled people in Ireland.

ILMI will be unveiling the finished Green Paper submission document/points in the very near future watch this space and again, a heartfelt thank you for all the Disabled People who took part in our oversubscribed discussion sessions.

The Department of Social Protection is holding a series of in-person meetings in Dublin, Athlone and Cork in November. As was requested in our consultations, ILMI will be issuing a summary of the main points raised in our consultations online to provide some analysis for members who wish to attend. These meetings are as follows:

Dublin 
9 November 2023, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Hibernia Conference Centre, Dublin Castle This is a hybrid event
10.30am to 3.30pm 9 November 2023

Cork 
14 November 2023
Rochestown Park Hotel
10.30am to 1pm

Athlone 
23 November 2023
Sheraton Athlone Hotel
10.30am to 1pm

Submissions are also being accepted by the Department up until the 15^th of December. For more details on the consultations or the submissions process, see the Department website here 

For more information on the Green Paper proposals, read the ILMI analysis here

Calling All Dublin Disabled People

ILMI, a cross-impairment DPO, uniting people from all walks of life, including those with invisible impairments, wheelchair users, and more. Join us on November 7th, from 12:30 to 4pm at Carmichael, 4 North Brunswick Street, Dublin, D07 RHA8, to be a part of the conversation that matters. We’re coming together to explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of establishing a Dublin DPO (Disabled Persons Organisation). Your voice, your perspective – they’re essential. Let’s make our city more inclusive, starting with you. Please share your accessibility or dietary requirements and register simply email info@ilmi.ie

Notices:

#jobfairy “Disability Inclusive Climate Justice Lead” with CBM Ireland more details on this link

and

Online information sessions about the upcoming NUI Certificate Community Work in a Changing Ireland Feminist Climate Justice, the sessions take place via Zoom on;
8th November, 7.45pm – 9pm,
15th November, 12.30 – 1.30pm
Full info on this link
Brought to you by Community Work Ireland and the National Women’s Council of Ireland

ILMI at the NDA Conference

At the National Disability Authority (NDA) Annual Conference 2023, which focused on the theme of “Public and political participation of disabled people,” ILMI’s Peer mentor Shelly Gaynor attended in person along with Dr James Casey, our Policy Officer, who played a pivotal role. James’s insights during the event underscored the significance of “Authentic Representation.” He emphasised that authentic representation not only fosters a sense of inclusion in the decision-making process but also generates invaluable data. With a passionate call to action, he encouraged all to embrace the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), asserting, “It’s there, so use it!”

During Session 4, which centred on the “Political participation of disabled people in Ireland,”  James shared his expertise alongside Senator Dr Tom Clonan who chaired the discussion, John Dolan (CEO of Disability Federation Ireland), Brian Sheehan (CEO of Women for Election), and Barrister Lorraine Lally.

Furthermore, James’s role as the chair in the final session, “Wrap-up: Reflections from elected representatives,” was pivotal. With elected representatives Ivana Bacik (TD, Labour Party), Pauline Tully (TD, Sinn Féin), and Senator Martin Conway (Fine Gael), James facilitated a thoughtful and reflective conclusion to the conference.

Notably, the ILMI family was well-represented at the event, with the active participation of members like Annette Costello and Dr. Vivian Rath. Suzy Byrne’s informative piece on the importance of disabled people applying for state boards resonated with ILMI’s mission. ILMI’s “Governance for Change” program, designed to equip disabled individuals with the necessary skills and motivation to serve on boards, exemplifies our commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting authentic representation.

ILMI’s “Enabling Participation: Supporting the involvement of disabled people in Political Parties”
PDF and word version

ILMI’s Claire Kenny joins the conversation on “Getting and Staying Active with a Disability

Claire had the honour of being part of a panel discussion at the Institute of Public Health’s webinar, shedding light on the significance of physical activity for disabled people. Here’s a glimpse of what was covered:
Inclusivity Matters Claire stressed the importance of actively involving disabled persons’ organisations (DPOs) in policy design, implementation, and program creation to ensure true inclusivity, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities UNCRPD.

Community Accessibility She highlighted the need for accessible and inclusive town planning, ensuring our cities and local amenities are designed with everyone in mind. Plus, the crucial role of accessible public transport.

Tackling Barriers Claire addressed a significant barrier “cost.” Quoting the Indecon report (cost of disability), she discussed how the financial burden on disabled people could hinder our physical activity participation. From transport costs to equipment expenses, these factors need consideration.
Let’s keep the dialogue going and work together to break down these barriers!

