Press Release

You are here: Home > News & Publications > Press Releases > 聲 Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD officially launches the book titled "How to be Friends with everyone" by the Kilkenny Network of PwDI (People with Disabilities in Ireland).

聲 Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD officially launches the book titled "How to be Friends with everyone" by the Kilkenny Network of PwDI (People with Disabilities in Ireland).

Friday 23rd June 2006.

聲 Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD today officially launched the book titled "How to be Friends with everyone". This is a project by the Kilkenny Network of PwDI (People with Disabilities in Ireland). The book, a colourful animated look at how children should treat their peers with different types of disabilities is aimed at 5 to 6 year olds. The Kilkenny Network will be presenting a copy of the book to every 1st class pupil in Kilkenny City and County at the beginning of the new school year. The concept for the book originally came from the national council of people with disabilities in Croatia, where a similar type of book is given to every child starting school.

Network chairperson, Nancy Leahy said "we know the children will like the book and we hope that teachers and parents buy into this project as well. More children with disabilities are going to mainstream schools and by teaching how to interact at an early age we hope it will lead to more tolerance in years to come."

聲 Taoiseach on the launch said "One of the best ways to bring about change is through the education system. I think this book will appeal to both teachers and students and help children to understand disability and embrace diversity from a young age." Quoting from Einstein he said "All that is valuable in society depends on the opportunities for development accorded the individual." "All of us, in both the statutory and voluntary sectors, have a responsibility to promote best practice in equality, accessibility and inclusion."

PwDI (People with Disabilities in Ireland), is the umbrella body representing all people with disabilities with a Network in every county.

Further information - National Office (01) 8721744.

聲 Taoiseach full speech is available from the Taoiseach's Office or on the web site.

Ends

Further information:

National Office: (01)8721744

Back to top

<< Previous Press Release |Next Press Release >> | Back to index