People with Disabilities in Ireland
4th Floor Jervis House
Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 87 21 74 4
Fax: 01 87 21 77 1
Email: info@pwdi.ie
PwDI members from throughout Ireland gathered in their droves for the AGM held in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday 16th September.
The bright Autumn sunshine added to the lively atmosphere. New Networks mingled with long established Networks, exchanging views, experiences and plans.
As the meeting got underway the acceleration in activity in the Networks emerged very strongly with some very fine examples of best practice being highlighted. Securing funding for the setting up and maintenance of local offices was discussed, along with a variety of pro-active outreach activities and identification of policy initiatives.
Chief Executive Michael Ringrose charted PwDI’s path to growth, through increased efficiency in management and expenditure, along with an increased emphasis on targeted activity.
He talked about the organisation’s success in effectively using International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3rd) to extend the organisation’s influence with key organisations such as Local Authorities and the Heath Services Executive.
He emphasised the importance of PwDI’s remit in representing all people with disabilities.
“We can be proud of the fact that we have grown to create our place at the table of influence, locally and nationally,” he told the gathering.
He posed a series of questions and answers charting PwDI’s path since the year 2000:
Question: Year 2000. What did we have?
Answer: The Report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities.
Question: Did people with disabilities have any legislative power?
Answer: We had 402 Recommendations.
Question: Did PwDI have status, image, influence?
Answer: No.
Question: What rights and entitlements have people with disabilities now?
Answer: Laws governing education, employment of people with disabilities and delivery of services reflected in:
• Equal Status Act
• Employment Equality Act
• Disability Act
• Comhairle (Amendment) Act
• Citizens Information Bill
Mr Ringrose told the gathering that none of these achievements would have happened without them. “Be aware of that. Be proud of that,” he told them.
“Don’t underestimate your role as an individual and particularly what you contribute to your group. This applies at all levels, from attendance at local meetings, to participation at seminars and conferences, to representative roles locally and nationally.”
Mr Ringrose thanked all present for their loyalty and support during the past number of years, saying:
“It was, at times, very hard going. I was and am continually stimulated and encouraged by your individual commitment and by the unique and special experiences I have been privileged to share with you.
“This AGM offers us an opportunity to stop and reflect and perhaps be inspired by our own achievements as we move to the next challenging phase,” he said.
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