SPOKEOUTLifestyle magazine for people with limited mobility published by the Irish Wheelchair Association

€4.00 · winter 2012

Angel Day launched on Croke ParkSkyline

ANGELS ONHIGH

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p11

Entrepreneurial spirit

Coming to terms with disability

Paralympic talent search

p16

MOTORING49 2012 IWA Motoring Rally Rally tests driving and navigational

skills

NEWS51 Fundraising news Fundraising events 55 Cuisle has a ball! Snapshots from Cuisle’s 15th

Anniversary Gala Ball59 Regional snapshots What’s happening around the

country

REGULARS62 Letters Letters to the editor63 Crossword Crossword No 18 by Gordius64 Small ads Sell on items or pick up a bargain

1SpOkEOUT

INTRODUCTION5 CEO’s message Update and Christmas wishes from

CEO Kathleen McLoughlin

COVER FEATURE6 Angels on high he launch of the Angel Day

fundraising campaign

FEATURES11 A whole new world Susan Dennehy on coming to

terms with her daughter’s disability 14 Escape to the country Founder of ‘Glamsticks’ Debbie

Deboo on selling her business and moving to Ireland

SpORTS16 Paralympic Talent Search The search for future athletes

begins, plus IWA Sports news

pRODUCTS21 Practical gifts Sensible and useful presents

CAREERS25 A day in the life IWA Driving Instructor Ray McDaid

Contents

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ADVOCACY &ACCESS29 Double trouble Activist Margaret Kennedy on why

we must protest33 Online transport listings Stephen McCluskey develops

www.wheelchairtaxi.ie35 Changing Places New campaign demands truly

accessible public toilets

TRAVEL37 Holidaying at home Accessible holiday accommodation

in Ireland38 African adventure Extraordinary accessible holidays

in South Africa

CARTOONS41 Tech the Halls Seasonal cartoons by Johnny

Connaughton

LIVING43 The winter gardener Indoor plants and gifts for

gardeners47 My first power wheelchair Padraic Hayes decides to

purchase a power chair

introduction

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MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS....

Kiara LynchRecently, Longford-based Kiara Lynch has been helping teach her nephew to walk (even though he thinks her wheelchair is a climbing frame!) and

making tomato soup from tomatoes grown in her Dad’s polytunnel. She’s looking forward to her first married Christmas. “Christmas in our house is about spending time together – helping cook dinner, sitting around after dinner chatting, or bankrupting my sister during monopoly!” Kiara likes buying “nerdy computer gadgets” or books as presents but her family will be doing Kris Kindle this year.

Padraic HayesPadraic Hayes lives in Shannon, but is passionate about travel. He has recently developed an interest in writing through his involvement in

IWA’s Youth Media Group. He enjoys sport and plays power wheelchair soccer for Shannon Town United. He loves Christmas, including buying presents, but also says, “I feel it’s a good time to reflect and be thankful for what we have, as Christmas can be tough for some families.”

Sonya FolcaSonya Folca was born in Brighton and grew up in Strasbourg. She later studied languages in Norwich and Dublin, and now – between safaris –

works as an assistant in the legal affairs sector at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Rather than joining the thousands queuing in shops, she prefers to buy her Christmas presents online. As she has three small nieces, she loves finding out what’s new in the toy department – “Somehow, it makes Christmas more special to me!”

Margaret KennedyMargaret Kennedy lives in Greystones, Co Wicklow, with her adorable dog, a lively three-year-old ‘cockerpoo’. She retired to Ireland after 42 years in the

UK, where she worked as a nurse, social worker and lecturer, specialising in supporting disabled children who had been abused. She loves gardening and garden birds. Christmas is meaningful to her in a spiritual sense but reminds her of the sadness of broken ties and friendships. This year, Margaret and her twin Ann will celebrate “the survival of a difficult year”.

SUBSCRIBE NOWPlease send your name, the name of your organisation (if applicable), address and telephone number, with a cheque or postal order for €15.00 (payable to IWA) to: Spokeout subscriptions, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3

O ur cover features eight-year-old Shauna Bocquet from Co Galway who, together

with Paralympic gold medallist Mark Rohan, launched IWA’s Angel Campaign on Croke Park’s ‘Skyline’ (more on page 6).

On page 12, radio documentary-maker Susan Dennehy describes the shock she felt when her youngest daughter, Grace, became ill and developed a disability; and she discusses how coming to terms with Grace’s condition has profoundly changed her family’s attitude to disability.

We also interview Debbie Deboo, founder of ‘Glamsticks’ – the company behind the fashionable, sparkly walking sticks and crutches used by celebrities like Heather Mills and Kelly Marie Stewart. Debbie, who moved to Ireland earlier this year, talks about living with ME, creating Glamsticks, internet marketing and her passion for animal rights.

We hope these – and the many other stories in this issue – will interest and inspire you!

With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year from everyone in the Spokeout team.

Joanna Marsden, Editor

EdITORJoanna Marsden

EdITORal aSSISTaNCEKiara lynch, Colette Molloy, Mairéad Farquhason

EdITORIal dESIgN MaNagERlayla Hogan

advERTISINg aNd MaRKETINg dESIgN MaNagERdiarmuid O’Connor

dESIgNCarl Mcdonnell

advERTISINg PROdUCTION CO-ORdINaaTORamina Ferradj

advERTISINg PROdUCTIONCiaran McBride

PRINTINgPrecision Colour Printing ltd

COvER PHOTOPhotocall Ireland

dISTRIBUTIONShanahan direct

JOINT MaNagINg dIRECTORS, dyFlINKaren Hesse, Philip Mcgaley

EdITORIal ENqUIRIES TO:The Editor, Spokeout, Irish Wheelchair association. Blackheath drive, Clontarf, dublin 3.Tel: (00 353) 1 818 6455Email: joanna.marsden@iwa.ie

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Spokeout is published by dyflin Publications on behalf I.W.a. limited. The copyright rests with IWa and no material may be reproduced without the permission of the IWa. The views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent the views of IWa.

