ILMI eBulletin November 8th 2019
We are delighted to welcome you to the 50th Edition of our E-Bulletin
Don't forget to hit share if you like what you read!
Should you require a plain text version please get in touch with info@ilmi.ie
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ILMI Dates for Your Diary
- November 20th,Chariot App Transport Meeting, 11am - 1pm, ILMI Offices. Attendance via Zoom will also be available where required.
- December 3rd, Temple Gate Hotel Ennis, 11am - 1pm, The Future is Accessible presented by Clare Leader Forum.
- December 3rd, Galmont Hotel Galway, 7pm - 9pm, The Future is Accessible presented by Galway Activism.
Please call the office on 01 8730455 for more information or email info@ilmi.ie |
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ILMI Team News
ILMI Board of Directors Changes
Photo shows ILMI's outgoing Chairperson Michelle Gaynor.
On Tuesday 5th November, the Board of Directors of ILMI had its first meeting since our AGM in September. The Board of Directors have overall responsibility for strategy and governance of the organisation, as well as ensuring the work we do is achieving our strategic objectives and providing guidance, wisdom and support for us as staff. After each AGM, the board elects its officers for the year ahead: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
At the meeting on Tuesday, Michelle Gaynor informed the board that she was stepping down as Chair and also as an ILMI Board member. All the Board thanked Shelly for her enormous contribution to the Movement over the last eighteen months as Chair.
It is fitting that as we celebrate this 50th edition of our e-bulletin that we announce the news of Shelly's departure. Our CEO, Damien Walshe added "Shelly has provided real leadership for the organisation over the last 18 months and tirelessly dedicated herself to represent the organisation at every possible level. She has also been a huge support to all the staff and to myself in particular, always willing to selflessly give of her time when required. Through her work as Chair of ILMI she has worked with her colleagues on the Board to build a re-energised organisation based on the values of participation, transparency, empowerment and equality".
All of the ILMI team recognise Shelly’s talents, passion and commitment in leading the organisation and we offer her a sincere thank you for all of her work and friendship.
Welcome to Our New ILMI Chairperson Des Kenny
Photo shows new ILMI Chairperson Des Kenny.
I am humbled by the confidence placed in me to become the Chairperson of ILMI and to lead a dynamic Board of Directors. I hope my experience will add to the commitment and talents of a hardworking staff and panels of our members in furthering the vision and values of an organisation pivotal in shaping the new inclusive future for disabled people to be won through the interpretations and application of the articles of the UNCRPD.
I take up this new challenge which comes into my active retirement as Chief Executive Officer of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). This retirement came after 28 years at the helm of Ireland’s premier agency working with blind and low vision people.
Prior to joining NCBI, I had headed up the Union of Voluntary Organisations for the Handicapped (operating under a more appropriate title today of “the Disability Federation of Ireland”). I came to that role in 1980 from the National League of the Blind of Ireland (NLBI). In the NLBI I held the post as general secretary of this specialist trade union responsible for the employment conditions of people working in the then sheltered workshops for the blind and for persons working in the public service in the designated occupation of “blind telephonist”. I enjoyed an activist learning relationship with trade union leaders. What activism I possess grew in the shade of the passed on experience of these seasoned leaders joined to a working relationship of disability activism fronted by giants of our movement no longer with us. I want to discover and encourage the growth of a new generation of activism and activists inspired and supported by ILMI.
My working life was behind the scenes of activism contributing to policy development and organised lobbying during the near-50 years of continuous employment from the time I left the special residential school for the blind in Dublin, which I had attended after a childhood accident left me blind. I have been a board member of the National Rehabilitation Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, and served two four-year terms on the National Disability Authority (NDA). I was a founder member of the Not for Profit Business Association and its chairman for some years prior to my retirement. I hold an MSC-Econ in health care management and hold an MBA from the Open University.
I have published two volumes of poetry: “My Sense of Blind” and “Past Tense” These slim volumes are available in paper and Kindle versions from Amazon. I also publish my poems and write literary critiques on www.wordgathering.com
Welcome to Our New Board Member Marian Maloney
Photo shows new Board Member Marian Maloney with her guide dog Leon.
