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In this Issue:
We are Hiring!
Opportunity (s)
Mayo DPO
VOICE Event
Workability
WALK
We are Hiring!
IMAGE: graphic with text that reads “we are hiring”
ILMI Policy Officer
Full time: 35 hours per week, initial one year contract.
ILMI is seeking a dynamic, motivated and driven individual to join our staff team as Policy Officer. ILMI is a national cross-impairment Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO). Our vision is an Ireland where disabled people have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of their lives and can fully participate in an inclusive society as equals. Full details of role and how to apply here.
ILMI Community Development Worker: Engaging Disabled People in Direct Provision Project
(8 month fixed-term contract)
Full time: 35 hours per week, eight-month contract. ILMI will consider job sharing for his post.
This position is funded by the Disability Participation Awareness Fund (DPAF), administered by Rethink Ireland. Full details of role and how to apply here.
Join the Movement: Upcoming ILMI Events & Opportunities for Disabled People Across Ireland
At Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), we believe in a movement for everyone, a movement where we as disabled people come together, empowered by shared experiences, to create real, meaningful change. We are a national, cross-impairment Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO), driven by disabled activists, and guided by the values of Human Rights, Collective Empowerment, and Social Justice.
Here’s what’s coming up, and we’d love for you to get involved:
1. Launch of Wexford Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO)
Join us for the official launch of the Wexford DPO on Wednesday, 18th September, from 12-2pm at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. This is more than just a launch—it’s the start of a movement within Wexford where disabled people will advocate for change in their communities. The event will be in The Spencer Suite, and you’ll be welcomed by like-minded individuals who believe in the power of collective action.
Come along, meet others, and be part of shaping a stronger voice for disabled people in Wexford. To attend, contact paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie
2. FREE Disability Equality Workshops
Ever wanted to be part of the conversation on disability equality? Here’s your chance! From 23-26 September, we’re hosting FREE Disability Equality Workshops across Galway, Longford, Ennis, and Dublin.
These 2.5-hour workshops are designed to spark meaningful dialogue on how we can build inclusive environments, break down stereotypes, and promote equality for disabled people. All are welcome, whether you’re disabled or non-disabled, and looking to make a positive change.
Workshop Details are all here:
– Longford: Mon, 23rd September | 2 pm – 4.30 pm
– Ennis: Tues, 24th September | 10.30 am – 1 pm
– Galway: Weds, 25th September | 10 am – 12.30 pm
– Dublin: Thurs, 26th September | 2 pm – 4.30 pm
How to Book: Email ninabyrne@ilmi.ie to reserve your spot!
Facilitated by Peter Kearns, this interactive experience is a collaboration with Magic Pill Productions, IWA, and DFI.
3. No Magic Pill Play Tour
After attending a workshop, don’t miss the No Magic Pill play by Christian O’Reilly, touring Galway, Longford, Ennis, and Dublin from 7-23 November. This award-winning play tackles disability themes with wit and power. Tickets are available here.
4. Feminist Climate Justice and Public Transport Event
Be part of a groundbreaking conversation on Friday, 22nd September, during Dublin’s Climate Action Week. Join feminist communities, including ILMI’s Claire Kenny, in discussing how public transport can be designed to serve everyone in the face of the climate crisis.
Reserve your place here.
5. NDA National Disability Conference 2024
Don’t miss the chance to attend the NDA’s National Disability Conference on 24th October 2024, focusing on disabled people’s participation in cultural life, recreation, and sport in Ireland (UNCRPD Article 30). You can attend online and hear from ILMI’s Peter Kearns, who will deliver a keynote speech. Details here
6. Join a DPO in Your Area
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, meet new people, and make a real impact in your community? ILMI supports DPOs across Ireland, and we want you to join us! Whether you live in Kerry, Cork, Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Meath, Dublin, Mayo, Donegal, Sligo, or Leitrim, there’s a DPO waiting for you to get involved.
For more info on your county’s DPO, email:
– Kerry, Cork, Tipperary: nicolameacle@ilmi.ie
– Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford: paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie
– Meath: fionaweldon@ilmi.ie
– Dublin, Mayo, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim: peterkearns@ilmi.ie
Together, let’s keep building a future where everyone’s voice is heard. Get stuck in, be part of the movement, and let’s continue working towards a society that values equality, inclusivity, and the rights of all.
