DISABILITY MINISTER SAYS DISABLED SHOULD NOT SUFFER BECAUSE OF HSE CUTS

Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability and Mental Health John Moloney TD, today (Wednesday) said people with an intellectual disability should not suffer as a result of HSE cuts and the government must act as advocates for the rights of people with an intellectual disability. Minister Moloney was addressing the Inclusion Ireland Self-Advocacy conference, which is taking place today and tomorrow in Ballinasloe. The majority of speakers and delegates at the conference are people with an intellectual disability.

Following his official address to the conference this morning, Minister Moloney found the conference to be such a unique event that he stayed on after his speech for several hours, so as he could listen to several speeches by people with an intellectual disability, and the questions forum. He then said it was a basic right to be included on the electoral register and to be included in all decisions made about oneself. He also spoke about the need for more music therapy and better rural transport links.

The following people with an intellectual disability spoke, encouraging people to support each other and stand up for their own rights:

• Galway woman Marie Wolfe spoke about the need “to believe in each other’s rights” and said “disabled people have the same rights as anyone else…We need supporters not to see us as disabled people, but to see us as people first.”
• Inclusion Ireland staff member Paul Alford said “Self-Advocacy is about speaking up for your rights and letting people know what you need. Its not about bullying people. Its not about being angry. Its about knowing your point and making your point at the time. I have been involved in Self-Advocacy for ten years and it has helped me greatly in my life. Being involved in Self-Advocacy has led me to a more independent life. I have been able to travel on my own to America, Australia and China.”
• Finally, Phil Davey spoke about the need for people with disabilities to support each other: “People with disabilities at times share the same experiences. We come across the same barriers, understand how it feels and the best way to overcome them. Advocacy has allowed me have more control in my life. Without advocacy I don’t think I would be as confident in managing difficult situations. I live a very independent life. I have gotten my own house, I have a job and have the freedom to come and go as I please. People with disabilities look to staff for the answers yet we are the ones who understand. Peer advocacy is giving the power back to people with disabilities.

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