Spokeout is distributed quarterly by post to 20,200 IWa members and to government bodies and other disability interest groups.

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Ceo’s messageKathleen Mcloughlin, ceo of iWa, provides an update on organisational news and wishes all readers a happy christmas

Our 2012 Angel Campaign kicked off with a photo call at Croke Park, featuring young Galway member Shauna Bocquet (our cover girl) and Paralympic double gold medallist Mark Rohan. This was followed by regional events and photo opportunities, all designed to catch the attention of the public and encourage them to support our annual fundraising campaign! Over the past month, so many members, staff and volunteers have been out and about, often on cold streets, smiling and asking the public to donate. A sincere thank you is due to all of you. I appreciate that it can be hard to fundraise in the current climate, when everyone is feeling the squeeze, but this income is a necessity if we are to avoid impacting members with service cutbacks.

Despite the financial uncertainty, IWA remains firmly focused on the future. How can we best maintain and develop our services? How can we ensure that we spend funds in the most efficient way, and in a way

that responds directly to the needs and wishes of our members? In the past four months, over 2,500 of you have contributed your views through our strategic planning consultation process, and these views have been collated and used to formulate the draft aims and actions of our new strategic plan, ‘Driving On – Determining Our Future 2012 – 2015’. This new strategy will set out ambitious, innovative and creative new directions for the Association over the next three years. The draft plan is almost complete and we hope to formally launch the strategy in February 2013.

Despite the inescapable focus on budgetary issues, the run-up to Christmas is always a lovely time in IWA. Community spirit, social bonds and peer support are very much to the fore as each centre and branch around the country celebrates in its unique way, usually with an emphasis on festive crafts, good food and fun events. I hope that you, like me, will take the opportunity to link up with IWA friends, perhaps by calling in to your local centre or branch, where I know you will be warmly welcomed.

Wishing you a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

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IWA’s annual fundraising Angel Campaign was launched on the Sky Walk in Croke Park, Dublin, by London 2012 Double Gold Medallist Mark Rohan, assisted by IWA junior sports member, Shauna (aged 8), who was

dressed as IWA’s newest Angel for the event.The target for IWA’s annual national campaign, which has

now been running for over ten years, is ˆ 500,000 – funding which is needed to help maintain current services and

other supports for IWA’s 20,000 members.Little angel Shauna is in third class at Ballyglass National

School in Ardrahan, Co Galway, and is a member of the Galway Speeders sports club (www.speeders.ie). In her free time, she enjoys wheelchair basketball, athletics, kayaking, table-tennis, and her favourite sport – road racing in a track chair.

Double Gold medallist, Irish Paralympian and IWA

Angel Day 2012 was launched on Croke Park’s Sky Walk by Double Paralympic Gold medallist Mark Rohan with young Angel, eight-year-old Shauna from County Galway. MAiReAD FARquhARSon, iWA Communications Manager reports

Angels on highP

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Shauna holds up Mark Rohan’s gold medal at the Angel Launch on Croke Park’s Sky Walk

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member, Mark Rohan, said he was delighted to be at Croke Park with Shauna to support Angel Day. “The range of support IWA provides to people with disabilities is fantastic, whether it’s essential assistance with daily living tasks, learning to drive, attending a centre, or sporting opportunities such as those I have enjoyed. All these services are invaluable, opening many doors and enabling us to live life to the full.”

Kathleen McLoughlin, Ceo of IWA, added: “From sport to politics, people with disabilities contribute to Irish society on a daily basis. Sometimes they need support and IWA is there to provide it. Funds raised through the Angel Campaign will help avoid the dilution of our critical support services.”

Angel Pins and Pencils cost ˆ 2 each and are being sold by a network of volunteers in towns and cities throughout the country throughout November. This year, two new pins were added to the range of Angel pins (see right), and the Angel products available to collect also include an Angel Phone Charm (ˆ 2) and Angel Fun Packs (ˆ 2) containing 16 fun and educational activities, a postcard for children to design their very own IWA Angel and a pack of colouring crayons.

Alternatively people can donate directly by texting DoNATe to 57802. each text costs ˆ 2 (IWA will receive ˆ 1.40 from Vodafone, o2 and Meteor).

Angel pins are distributed courtesy of DPD Ireland, the national courier service, which generously supports this worthwhile campaign.

This year the Department of Design and Creative Media in Letterkenny IT took on the project of designing new angels for IWA’s Angel campaign. Students were given the challenge of producing fresh new designs that would appeal to the general public, particularly younger people, and a team of IWA judges was appointed to select the best designs.

A wide range of Angel designs was presented to IWA’s judging panel in early 2012

and two were chosen as winners in June: eamon McNelis, who designed the new boy angel holding his ‘Gameboy’, and Julien Gibeaux, who was responsible for IWA’s new little girl angel. Juliette Gallagher, Fundraising Development Officer for IWA, was one of the judges. “It was a pleasure to work with lecturers and students at Letterkenny IT on this project. They presented us with an array of fantastic designs which made our job extremely difficult!”

For more information on IWA’s Angel Campaign, contact Juliette Gallagher on 087 997 5459, email angels@iwa.ie or visit www.iwa.ie/angels.