At our recent AGM we were delighted that Marian Maloney expressed her interest in joining the Board of ILMI. Marian is well known in the disability sector having worked tirelessly for the last twenty years, both locally and nationally, to ensure the rights of disabled people. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board of ILMI.
Locally Marian is a member of the Secretariat of the Galway City PPN, a community rep on the city and county child care committee and she was also one of the social inclusion reps on the Local Community Development Committee but had to resign from this committee after running in the recent local elections. Nationally, Marian is a member of DSG5 and as a member she is one of the reps on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs disability consultative committee and is also part of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy steering group.
In more recent times Marian has worked directly with ILMI to build a new energised Galway DPO - Galway Activism. A busy mother and active guide dog user Marian is well-known in her native Galway. We welcome Marian to the ILMI Board of Directors and look forward to working with her into the future as a vocal representative for the West.
The Current ILMI Board of Directors
Given the recent changes at the meeting of the Board of Directors the following are the Board of Directors of ILMI 2019/20:
- Des Kenny, Chairperson
- Dermot Hayes, Vice Chairperson
- Sarah Fitzgerald, Secretary
- Gordon Ryan, Treasurer
- Selina Bonnie
- Audrey Brodigan
- Marian Maloney
- Sinead Murtagh
- Michael Nestor
- Dr John Roche
EAPN Appointment
Photo shows the EAPN Logo.
Our Policy Officer James Cawley joined the board of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) and attended his first meeting last week. The vision of EAPN Ireland is ‘A sustainable Ireland and Europe free of poverty and social exclusion, with high levels of equality, where political, economic, social and cultural rights are respected.’ ILMI hopes to inform the EAPN’s work because as we know Independent Living is about having the freedom to have the same choices that everyone else has in housing, transportation, education and employment. It is about choosing what aspects of social, economic and political life people want to participate in, However due to barriers to accessing education and employment and with the added costs of disability, disabled people are one of the groups most at risk of deprivation and consistent poverty. Some Disabled people are less likely to achieve higher education or have a job but still face higher costs for many things including everyday items but even still disabled people who have went through education, secured a job etc. face economic equalities from day to day. Inequalities that can be a barrier to citizenship and participation within the community and society.
ILMI is happy to have a space on the board to help the EAPN achieve their work and put poverty at the top of the Irish and European policy agenda and empowering people to do so. If you would like more information then please feel free to contact our policy officer James Cawley.
Taxi Advisory Committee
ILMI policy officer James Cawley got appointed to the Taxi Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles which includes accessible taxis. The members of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles have been appointed by the Minister for Transport to advise the Authority or the Minister, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers. As a DPO we are very aware of the many issues that disabled people face in relation to accessible taxis. As transport is one of our priorities, please feel free to drop our policy officer your thoughts on accessible taxis or indeed any issues you would like brought up in the monthly meeting in relation to accessible taxis.
The Future is Accessible
Photo shows the Galway Activism Poster for The Future is Accessible on December 3rd
To celebrate International Day of People with Disabiliies on December 3rd ILMI are supporting two events, which are happening in both Clare and Galway. The theme of this year's day is 'The Future is Accessible', which means we must all look towards a future where the barriers that stand in people's way no longer exist.
In Clare on December 3rd people are invited to come along to the Temple Gate Hotel for 11am where a morning of discussion, music and solidarity will focus on the issue of inclusion in education. All are invited and it promises to be another fantastic event for the Clare Leader Forum.
In Galway that evening Galway Activism are inviting everyone to come along to the Galmont Hotel for 7pm to look to the physical barriers that prevent disabled people participating within the Galway community. Music, song and solidarity will be readily available as we look to a fully accessible future for all.
For further information on these events please contact Susan.
