LAUNCH:

President Mary McAleese launched Inclusion Ireland’s 50th Year Celebrations on 20th January 2011 in the National Library.

Press statement on the launch is available HERE.

Self – Advocate Stephen McDermott spoke at the launch saying:

“People with intellectual disabilities have fought very hard for their rights over the last 50 years. Inclusion Ireland has supported us to do this...In 1961 when Inclusion Ireland started, people with intellectual disabilities were pushed into institutions. 50 years later, are growing number are living independently. Inclusion Ireland’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations will end in December. But our fight for inclusion will continue long after that.”

Stephen's full speech is available HERE

Inclusion Ireland Chairperson Frieda Finlay said:

“It was the pioneering spirit of the founding members in 1961 that saw the need for change and set up NAMHI. 50 years on that spirit remains, and Inclusion Ireland is determined not to rest easy until rights, independence, dignity and equality is achieved for people with intellectual disabilities.

Frieda's full speech is available HERE

Pictures from the Launch are available HERE