Eamon McNelis from Letterkenny IT who designed the new boy angel and Noel Cunningham of TV3’s Ireland AM

given the challenge of producing fresh new

team of IWA judges was appointed to select

presented to IWA’s judging panel in early 2012 and two were chosen as

amon

For more information on IWA’s Angel Campaign, contact Juliette Gallagher on 087 997 5459, email angels@iwa.ie or visit www.iwa.ie/angels.

winners in June: McNelis, who designed the new boy angel holding his ‘Gameboy’, and Julien Gibeaux, who was responsible for IWA’s new little girl angel. Juliette Gallagher, Fundraising Development Officer for IWA, was one of the judges. “It was

Shauna pictured with Kathleen McLoughlin, CEO of IWA

LetteRkenny it DeSiGn neW AnGeLS

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Angels around the

COuNTRyiWA supporters around the country were busy kicking off their regional campaigns in style

Members and staff of IWA Sligo at the launch of the Angel Campaign which took place in Lyon’s Cafe, Sligo

Rebel Wheelers Tiernan Dineen from Mallow and Veyda Brickley from Ballincollig are joined by Nollaig Cleary, Cork Ladies Football Team at the launch of the 2012 Angel Campaign

Mayo Rose of Tralee with two young angels at the launch in Castlebar

The Ennis launch. Back row (l to r): Clare u21 All Ireland Hurling Champions Conor Ryan, Conor Mcgrath and Cathal McInerney.

Front row: IWA members Sam Fleming, Gerry Quain and Shane Hayes

Donegal Staff Angels Donna Gillespie, Deirdre Waters and Charlie Boyle at the Donegal Angel Launch

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feature

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a whole newWORLD

SuSan dennehy found coming to terms with her youngest daughter’s disability a painful and challenging process, but making a radio documentary about her family’s experience turned out to be surprisingly cathartic

There was a beautiful clear sky on the day in May 2005 when my world was turned upside down. I was working as a radio producer in RTE at the time and I remember waving

goodbye to my husband and our three sleepy children as I headed off to work early. Around mid morning, I got a phone call that was literally to change my life. My daughter, Grace, who was just a year old, had suffered a convulsion. Thanks to the quick-thinking of Ann, her childminder, she had been rushed to hospital. I immediately left work in a quiet panic and got a taxi straight to Temple Street. The first sign I had that things were very serious was when the porter on the front steps of the hospital approached me and asked if I was Grace’s Mammy. He had been sent to get me to A&E as quickly as possible.

Time seemed to stand still then as the medical team worked to stabilise Grace who was very, very weak. Eventually, she was moved up to Intensive Care where she was carefully monitored. We were ecstatic when she woke up and a few days later; we saw the move to the day ward as a great sign. The consultant explained that they had picked up signs of mild viral meningitis in her blood test and that it was likely that she suffered the convulsion from a sudden, high temperature brought on by the meningitis. We thought that was the end of that and Grace came home to a very relieved family and friends.

As the summer passed, we began to notice little things that seemed odd to us as parents. Grace bumped her head in the bath one day and didn’t cry, she began to pick up her food with her mouth instead of her hands, she startled easily if there was a loud noise. I think we must have been in denial about these things at the time. However, it came to a head on our holidays in Clonakilty in August. Grace was lying on the rug and was struggling to sit up; whatever way I looked at her that day I knew that we needed to get her seen again straight away. My heart sank.

Grace went back into Temple Street for a series of

“We began slowly to switch our focus from what Grace could not

do to the things she could do. Grace began to take part in sports with the IWa Swifts, she started

horse riding and swimming and we were finding new ways to do things

together as a family.”

Susan and Grace

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tests, including some very unpleasant ones like a lumbar puncture and a nerve conduction study. All the tests came back negative except for the MRI which showed shadows in the white matter of Grace’s brain that nobody could explain. The Neorology team thought it was likely that it was a metabolic disorder and based on the fact that Grace was deteriorating, they thought it likely that she had a degenerative disease. We were told that, should Grace continue to decline as she had over the previous months, they would not expect her to survive much beyond that year. I remember the moment when the consultant told us that, mainly because my legs went from under me and I went to sit down, but there was no chair, and I literally ended up on the floor.

So, we went home from Temple Street again. This time was very different and it was tough. Grace needed constant care. I gave up my job to look after her full-time. Physio, OT and speech therapy kicked in and a bewildering range of equipment like chairs and special buggies began

to arrive to our tiny house. I spent a lot of my time at appointments at Temple Street while my husband still had to go to work every day. We also had to care for our other two children who were very young at the time and, of course, you couldn’t let them see how upset you were so you put a brave face on it.

The social worker at Temple Street was on hand to support us. She gave us lots of supportive literature to read. There was one story that stood out, at the time, and helped me to understand what was happening to us. ‘Welcome to Holland’, written by Emily Pearl Kingsley in the late 1980s, compares having a child with a disability to planning a holiday to somewhere sunny like Italy, only to find you have actually arrived in Holland instead! This is not where you expected to go in life, and you need to readjust your expectations.

With time, Grace made some tiny improvements and it was concluded that she did not have a progressive disorder. This gave us an enormous lift and great hope. We were still none the wiser as to her condition but it became apparent that Grace’s difficulties were primarily physical, and we were referred to the CRC in Clontarf.

I had an excellent rapport with Grace’s physiotherapist at the CRC and together over that year we

focused on the tiny improvements Grace was making. Then one day, what seemed like out of the blue, her physio said that ‘Grace would be assessed for a chair’ at our next appointment. I genuinely did not understand what ‘chair’ she meant. When she explained it was a wheelchair, I burst into tears right there in the gym. The idea of my little girl using a wheelchair was something I had managed to avoid by keeping busy with Grace’s rehabilitation; although it had been clear that her gross motor skills were very poor.