Call for Participation: Chariot App Focus Group
ILMI has been approached by a software development company who have developed an App called “Chariot” as they describe it “Uber for Good”. As we know wheelchair users have limited or no access to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle transport door to door and must ring multiple taxi companies. Chariot hopes to become the preferred WAV booking platform (app/web-booker/telephone) to the European market with wheelchair accessible taxis and mini-buses. Their mission is to empower wheelchair users across Europe to access transport as readily as all other citizens.
ILMI is hosting a focus group to discuss ways ILMI can be a part of the solution on Wednesday 20th November at 11- 1pm in ILMI offices and zoom option is also available. If you are interested in taking part then please contact James.
ONSIDE UPDATES
ONSIDE: First Social Inclusion Programme
Photo shows ILMI ONSIDE team members Edel McGinley and Peter Kearns with Social Inclusion Programme participants.
ONSIDE's 'Social Inclusion Programme' kicked off yesterday in Co. Monaghan with project co-ordinator Peter Kearns delivering an interactive Disability Equality Workshop to ONSIDE participants who want to be more involved in their local communities. The subsequent weeks of the 'Social Inclusion Programme' will include guest speakers from a range of mainstream community organisations who will provide information on the supports they can offer participants to move towards ordinary community inclusion and lifestyle choices. Thanks to everyone who came along today and we look forward to seeing everyone again next week! If you want to learn more about the ONSIDE social inclusion programme then please contact Edel.
Donegal
Photo shows ILMI ONSIDE team member Orla Beirne with the Letterkenny MS Support group.
ILMI’s Orla Beirne met with the MS support group in Letterkenny yesterday. The group was delighted to hear about the new ONSIDE project offered to disabled people in Donegal. Orla informed the group about the upcoming workshops in Letterkenny. Orla would like to thank the group for inviting her along to their monthly meeting. If you would like to hear more about Orla's work then do please contact her here.
Sligo
Photo shows ILMI ONSIDE team member Peter Kearns with Councillor Marie Casserly.
Last week ONSIDE Co-ordinator Peter Kearns has the opportunity to meet with Independent Councillor Marie Casserly of Sligo County Council . Cllr Casserly told Peter that she's passionate about supporting local disabled people in making their own effective lifestyle choices and in building the community to become a better place in which to live #LoveSligo.
Over a Ballisodare Co. Sligo latte (See photo), with an accessible plastic straw, ILMI ONSIDE Coordinator discussed delivering a presentation to the County Council elected chamber in early 2020. They also discussed the need for Councillors to support the call for a county based social model DPO, especially as Peter had been involved with disability equality training to their Disability Access Committee with DESSA & St. Angela's College NUIG that helped to lead to Sligo County Council declare itself a social model supporter in Christmas 2017. Peter will explore with Councillor Casserly how the social model is not just for Xmas and that it's a gift that just keeps-on giving by linking-up ILMI's ONSIDE project with Sligo's Public Participation Network (PPN) and other County democratic platforms.
For more information on the ONSIDE project and how you can get involved contact Peter.
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Media
Disability Special Interest Group Conference 2019
On 24th October last ILMI attended the Disability Special Interest Group Annual Conference in conjunction with Social Care Ireland entitled “A Journey to De-congregation? - Where are we now? ILMI presented on the topic of independent living in relation to our paper on “Achieving a right to Personal Assistance in Ireland” which we launched in the Dáil earlier in the summer.
The Views and Perspectives of Adults with Cerebral Palsy about Physiotherapy
Brunel University and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland are undertaking a study in Ireland and the UK about the strengths and limitations of physiotherapy services for adults with cerebral palsy. This information may lead to further studies to understand the main issues in more detail, and to investigate key areas of concern. The data will provide an overview of physiotherapy-relevant issues faced by adults with cerebral palsy.
If you want to participate in this online questionnaire, please click on this link.
New Event Manager Arts and Disability Ireland
Síle Stewart has been appointed as the new Event Manager in Arts and Disability Ireland and asked to share information about a unique European Summit titled “From Access to Inclusion 2020” taking place from 11th - 14th May in Dublin next year in collaboration with The Kennedy Center from Washington, DC.