MAYO DPO
IMAGE: Zoom screenshot of participants
First DPO Vision and Values workshop towards an AGM constitution. Next workshop is on Monday 16th September at 7pm on zoom . Want to get involved? Contact peterkearns@ilmi.ie
ILMI VOICE EVENT
The ILMI VOICE project is hosting on the 19th of September 7 to 8pm via Zoom an exclusive event with Peter Kearns, NMP cast member and disability equality Dramaturg! Don’t miss out on this exclusive event where ILMI’s Paula Soraghan will interview Peter. They will discuss the importance of authentic representation of disabled people in Irish theatre, the significance of the disability rights movement and why the fight for disability rights is needed, now more than ever.
To register and receive the zoom link. Please email paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie
Workability
IMAGE: the group of six people including Mark, Peter and Claire
On Thursday, the 22nd of August, ILMI’s Peter Kearns and Claire Kenny, Together with Sligo’s DPO’s Chairperson Mark Kupczak, attended the launch of a north west Workability 5-year employment & ‘Disability’ project managed by the Sligo Leader Partnership. Workability project’s is being rolled out across the Country and is being administered by Pobal on behalf of Minister Heather Humphries Dept. of Social Protection, aims to support 5,000 disabled people (16+) into education & employment and has a budget of up to €36.29 million. It’s the same government Dept. that withdrew the Green Paper on ‘reforming’ Disability payments after ILMI’s successful engagement with its members and its locally supported DPOs who raised lived experience concerns about proposed payment radical changes. The Workability programme, which again did not include any design or development required by UN CRPD obligated dialogue with DPOs such as ILMI, is currently a large 5-year fund designed & delivered by non-disabled staff for local, regional and national projects for disabled adults but not ‘with’ us or our DPOs.
ILMI’s Claire & Peter and Sligo DPO’s Mark conveyed the importance of meaningful engagement with Sligo DPO moving forward in all aspects of the program. They look forward to being active members of the work Ability steering group and ensuring that disabled people’s voices are Included in the future design delivery and review of this program to ensure the principals of the UNCRPD are ahead towards our motto ‘Nothing about US without US’.
WALK
IMAGE: photo shows 12 people including ILMI’s Fiona.
Margaret Keogh, a Disabled Woman from WALK who took part in our 10 week Strategies for Change Programme in Celbridge, invited Fiona to come and talk to their advocacy group about who ILMI are, the work that we do, and our Strategies for Change Programme.
During the session we explored the difference between our concept of impairment and our concept of disability. This fundamental shift in thinking is paramount in changing mind-sets including our own.
We are people with impairments and we do have to manage these but our “disability” only kicks in when we come up against insurmountable barriers that are systematically built to exclude us from taking part in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.
For example: if we had access to “information that we can understand” “if we had stairs with two rails”, “if our parents supported us to do what we want”, “if we had the freedom to make our own choices”, “if we weren’t restricted by services which are not built around disabled people”, (currently they do not meet our needs) – we would live a barrier free life. This is the Social Model of Disability, Disabled People do not need to change, do not need to be fixed or cured. It is society that needs to be changed in order for Disabled People to be truly included.
We chatted about what real inclusion can look like, what real equality can look like, being mindful that as everyone is different, equality looks different for everyone.
We discussed the importance of advocacy, of being confident of speaking up and out about the things that are important to us, and using these skills as a collective to strategise for change. Being good listeners and using the social model can be a powerful tool to support disabled people as a collective to feel confident and take charge of their own lives. Making good plans will always help our government, the people who support us and the wider community to understand that we have the same rights to live like everyone else but we need the right support.
Disabled people need to be part of the co-creation and re-creation of the services that we use to support us.
WALK is really interested in ILMI’s Manifesto for Change and they would like to get involved in the Dublin DPO.
The Social Model of Disability
What are DPOs:
The DPO Network
The National Platform DPO Network Position Paper in Plain English
Why are Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs) important?
“Person-Centered vs System-Centered” – Beth Mount
Contact fionaweldon@ilmi.ie for more information.
ILMI Resources
Why not explore the wealth of resources available to you on our website: from our strategic plan to our invaluable SFC resources and our policy documents and submissions. At our core, we’re a cross-impairment disabled person’s organisation dedicated to tackling the topics that matter most. Let’s continue our journey toward inclusivity and empowerment together! If you want to know more or sign up and get involved in our work please email info@ilmi.ie
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