In the months that followed, Grace got her wheelchair. She also got splints, a stander, a walker, a supportive feeding chair, a play chair, a powerchair and an adapted trike. There was no question that we were firmly in the land of disability – although we were still resisting it. Grace was three years old now and I was convinced that she would go to the local playschool although they were not equipped to meet her needs. Luckily, Grace was offered a place at the CRC playschool and we finally realised that was the best setting for her. In reality, I think we were finding

Grace with her mother Susan, her father Stephen, her brother Sean, her sister Martha, and the family’s dog

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it hard to get our heads around the fact that Grace wouldn’t be the same as other children we knew, including her older brother and sister. We hadn’t let go of the child we thought she was and so it was almost impossible to accept the child she actually was. We needed to grieve for the child we thought Grace would be and we did that with the help of counselling sessions with the psychologist at CRC. I remember expressing great sadness at the things that Grace could not do and I remember the psychologist telling us that a time would come when we would laugh again. I didn’t quite see how that would happen but I listened to her as I knew she had met lots of other parents who had been in the same place as us and who lived to tell the tale.

Grace completed two years at the CRC playschool, followed by junior infants at the CRC school. During those three years Grace continued with her therapies and we continued to learn and adapt to having a disability in the family and all that that entails. We began slowly to switch our focus from what Grace could not do to the things she could do. Grace began to take part in sports with the IWA Swifts, she started horse riding and swimming and we were finding new ways to do things together as a family. Somewhere along the way, I stopped being shocked by disability, I stopped pitying people with disabilities, I stopped seeing someone with a disability as somehow ‘less than’ someone else. I could feel myself learning and growing. I felt I had gained a real understanding of what it is to have a disability and I felt I needed to share this understanding with as many people as possible so that my daughter would grow up in a more informed world. Being a radio producer it was obvious what I should do. I called the editor of the RTE Radio 1 Documentary Department and pitched my idea to make a documentary about my own family’s personal experiences. He was hesitant and quite rightly suggested that we needed an event around which to tell the story.

It had been recommended earlier that year that Grace was a suitable candidate for mainstream national school. Most of the preparation had been done and the next significant date was Grace’s last day at the CRC school as a pupil. The idea was born to follow Grace as she made the transition from the CRC school, where she was very comfortable and her disability was very much the

norm, to to her local Educate Together National School, where she would be the only child who used a wheelchair. We recorded on that day and several other days over a two-year period. I interviewed my husband Stephen, my other two children, Sean and Martha, and, of course, Grace. It was very strange to ask them all questions I never would usually ask and their take on things was a great source of pleasure and pride for me.

During the massive job of editing hours and hours of material into 40 minutes, I had to ask myself what the

documentary was really and truly about. There were the highs and lows of the medical drama; there were the fears and hopes of the story about moving school; and then there was the really important journey we had made. The journey from ignorance to understanding, the journey from denial to acceptance, our journey to ‘Holland’.

We mixed the documentary in May 2012, the week before Grace’s 8th birthday. I had my working hat on for the two days in studio but just at the end of the second day, we had a listen through. It was a very powerful experience to listen to what was, essentially, the past seven years of my life played back, and I felt a weakness come over me,

like all the thoughts that had been swirling around in my head were in order at last, and I could breathe a little easier.

A few weeks later, on a rare occasion when our busy little family of five were all together and having a laugh about something, it struck me that the psychologist at the CRC was right. We were laughing again. It had taken us a

long time and some very dark periods to get to this stage, and there are still sad days and stressful days, but on that day we were laughing again and for me that was enough.

More in our spring 2013 issue, when Susan Dennehy will be talking about the process of adapting their home to make it wheelchair accessible.

feature

‘‘Somewhere along the way, I stopped being shocked by disability, I stopped pitying people with disabilities, I stopped seeing someone

with a disability as somehow ‘less than’ someone else.’’

The ‘Documentary On One - Welcome to Holland’ was first broadcast on RTE Radio 1 on the 26th May 2012. If you would like to listen to it, you will find it on www.rte.ie/Doconone.

Grace at home

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After moving in a world of fashion shows and celebrity customers, Debbie Deboo says it is a refreshing change not to have to worry about what she wears. “In London, I didn’t even have

wellies; now I wear them all the time and spend as much time as possible in my garden looking after my rescue hens.”

Debbie, her husband Richard, and her carer Malcolm moved to Co Antrim a year ago. “We had been living in a three storey townhouse in London and I couldn’t get anywhere. The Tube is a nightmare for anyone with a disability and I was finding it very isolating. So when my husband was given the option of a transfer to Northern Ireland, we thought, ‘Why not take the chance to move to the country and get a bit of garden?’ Our hope was to make life simpler, so that ultimately my ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) would be easier to manage.”

Debbie had been living in London since she was 22-years-old. “I grew up in North Wales, but after finishing teacher training college, I went straight into employment in East London. I taught Religious Education for a few years, before taking a break from teaching to train as a graphic designer.” Debbie worked in graphic design in a merchant bank for two years, before being drawn back to teaching. “I found a dream job in a lovely school and, as they say, ‘Once a teacher, always a teacher!’”

Soon after she started her new job, signs of ill health began to appear. “I had to have my gallbladder removed and it seemed to take forever to recover from the operation. I felt tired all the time, and eventually a blood test showed glandular fever. But even after treatment, I wasn’t right. I tried going back to work, but when I went home at night, I couldn’t get off the sofa. This chronic exhaustion went on for six months and eventually I was sent to a specialist who diagnosed me with ME. I remember he told

me, ‘Don’t give up your job – they can’t sack you for being unwell!” But I didn’t feel it was fair to leave the students with an endless train of supply teachers, so I decided to resign.”

Adapting to life with ME was a difficult process. “I spent a few years thinking of it as short term, and hoping I would recover. During that period I lost a lot of friends. Before I got ill, I’d had a good social life – enjoying everything London had to offer in terms of theatre, festivals and gigs. But that all stopped, and I found that only a handful of friends were willing to sit in my house with me, drinking cups of tea. Many of my friendships petered out and I was

hurt by that.”From the beginning, Debbie found there was a lack of awareness about the way ME affects people. “It reduces concentration, making it difficult to read,

write or even watch TV. I have to force myself to get through any task because I get so tired.

