DISABILITY LOUTH FORUM

‘Nothing about us without us’ was the slogan which launched the new county wide forum ‘disAbility Louth’ in Dundalk .

The inspiring event saw people who live with a range of disabilities speak about their need to engage with society, to access employment and education, and to be recognised equally for their abilities as their disability.

Leading the forum was disAbility chairwoman Olivia Shiels said the group were aiming to change the perception of people with disabilities.

‘We all have abilities, we are not defined by our disability, and we want to be part of society like everyone else.’

She added that as with any new policy or legislation that will be introduced, she hoped that it would be recognised that disabled people need to be consulted.

‘Our slogan nothing about us without us is self explanatory really. We should be included in decision making around issues that will impact on us.’

The Drogheda woman told of her own harrowing story of being ‘ thrown unexpectedly into the world of disability after a tumour was discovered on her spine.

‘I had to have major surgery and spent 13 weeks in Beaumont hospital, and after that I spent another eight weeks in the centre for rehabilitation in Dun Laoighaire where I had to learn to walk again.’

‘But it was only when I left hospital that I had to navigate a whole new world - the world of disability.’

Joseph Reilly, from Kilsaran, explained that after he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis he felt there was no support available, until he joined the M.S Louth branch.

He said he was delighted to take up the role as Secretary of the disAbility Louth forum, adding that he hoped it would help everyone with a disability to access the full range of supports and services available.

The committee also included Damien Mackin, who was diagnosed with dyslexia, and works with disabled people in Drumcar, and Dundalk man David Larkin, who has a visual impairment.

He spoke movingly at the launch, saying that he joined the forum ‘ because I wanted to make a difference, to promote inclusion and the abilities of disabled people.’

Ollie Morgan, who was diagnosed with hearing problems, highlighted that people with disabilities should have access to employment, as he did when he worked for Superquinn for more than eight years.

Tracey Lee, who has cerebal palsy, and uses a wheelchair as well as being accompanied by a support dog told of her own aim ‘ to give people with disability a voice.’

Marian Finegan from the Louth Leader Partnership Community Offices was instrumental in setting up the forum. She explained that she had noticed people with disability were not coming forward for free training. ‘ The Community Offices then arranged training for disabled people only, and held an ‘Issue based photography’ course led by well known local photographer Ken Finegan.’ Following on from the success of this programme, they advertised for disabled people to join a county wide forum, and were ‘delighted’ with the response.

Committee members Oliver Morgan, Patricia Wright, Tracey Lee, Damien Larkin, Damien Mackin, Joseph Reilly and Olivia Shiel at the launch of ‘dis Ability Louth’ held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Nicola McDonnell, Anne Delaney, Marie Flynn and Margaret Black at the launch of ‘dis Ability Louth’ held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Sinead McArdle, Margaret Sands, Joan Jordan and Ronnie Bandenberg, MS Louth at the launch of ‘dis Ability Louth’.

Mary Deery, Riona McCoy and Mary Capplis, Louth County Council at the launch of ‘dis Ability Louth’ held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Mary Healy, Winifred Flood and Kathleen Malone at the launch of ‘dis Ability Louth.