Thursday 14th April 2011

DIARY DATE

“We reject now and forever the idea that our members should ever have to depend on charity”

• Inclusion Ireland Chairperson Frieda Finlay

People will intellectual disabilities and their families will tomorrow descend on Galway for Inclusion Ireland’s 50th Anniversary AGM & Annual Conference. Inclusion Ireland promotes rights, independence, dignity and equality and at the conference tomorrow (Friday 15th April) and Saturday (16th April) will ask the question:

50 years on – are people with intellectual disabilities included in their communities?

Delegates will gather to hear a debate with political party representatives chaired by RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke, as well as contributions from new Disability Minister Kathleen Lynch, economist Jim Power, Prof. Roy McConkey from the University of Ulster and the head of the UK’s Council for Disabled Children, Christine Lenihan OBE.

Open forums and debates on motions put forward by members will allow for issues to be raised from the floor.

Inclusion Ireland is the leading Irish organisation representing people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Having been founded in 1961, 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the organisation.

See www.inclusionireland.ie for full programme.

Where: Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway

When: 6-8pm, Friday 15th April; 9am-4pm, Saturday 16th April;

Who: Inclusion Ireland AGM & Annual Conference (national association for people with an intellectual disability);

Media contact:

Siobhán Kane, Communications and Information Manager, 01-8559891