It’s hard for people who don’t have ME to imagine, but even going shopping can make you ill because of the visual stimulus and noise. The only way to manage this is to follow a strict regime, limiting the time you are out and being realistic about what you can accomplish.”

“A common misconception,” adds Debbie, “is that people with ME are lazy. In fact, research shows they are often high achievers. We constantly get run down from over reaching, and we get

so frustrated when we can’t do things because of the condition”

Another area of confusion is the difference between CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and ME. “Many people recover from CFS but only four percent of people with ME recover. ME is not psychological; it’s a disease that affects the brain and immune system, and recent research suggests it may be caused by a dormant virus which has been triggered by a trauma – in my case this was probably the gallbladder

operation.”Despite its physiological nature, Debbie

Debbie Deboo is the founder of ‘Glamsticks’ – an award-winning company which has attracted many celebrity customers by turning dull mobility aids into fashion accessories. Having recently sold the business and moved from London to rural Antrim, Debbie tells JOANNA MARSDEN about her entrepreneurial success, her passion for animal welfare and her frustration at

misconceptions about ME

Escape to the country

Debbie with her ‘Glamstick’

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acknowledges that coping with ME can result in psychological issues. “We are all affected differently but I have become depressed at times and even felt suicidal. My life now is completely different to the one I had before. I write a lot of poetry, which helps me deal with emotions. Overall, I think I am a strong person with a positive attitude to life, but I’m no longer expecting a recovery. If I was to think ‘when I get better’, my life would be on hold. Instead, I expect my condition to remain the same, but I hope that I may improve a little, or at least become better able to manage the condition.”

Debbie says it is helpful to reflect on achievements. “It’s nearly ten years since I was diagnosed and, with the support of my husband, I have adapted a lot during that time, and achieved a great deal, including the creation of Glamsticks.

Glamsticks started very humbly, explains Debbie. “I was feeling down and isolated and a specialist suggested that I try some arts and crafts activities. I started making greetings cards, then my carer Malcolm and I got the idea of customising one of my crutches using glitter and stones. I loved colourful bags and shoes, so why have a dull grey crutch? I soon started to notice that when I was out, I was getting admiring glances and then somebody said to me, “Why don’t you make a few more and sell them?”

Debbie started selling customised fold-up walking sticks and crutches. “Malcolm helped me make them, and I found that I had a flair for marketing and promotion. We did some posters and merchandising, but it was mainly done through the internet – social media, twitter, articles, Facebook, my own website. Marketing is critical to any business – if I hadn’t marketed Glamsticks, I’d have been making one a month at best!

“The public response was incredible. In 2011 we won UK Motoring Disability Product of the Year and were voted in the top ten products by PosAbility Magazine. We also attracted a number of high profile celebrity customers like Heather Mills, Kelly Marie Stewart from Hollyoaks, David Proud from Eastenders and Paralympic athlete Leigh Walmsley.

Debbie also used Glamsticks to help fundraise for various charities supporting people with disabilities. “We participated in a number of high profile fashion shows, such as ‘Fashion with Passion’ and ‘The Disabled and Sexy Show’, which was hosted by Jon Snow.”

But the success of Glamsticks brought stress and pressure. “I was working very hard and there were still waiting lists. I was tired and I began to realise I couldn’t cope with demand. I loved the business but it had started to become a burden, so I made the difficult decision to sell.”

Debbie used her social media network to find a suitable buyer. “I had 3,500 followers on Facebook, so I simply made it known by word of mouth that it was up for sale. Within a few days, I’d sold the business to another lady with a disability, Sharon Farley Mason. It wasn’t sold for a huge amount, but I felt I’d sold it to the right person.

“I should add that while the business was doing well, it wasn’t making significant profits. I’d kept prices fairly low and given a lot of stock away as part of charity fundraisers. And I hadn’t wanted to push my salary too high because

I didn’t want to risk losing my incapacity benefit. To be honest, I’m not actually that good at making money – I’m just a really good marketeer!”

Adjusting to life after Glamsticks proved harder than expected. “I felt a bit rudderless for a while. Glamsticks was my baby, and I couldn’t forget about it! But just recently, the new owner offered me a small role as press officer, which I’m delighted about. It’s ideal because I can do what I’m good at without having to worry about the other aspects of the business.”

Moving to the countryside has enabled Debbie to pursue her passion for animal welfare by adopting a third cat and ten rescue hens (“The latest two had been so mistreated that they were featherless when we got them, but they are doing well now and we’ve named them ‘Aggie’ and ‘Promise’!”). Having been a vegan for ten years (and a vegetarian for a further ten), Debbie is an enthusiastic vegan cook and is currently working on her second vegan recipe book. “I self-publish and market all my books. It works well because I use a ‘print on demand’ system, so the book is always in stock.”

Debbie also enjoys speaking to audiences and training others in public speaking and marketing. “I’m currently working with Animal Aid to train speakers to give talks at schools, and I’d like to do more inspirational speaking. I feel I can deliver a motivational message to other people who are struggling with a disability. I’ve been there and I know it isn’t easy, but with a little help, I’ve struggled to keep my life going. It’s not just about finding meaningful work – I recognise that’s not always possible; it’s about finding a focus, an activity or cause that you feel passionately about. For me, being involved in animal activism is a huge help. Yes, I find it tiring to take care of my hens or go to an animal rights’ protest, but at the same time, I enjoy these activities and get something out of them. The changes of the past year have been stressful and draining, but I’m hoping that as time goes by and I get more settled in my new home, I will be able to replenish my reserves of energy so I can do more of the things I love.”

Debbie feeding her rescue hens

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Just a few weeks after the successes of London 2012, Irish Paralympic sport opened its doors to prospective athletes at a Paralympics Talent Search Event at University College Dublin’s Sport

Centre. The event was held on Saturday 13th October and sponsored by Cadbury, sponsors of the Irish Paralympic and Olympic Teams at London 2012.