Arts and Disability have also just launched a call for proposals for participants to showcase their work at the Summit by delivering capacity building workshops, panel discussions, case studies and demonstrations with the deadline set as midnight GMT / UTC, Tuesday, 12 November 2019. They hope to have a diverse range on participants and contributors from home and across the globe.
To register for the conference you can click here. Or for more information visit their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Parliamentary Monitoring
Dail Debates: Wednesday 2nd October 2019
Priority Questions: Disability Services Provision
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (Solidarity- People Before Profit, Dun Laoghaire)
Eleven years after the Government promised to sign the UNCRPD it was finally signed in April 2018. However, signing a Convention and ensuring equal participation in society for people with disabilities are two different matters. In the area of transport, we are a long way short of the mark. In the area of transport, we are a long way short of the mark. There are massive problems with the regular and frequent breakdown of lifts at the DART stations, stranding people, and denying them access to DART services. There are major problems of accessibility to buses and lack of accessible taxis. The Government needs to do a hell of a lot more. I will go through some of the problems in more detail later but I want to know what the Minister is going to do to make equal access for people with disabilities to public transport a reality.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross
I thank the Deputy for asking that question, the more he asks it the more welcome it becomes because it is quite right that he continuously make us accountable for people with disabilities and report to him regularly.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
Article 9 of the UNCRPD provides for equal access for people with disabilities to facilities and services, including transportation. Article 4.2 of the convention provides for the progressive realisation of accessibility rights which includes practical progress on public transport accessibility. This is the approach adopted in Ireland on public transport and is being progressed in the context of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021, my Department's sectoral plan under the Disability Act 2005 and other relevant Government strategies and plans.
[...]
However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities, for example, our Victorian era railway stations. To address these infrastructural legacy issues, my Department funds the accessibility retrofit programme which is managed by the National Transport Authority, NTA. The four-year capital envelope for public transport announced in budget 2018 includes a multi-annual allocation of almost €28 million for the accessibility retrofit programme for the period 2018 to 2021. This funding is a trebling of the previous allocation for accessibility under the capital plan. [...]
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (Solidarity- People Before Profit, Dun Laoghaire)
The Government has had 11 years to progressively realise equality and it is still a long way short. I will give the Minister a glimpse of reality on the DART. On 22 August, lifts were out of order in nine stations; on 6 September, they were out of order in eight; on 9 September online information stated that lifts were out of order in two stations when in fact the number was six; and on 23 September online information stated no lifts were out of order when in fact eight were. Sean O’Kelly, a wheelchair user and disability activist, who is in the Visitors Gallery today said that in August he was due to meet somebody in Pearse Street Station. He came from Glenageary. On his return he decided to go to Blackrock where he understood the lift was functioning. When he got there he found that it was not. He had to go on to Salthill and back to Blackrock on the other side, and then he had to go to Booterstown in order to get to Glenageary. In other words, what should have been a three-stop journey became a six-stop journey because of the problems with lifts at the DART stations.
The four hours’ notice to access trains in Dublin and the 24 hours needed in the country is not equality. Some private bus companies which do not get state aid do not have to be accessible. There is a lack of accessible taxis […] A lot more needs to be done. There needs to be a real focus on this. The situations that Sean and others find themselves in are absolutely unacceptable. Equality means equality.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross
Equality is where we are absolutely determined to head. I do not have time to list the number of initiatives we have taken on this, including the trebling of funding, and the appointment to every transport board of somebody with experience of disabilities in order to raise the realisation at every single stage. We have done a great deal but it is not enough. The Deputy is right; it will never be enough until everything he suggested is achieved.
We are determined to do these things. We are doing what is called progressive realisation. We will have to report on it in Geneva in 2020. We are aiming to produce a really good report [...] Full Debate Can Be Found Here
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Share Your Independent Living News
If you wish to get your campaign, key policy article, or any other piece directly relating to the philosophy of Independent Living featured in our next newsletter then please email it to info@ilmi.ie
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