Empowering Disabled Women, ILMI’s Breakthrough on Menopause Taboo

In March, ILMI’s Capacity Officer, Fiona Weldon, attended the National Menopause Summit in Dublin with no inkling that she would soon be taking centre stage at the next event in Cork last Friday. What began as a personal quest quickly transformed into a spear headed action. Fuelled by her experience at the Dublin Summit, Fiona embarked on extensive research into the intersection of menopause and disability. Her findings were striking, there was a notable lack of information and discourse on the unique challenges that disabled women face during this life transition. With determination, Fiona resolved to break the taboo and initiate a conversation that would include all women.

The journey to bring this crucial dialogue to the forefront was far from easy. It was a labour of dedication, marked by hard work, determination, and, yes, even a few tears. Fiona’s efforts caught the attention of Irish Independent’s Eilish O’Regan, who conducted an insightful interview on the subject, pushing the agenda even further.

Central to Fiona’s vision was not just representing the lived experiences of disabled menopausal women but also amplifying their voices. She aimed to provide a platform for these women to share their stories, insights, and aspirations. To this end, an online meeting was convened within the safe and supportive space of ILMI.

During this gathering, a group of women with diverse backgrounds and experiences came together, sharing their personal ‘war stories,’ ideas, solutions, and dreams. The collective wisdom and shared experiences of this dynamic group were, in turn, brought to the stage at the subsequent summit.

One key message stood out, seemingly simple but undeniably powerful: “You must listen to us.” This message serves as a remedy for the fear, misunderstanding, and mistreatment that often accompany menopause, especially for disabled women.

Through Fiona’s determination and the unity of these women, the conversation around menopause for disabled people has been irrevocably altered. It’s a testament to the transformative power of listening, understanding, and giving voice to those who have been overlooked for too long. The stage is set, and the world is now listening.

ILMI in Brussels

On the  23rd and 24th of October, Paula Soraghan, representing ILMI and the National Women’s Council of Ireland ‘s Youth Advisory Panel, embarked on an exciting journey to Brussels. This special invitation came from MEP Frances Fitzgerald, leading to a whirlwind two days filled with enlightening experiences. During her visit, Paula engaged with Irish MEPs to share vital information about VOICE and ILMI. She also had the privilege of touring the European Parliament and European Commission, culminating in a productive meeting with the European Women’s Lobby

The Delegation’s focus was on advocating for social justice issues women face, emphasising concerns such as violence against women, challenges experienced by those living in rural Ireland, and the intersectionality of identities, including those of LGBT+ and ethnic minorities. Paula’s selection to be part of this remarkable group of women on this Brussels adventure was a great honour, and she extends her gratitude to the NWC for this valuable opportunity.
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs!

ILMI at the Green Party Convention

On Saturday, October 21st, ILMI’s Nicola Meacle and Sarah Harrington set up a stand at the Green Party convention in Cork. They seized the opportunity to emphasise the vital importance of consulting with Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) to ensure that the voices of people with lived experiences are not only heard but actively integrated into policymaking. This approach guarantees that all policies are inclusive and that public funding in every department benefits everyone, leaving no one behind.

Not only did Nicola and Sarah engage in valuable discussions with Green Party members who hold ministerial posts, but they also had productive conversations with party members who took the time to explore ILMI’s mission. And, of course, ILMI’s dynamic VOICE project took centre stage when chatting with Green Party members from any of the seven counties covered by VOICE. The Green Party members gathered in Cork City to discuss a wide range of motions during their annual convention. Party Leader, Minister Eamon Ryan , talked about pressing topics such as the climate crisis, extending a warm welcome to Ukrainians in Ireland, and addressing housing concerns.

ILMI’s Strategies for Change Programme

Last Tuesday marked the launch of our successful Strategies for Change Programme, now in its third run, in collaboration with Possibilities Plus. We began with introductions and a discussion about the course, shedding light on Independent Living Movement Ireland’s mission to support disabled individuals in exploring and understanding the concept of disability. We emphasized the importance of challenging societal perceptions and promoting the rights of all disabled people. Our aim is to create a barrier-free Ireland where choice and control over support are central. The real issue, as we see it, lies in how society perceives us, and we’re committed to championing the social model of disability throughout the program, exploring this concept in upcoming sessions using innovative tools like Lego Serious Play©.