Over 400 people attended the event, which aimed to encourage people with a physical disability to get involved in sport, and to unearth potential Irish talent for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Athletes from Ireland’s most successful Paralympic Team were present, including medallists Catherine Walsh, Mark Rohan, Helen Kearney and Michael McKillop, alongside 18 exhibiting sports and various demonstrations.

“Paralympic athletes have been overwhelmed by the amazing response to the London Games,” said Liam Harbison, CEO of Paralympics Ireland, “They have experienced an unprecedented level of public interest and recognition, and they take their responsibility to pass on the baton to new athletes very seriously. They want younger people with disabilities to have the same opportunities they have had.”

Double Paralympic gold medallist, hand-cyclist Mark Rohan, was on hand at the event to give advice to aspiring athletes: “It’s great to think that the team’s success in London will inspire others with a disability to try Paralympic sport. Given the level of raw talent on show today, I’ve no

The search for the next generation of Irish Paralympic athletes kicked off at a huge Paralympic Talent Search Event held in Dublin in October

Paralympic talent search

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Paralympic medallist Michael McKillop with 8 year old Olivia Cadogan, left, and 6 year old Georgia Cadogan, both from Drimnagh, Co. Dublin

Aspiring Paralympian Cian Horgan, age 8 with John Fulham, PRO Paralympics Ireland

Paralympic medallist Catherine O’Neill, from New Ross, Co. Wexford, getting a kiss from 2 year old Sophia Mulvaney, from Drumcondra, Co. Dublin

9 year old Eva Demreine, from

Shankill, Co. Dublin

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fEaTurE

SPOkEOuT

IWa SPOrT 2013 PrElImInary calEnDar Wheelchair Rugby European Championships IWA Sport will be the hosting the high profile Wheelchair Rugby European Qualifiers due to be held in Gormanston, Co Meath, from february 7th - 10th. This will be a four team event with the top two teams qualifying for the European Championships in October 2013.

International events IWA athletes will compete internationally in the following sports and events in 2013: Athletics World Championships france Table Tennis European Championships Italy Wheelchair Rugby European Championships Belgium

Home events calendar A comprehensive list of all national and international events can be found on our new website. Some key dates during the year are as follows:

Athletics Leinster Games April 27th Santry Athletics IWA / CPSI Senior Nationals June 1st Santry Athletics Junior Nationals June 29th Santry Basketball League Playoffs May 11th Galway Basketball Cup finals May 25th IWA, Clontarf Swimming Nationals July 13th NACArchery Nationals July 21st S/hill Co MeathTennis Nationals August 16th – 18th Riverview Bowls North/South Challenge April 25th IWA, Clontarf

doubt we will be seeing some of the new faces from today’s event at the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016.”

Amongst the sports on display at the event were archery, athletics, boccia, cycling, equestrian, 5-a-side and 7-a-side football, judo, powerlifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.

IWA Sports Development Officer Mark Barry was also involved in the event. “Today is about capitalising on the excitement generated by the Paralympics while

it is still fresh in people’s minds. Since the Games ended, we have been inundated with phone calls and emails from people wanting to get involved in sport. It would have been

Ruadh Bancroft, from Clonakilty, Co. Cork

Jamie McDowell, from Cavan

Colin Byne, from Bunclody, Co. Wexford

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impossible to meet everyone individually, so a day like this is invaluable. It’s not just about finding the next star for Rio (although that would just be a bonus!) – the main aim is to attract new children and adults to sport, and to encourage them to link in with local sports clubs or with IWA Sport. People have driven the length and breadth of the country to be here, so it is clear than the demand is there.”

One prospective young athlete was Graham Merrigan from Dublin. Graham has been playing wheelchair basketball regularly in IWA Clontarf for two years, but now wants to give hand-cycling a go. “I’ve been told I might have the upper body strength necessary to do well at the sport, so I came here today to have a go on the hand-cycle and to meet up Mark Rohan. It’s been fantastic and I’ve already arranged to link up with the Irish hand-cycling squad again in November to trial the sport properly.”

for more information on sporting opportunities, contact Mark Barry in IWA Sport on 01 818 6452; email: mark.barry@iwa.ie, or visit www.iwasport.com

InSPIrED by lOnDOn

IWrf WhEElchaIr rugby EurOPEan chamPIOnShIP qualIfIErS

Michael Rice, a keen basketball player himself, was inspired by his recent trip to the London Paralympics with fellow members of the Ardee Sports Project group

On 3rd-8th September, I travelled to London for the 2012 Paralympic Games as part of IWA Ardee Sports Project group. I had been looking forward to the trip for quite a while, but it exceeded all of my expectations.

I was lucky enough to see the wheelchair basketball, swimming, and athletics. Each of the venues we visited was impressive and the atmosphere from the crowd was electric, especially at the athletics. I particularly enjoyed seeing the basketball, as I play myself, but I was inspired by the determination shown by the athletes at every event.

As part of our trip, we were invited to the Irish Lodge for a reception with the Irish team. We met with all members of the Irish team and had photographs taken with the medal winners. Having the opportunity to meet with and share in the success of the Irish athletes was the highlight of the whole week for me.

The IWRf Wheelchair Rugby European Championship Qualifiers are coming to Ireland in February 2013

IWA Sport is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the Wheelchair Rugby European Championship Qualifiers in February 2013.

Dates: february 7th-9th 2013 Competition venue: Gormanston College, Co Meath Competitors: 4 teams competing for 2 qualifying slots to the European Championships (competing teams to be confirmed)More information can be found at: www.iwasport.com/wrecq2013

Members of the Ardee Sports Project in London, including Michael Rice (front row, fourth from left) and Board members Eileen O’Mahony and Mary Brannigan

Paralympic medallist Michael McKillop and aspiring Paralympian Niamh Dunphy, from Clondalkin

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Products

sPokeout

PracticalGIFTSWant to give a really useful present? kiara Lynch has found an eclectic mix of practical items, from snow grips to welly socks

Pogo Sketch PluSPogo Sketch Plus is a stylus

for all touch-screen interfaces. It’s engineered for simplicity and usability featuring bold colours, minimal design, and a highly flexible spring steel clip. The soft

tip glides easily over the surface of your interface, making it fun and easy to sketch, take notes, or just slide to unlock. Available at approx. ˆ14. 76 excl. P&P from www.amazon.co.uk.

