INCLUSION IRELAND CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SET DATE FOR CLOSURE OF INSTITUTIONS

“We need to get people out of institutions” was Inclusion Ireland’s call to Government at the organisation’s 50th Anniversary AGM which closed today. Founded in 1961, Inclusion Ireland is the largest national organisation representing people with intellectual disabilities and their families. At her address to delegates this morning CEO Deirdre Carroll said things are better for people with intellectual disabilities than they were 50 years ago, but “better than is not good enough”:

“Today it can be said that for most people, services and supports, educational and employment opportunities, place to live and activities in which to participate are distinctly better than they were 50 years ago. But ‘better than’ is not good enough. We need to get people out of institutions. Would it not be something if before the end of our 50th year we got an actual date from Government for the closure of all large institutions?”

Leading Irish Economist and author Jim Power discussed the future of disability services saying €1.6 billion is spent on disability services in Ireland, and certain issues must be addressed given the lack of money in public coffers and that people with intellectual disabilities are living longer than ever before. Saying “value for money will have to become the guiding principle”, he posed the question of whether the current model of providing services is sustainable and said for the future the “needs of customer has to be the key priority”.

Issues raised at Inclusion Ireland’s conference in Galway, which began yesterday evening (Friday 15th) and finished this afternoon (Saturday 16th, 4pm) included serious concerns over reductions in education supports, lack of choice for people with disabilities and their families in what services they receive and cuts to social welfare allowances.

The conference celebrated 50 years of Inclusion Ireland and looked forward to another 50 years. CEO Deirdre Carroll finished her speech saying:

“Today our vision has expanded to realise the promise of human rights and full inclusion, and to build and develop a movement that can achieve such an agenda. And I know Inclusion Ireland will be an important part of that movement.”

Awards are presented at AGM for Media, Advocacy and lifetime achievement. Eilish O’Regan of the Irish Independent won the media award for her constant promotion of the issues affecting people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The Connect People Network peer group won the Advocacy Award. This group comprises of people with intellectual disabilities who support each other through discussion of issues around relationships and sexuality, and promote the issues through talks and presentations.

Finally, Gerry McDonald will this evening (Saturday) be presented with the John Ryan Achievement Award for the promotion of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities for his tireless work for several decades in highlighting the rights of people at St. Josephs Disability Service in Portrane, Dublin, which is located beside St. Itas psychiatric service. Gerry has constantly campaigned for people, living in this Dickensian institution to be moved into community houses. In late 2010, people from the institution finally moved into community houses on the grounds of St. Josephs.

ENDS