Lucy Webster
On Tuesday, the 28th of January, ILMI had the pleasure of hosting Lucy Webster, a distinguished writer, political journalist, and disability advocate. Lucy has contributed to renowned publications such as The Guardian, The Times, and Tortoise and is celebrated for her insightful commentary on disability rights and intersectionality.
ILMI’s Paula Soraghan led an engaging conversation with Lucy, delving into her memoir, journalism career, and perspectives on activism and ableism. Lucy shared profound insights into her experiences as a young queer disabled woman, emphasising the significance of intersectionality in her work. She also shared her empowering mantra:
“Don’t let the bastards get you down!”
Throughout the discussion, Lucy candidly spoke about navigating life at the intersection of multiple identities, highlighting both the challenges and joys she encounters. Despite her successes, she acknowledged ongoing struggles with internalised ableism, offering a genuine reflection that resonated with many.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lucy for sharing her experiences with such humour, honesty, and authenticity. Her words have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all who attended.
For those interested in exploring Lucy’s work further, her memoir, “The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman”, provides a powerful and eye-opening insight into navigating the world as a disabled young woman. Available in all great bookshops!
Many thanks to Lucy again for an excellent event and for sharing her experiences and words of wisdom! The YouTube video of this unmissable interview is here.
Disability Legal Information Clinic
Do you have a question the Disability Legal Information Clinic can help with? The clinic provides free, accessible and confidential legal information on issues related to disability to disabled people, their families and supporters across Ireland. Queries can include issues around disability and education, employment, discrimination, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act or many other topics related to disability and the law in Ireland. The clinic has appointments available in person and online until May 2025.
The clinic is based at the Centre for Disability Law and Policy in the University of Galway. In the clinic students on the Centre’s LLM in International and Comparative Disability Law are supervised by a member of the CDLP team and a qualified legal practitioner. They research all queries before the appointment and do their best to provide detailed, accessible information.
For more information click here or Email dlic@universityofgalway.ie to arrange an appointment.
Ann Marie Flanagan Independent Seanad Candidate
“I am deeply honoured to have been nominated to contest the Seanad elections on the Administrative Panel by Independent Living Movement Ireland and Irish Deaf Society. To everyone who voted for me as their candidate, thank you so much for your trust and support.
I want to thank all who supported my campaign to achieve an historic moment for all of us, to become the first disabled woman with a background in disability law and policy elected to the Oireachtas.
My campaign was about working for everyone, bringing forward legislation that recognises our fundamental rights as citizens. Despite 103 years since the foundation of the state and the ratification of the UNCRPD it’s still outstanding.
The ballot papers were issued to TDs, Senators and Councillors on Wednesday 15th and the poll closed at 11am yesterday 30th January 2025. The administrative panel count will be Sunday evening the 31st into Monday 1st February.
You can follow the live count for the Seanad elections here on the Oireachtas Website
Warm regards,
Ann Marie Flanagan” |