DrawStrIng PackaPouch In royal PurPle colourMake life easier by using PackaPouch to lift and carry, saving time and effort. the open pouch can be used for larger items

and you simply pull the drawstring to secure PackaPouch. Drawstring PackaPouch comes in different colours and

designs to suit all people. Available at approx. ˆ 24.57 excl. P&P from

www.packapouch.co.uk.

PluShy Plushy is a anti-slip bathroom mat specially designed to be ultra-absorbent, soft and quick to dry. when it’s wet, it becomes even more slip resistant, becoming up to five times stronger, and is available in five colours.Available at approx. ˆ 9.59 excl. P&P from www.jmldirect.com.

hanDI whISk to use handi whisk just push down and the whisk spins by itself. It’s great for small to medium mixing jobs. the handi whisk does the work of both a balloon whisk and twirl whisk too. It has a soft grip handle and is dishwasher safe.Available at approx. ˆ11. 99 excl. P&P from www.jmldirect.com.

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Products

hanDI whISk gIve-awayJMldirect has kindly given us a handi whisk to give away. to be in with a chance of winning, send your name, address and contact number to: handi whisk competition, Spokeout, Irish wheelchair association, Blackheath Drive, clontarf. all entries will be entered in to a draw that will take place on Friday, 1st February. JMl is the home of great ideas. For further details on JMldirect’s range of products, visit www.jmldirect.com.

JoDIe gIve-away wInnerkathleen lynch, upton, co cork.

welly SockSthese socks are an ideal solution for people with bad circulation as they’re made from micro fleece. they will keep your feet warm and cosy and ensure a snug fit. They are great for the outdoors, worn inside shoes or wellies, and for the long cold winter nights sitting they’ll keep toes toasty! available in a range of colours and sizes with have full cushion. Available at approx. ˆ 11 excl. P&P from www.wellyheaven.ie.

Deluxe PackaPouch Peg BagMade from top quality oil cloth material, with a swivel hanging hook, enormous capacity and a large opening to see and access your peg selection, this bag was designed with quality and functionality in mind. you can also use it to carry and hold other items like make-up, toiletries, remote controls, etc. It can be hung from your washing line, from door handles, or hang it in the car and fill it with your loose items. Designed like PackaPouch, it can hold a large volume or pull in to secure a smaller quantity. Available at approx. ˆ 12.28 excl. P&P from www.packapouch.co.uk.

These are just ideas! Spokeout does not endorse any specific products or suppliers. We advise readers to shop around and, if appropriate, check with an OT to ensure a product is suitable for an individual’s needs.

BuSh Seven Inch DIgItal Photo FraMe (Black) Share your photos in widescreen with friends and family, using the Bush seven inch Digital Photo Frame. It’s wall mountable, and the simple black design helps it to give full emphasis to the photos its displaying. Available at approx. ˆ 30.99, more information available at www.argos.ie.

unIverSal StuDDeD Snow anD Ice grIPSa pair of studded snow and ice grips can come in very handy during the icy winter months. these universal studded snow and ice grips fit most boots and shoes. The steel studs provide excellent grip on ice.Available at approx. ˆ 8.99, more information available at www.argos.ie.

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Careers

Spokeout

A dAy in the life...

Raymond Mcdaid is an IWA driving Instructor based in Manorcunningham, Co donegal. He tells JoAnnA MARSden how he ended up in his current role and why he gets a tremendous kick out of teaching people to drive

Ray McDaid’s chance introduction to the Irish Wheelchair Association came in 2000. “At the time I was caring for an uncle who was in a wheelchair. One of his wheels had come off so

I went into IWA’s Mannorcunningham Centre to borrow a new wheelchair. It turned out that I knew the receptionist and I got talking to her and the manager. In the course of the conversation, I ended up telling them how after 27 years working as a long distance truck driver, I had semi-retired in 1996 to undergo a double hip replacement due to rheumatoid arthritis. It turned out they were looking for a part-time driver on a CE scheme – so basically I ended up coming out with a wheelchair for my uncle and a job for myself!”

Ray already had the specialised driving licence necessary for the job, and he was pleased to have an opportunity to get back to work. “Since the hip surgery, I’d done odd jobs here and there, but it was good to have steady part-time work in a sociable, people-orientated environment.” Ray adds: “Working with IWA, you quickly get to know

members – and they get to know you. They confide in you and you get to be friends, although it’s still important to maintain a professional distance.” As we are a person centred operation it is always important to strike the correct balance.

Despite having had rheumatoid arthritis since he was 18, Ray says it was only through IWA that he became aware of the issues facing many people with disabilities. “I could see how much they had to adapt to circumstances and depend on other people, like me and my co-workers. When I was driving the bus, I would look in the mirror and see the expression on their faces – the sheer lift they got from looking at the sky and the trees as we drove along – and I realised they were just happy to be looking at anything other than the same four walls they’d been staring at all week!”

After four years on a CE scheme, Ray successfully applied for a permanent part-time position as an IWA bus driver in 2004, a role he continued in until 2009 when another IWA position caught his interest. “The local IWA

Ray McDaid with the iWA adapted car

eduCAtIon And CAReeRS

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Driving Instructor was approaching retirement and I was aware that his job would be coming up soon. This was the only core staff Driving Instructor role in IWA and I was keen to go for it. I felt it was something I would be good at because when I’d been truck driving I’d often been given the job of training younger drivers, and I’d also enjoyed teaching my daughters to drive.”

