|
In this issue:
LMI’s Disability Employment Strategy Consultation
Age Action
Disability Arts
Leitrim DPO
ILMI VOICE
We Are Human Too
Abuse against Disabled Women Research Opportunity
NDA National Disability Strategy
LMI’s Disability Employment Strategy Consultation
IMAGE: two Zoom screen shots of the participants
ILMI’s Disability Employment Strategy Consultation recently concluded sessions two and three, fostering robust and solution-oriented discussions exclusively for disabled people. Leveraging our collective expertise and experience, our participants engaged in deep conversations, contributing valuable insights that will shape a distinctive and impactful outcome.
During the “Expectations for Disabled People in Primary and Post-Primary Education” session held on Tuesday, January 30th, discussions delved into crucial topics such as Career Guidance, the experiences of disabled people in educational settings, the pivotal role of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), and the importance of teacher training colleges, encompassing teacher expectations and in-service training.
Moving forward, our session on Wednesday, February 1st, centred on the theme of “Parental Expectations.” The dialogue explored the positive influence that high parental expectations can have on the lives of disabled people. Participants delved into identifying supportive measures that could enhance parental expectations for their disabled children. Thought-provoking questions were posed, prompting participants to consider what changes they would advocate for in the realm of parental expectations and why.
We extend our gratitude to all participants for their lively contributions. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming session on “Experiences of Further Education and Training,” scheduled for Tuesday, February 6th, from 7 pm to 9 pm. To participate, kindly email info@ilmi.ie. The session will be conducted via Zoom and is exclusively open to disabled people. Your involvement is crucial as we collectively work towards positive change.
ILMI and Age Action
IMAGE: Photo shows Age Action Strategic Plan Launch and Board Day in The Spencer Hotel, Dublin. ILMI’s Fiona Weldon is a board member.
On the 31st of January, Age Action launched their new strategy plan. Both staff and board members had the opportunity to meet and greet and delve into the many facets of the organisation. The Cara and Repair service and the Get Started Programme were discussed with great interest.
Other things highlighted included the issue of Ageism and internalised ageism, and how activism can be used to capture the collective voice of older people to shift mind-sets and promote the many qualities that older people bring to their local communities.
ILMI Disability Arts
IMAGE; photo shows Peter and 2 people sitting at a table
ILMI was delighted to have a face-to-face meeting with the Arts Council’s new Access, Diversity and Equality Officers at the roadshow in Sligo’s Model Arts Centre. ILMI’s Peter Kearns championed the role of local DPOs, such as Sligo and Leitrim, in their use of disability arts to promote positive diversity cultural narratives and discourses around the representation of disabled people in mainstream arts. Peter re-iterated ILMI’s wish for the Arts Council’s strategic support for a national cross-impairment social model led disability arts DPO to collectively realise the #UNCRPD Article-30 requiring States Parties to ensure accessibility of cultural materials, activities and heritage. It also obliges them to ‘enable’ disabled people to have the opportunity to develop and utilise their ‘creative, artistic and intellectual potential’. ILMI’s meeting with the Arts Council was about highlighting the need for appropriate policies to enhance cultural participation of disabled people.
Leitrim DPO
Image : photo of Peter with 12 people in the theatre seats
First day back for Leitrim DPO advocacy & drama at Manorhamilton Glens Arts Centre rehearsing to take their Theatre of the Oppressed play about the Dept of Social Protection Green Paper on proposed new disability payments
ILMI VOICE Green Paper Discussion
IMAGE: poster with text that is detailed below
Attention to all residents in the VOICE counties – Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, and Kilkenny! Seize the opportunity to voice your opinions on the Green Paper regarding Disability Reform and Employment.
On the upcoming Wednesday, 7th February, from 12 noon to 1 pm, Peter Kearns, ILMI’s DPO Development Officer, will lead a session on the Green Paper via Zoom. The insights gathered during this discussion will be compiled and submitted to the government.
To obtain the link for attending the online meeting:
– If you reside in Cork, Kerry, or Tipperary, please contact Nicola at 087 7189237 or email her at nicolameacle@ilmi.ie
– For those in Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, or Kilkenny, please reach out to Paula at 087 1630433 or email her at paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie
Don’t miss this chance!
We Are Human Too
A co-production of the Clare Leader Forum.
IMAGE: Cover of the book in black and white a maze with a red dot and text that reads “We Are Human Too”
This ground-breaking book delves into the dark reality of neglect, abuse and deprivation of liberty faced by disabled people in Ireland. Edited by Ann Marie Flanagan, it’s a testament to the activists who challenged limiting attitudes and fought for emancipation, independent living, and human rights. This book emerges as a powerful narrative of claiming one’s own freedom. It’s a call to action for society to reject ableism, transcend charity models, and stand in solidarity.
We Are Human Too book launch. Everyone come celebrate! Please book your free ticket NOW! click here Friday 1st March at 12 noon at the The Templegate Hotel in Clare (Doors open 11:45)
You can order your copy from the Ennis Bookshop Online Store after the launch date and if you sign up for their newsletter there’s a 10% off deal! If you can’t make the launch in Clare make sure you get your copy of this ground breaking book!
IMAGE: photo shows some of the members of the Clare Leader Forum
Abuse against Disabled Women
IMAGE poster with text detailed in the post, with Trinity and women’s aid logos
Advertisement for a confidential research opportunity, abuse against disabled women by their partners is a severe problem. If you identify as a disabled woman and have experienced abuse through a romantic partner or partners, please spend an hour participating in an interview. Please email Susan Flynn at sflynn7@tcd.ie or Sowmia Sundaresan at sundarsl@tcd.ie to find out more or communicate your interest in participating. Thank you.
National Disability Strategy Consultation: Act Now!
The deadline for completing the National Survey is quickly approaching – Sunday, 11th February 2024. Have you made your contribution yet? Your input is invaluable in shaping a comprehensive strategy that truly reflects the needs all of us disabled people in Ireland. To get involved and share your insights, click on this link
If you prefer alternative methods, the survey is available through various formats, catering to different accessibility needs. You can choose from options such as the Easy to Read version, Screen reader version, Irish Sign Language (ISL) version, or participate via telephone or post. Find the format that suits you best by clicking here: [Accessibility Options]
In addition to the online survey, the NDA invite you to attend two in-person Town Hall events designed to further inform the National Disability Strategy. Here are the details:
1. Galway Town Hall – The registration for the Galway Town Hall is now closed as NDA have reached capacity. To join the waiting list, please email nda-events@nda.ie
– Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
– Time: 11 am to 3 pm (including lunch)
– Location: The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Lough Atalia Road, Galway, H91 CYN3
2. Cork Town Hall
– Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
– Time: 10:30 am to 3 pm (including lunch)
– Location: Clayton Hotel Cork City, Lapp’s Quay, Cork, T12 RD6E, Ireland
To register for the Cork Town Hall, click on this link
Your participation is crucial in shaping policies that directly impact the lives us as disabled people. Make your voice heard and be a part of this important initiative!
|