Despite over 30 years of professional driving, Ray had to undertake an Advanced Driving Instructor Course before he could apply for the job. “It wasn’t a straightforward process because I initially failed the test on account of poor observation. It was difficult because as a result of my arthritis I can’t move my neck much, and with hindsight I possibly needed to make this clearer to the tester.”

Although Ray succeeded in the end, and went on to be appointed to the IWA Driving Instructor role, he says the experience made him aware of the importance of being well prepared for any test scenario, and of making the tester aware of any physical limitations. “I won’t let my students go for the test until I’m sure they are ready. I also make them use extra mirrors if they have limited neck mobility, or I emphasise the importance of turning from the waist or using whatever upper body mobility they have.”

Ray believes driving can be a critical skill for many people in rural locations. “It’s so important for people to get out. One man I taught, Francis Cunningham, stands out in my mind. Francis lives with his wife Margaret (both featured in the photograph with Ray) in a remote location and stopped driving after he had a stroke. He and his wife began to feel very isolated because if they needed to go anywhere, they had to wait for their son to bring them. Francis eventually decided to try to learn to drive again. I remember the first day I brought him out in the car. I told him to go very gently because it’s difficult to get the mind to switch to hand controls after decades of standard driving, but he managed it well. It was a very moving experience because it meant so much to him to be driving again, and emotions were very

much to the fore. Francis went on to pass his test and he still rings me regularly to let me know how he’s getting on.”

Ray feels members sometimes find it easier to talk to him because of his first hand experience of disability. “At this stage, I’m part of the furniture in IWA. But sometimes a new member will ask me, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ I’m always happy to explain and sometimes I think it helps people trust and confide in me because they don’t feel embarrassed or self-conscious.”

The hardest part of Ray’s job is when a member struggles with the initial driving assessment. “It deflates someone so much to be turned down at such an early stage, but thankfully it is very rare. In that situation the only thing I can do is to refer the person back to their medical personnel and to explore options like accessing a car as a passenger.”

“I also find it frustrating that members have to travel to Carrick-on-Shannon or Dublin for their assessment. Unfortunately we do not have an Occupational Therapist conducting driving assessments in Donegal, however Tony Maher in IWA’s Transport division does everything he can to facilitate members. ”

Ray is keen to get as many members driving as possible. “I want to spread the word that you are never to old to start driving. So far, everybody I’ve taught has passed their test in the end. It’s great to see people who thought that because of their disability they couldn’t drive finally getting out on the road. In IWA, we have the services to support

people through this process. Unfortunately it is a common misconception that you have to be a wheelchair user to use our services, so we need to keep emphasising that we are here for people with all types of limited mobility.”

Although Ray has been employed as an IWA Driving Instructor since 2009, he still occasionally drives the IWA bus. “All our staff are flexible and I’m happy to help out as required. I’m also involved in fundraising campaigns and I’m always fully booked around the Angel Campaign when I deliver angels to shops and then go out shaking the bucket.”

“I’m very content with my job because I really get a kick out of helping people achieve a significant goal in their life. Last year, I gave lessons to a woman living in a rural area of Inishowen, Eunice Toland, who had had identified learning to drive as a lifetime ambition during IWA’s ‘Member Contact Initiative’. Eunice started lessons and eventually went on to pass her test and purchase a car. She is now frequently out and about and it has changed her life completely. Before she learnt how to drive, her entire life had been scheduled around the local bus timetable. Now she has the freedom to plan her own day. After a lifetime spent waiting for others, there is a tremendous freedom in discovering you can do something you never thought possible.”

Ray with former student francie Cunningham and his wife Margaret from Malinbeg, Glencolmckille, Co Donegal

“It was a very moving experience because it meant so much to him

to be driving again”

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opinion

Spokeout

My twin and I are disabled and ill. We may look hale and hearty with our fun outfits, but our pink hats have a history. In February this year I was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery

followed by five weeks radiotherapy. Whilst in St Luke’s, every Wednesday we patients had a party and sing-song. One night was billed a ‘Wigs, Scarves and Hat Evening’. Ann, my twin, decorated these two pink hats and brought them in to me and we wore one each. Since then, they’ve become a symbol of ’resistance’, a symbol of not capitulating to the cancer cells wanting to annihilate my life. They also seemed to fit perfectly the mood of our protest outside the Dail in October, which was about

resisting another type of cancer spreading through Government policies.

Disabled people protested that day because Personal Assistants (PAs) – those much needed people who support us living independently in the community and contributing to society – were under threat. We feared the ‘thin end of the wedge’. What else would be cut, how would we survive, how would we ‘live a life worth living’? Huge cuts to home help services, coeliac food on medical cards, and care packages had been made. Such cuts disproportionally target vulnerable sick, disabled and older people, contributing to further hardship, ill health and in some cases even death.

twins Margaret and Ann kennedy were involved in a protest outside the Dail in September which resulted in the reversal of Government cutbacks to personal Assistance services. Margaret tells us why she is still campaigning, and calls on other people with disabilities to join her

Double trouble

Margaret and Ann outside the Dail in September

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Disabled people are perceived as ‘costly’ and a ‘drain’ on budgets in times of recession by many politicians, some members of the general public and certain unscrupulous journalists. Disability hate crime is not recorded in Ireland (which is a disgrace) but it is in the UK and it is frightening to note that it has rocketed there recently.

Ann and I are both severely deaf and have a rare neuro-muscular degenerative disease causing muscle wasting and movement disorders. We have ongoing care and support needs. Currently, we are both on a waiting list for powered wheelchairs, as neither of us can self-propel our manual wheelchairs other than on very flat surfaces and for short periods. Our large mobility scooters cannot go on the DART, into shops or on the buses.

If he had had we power chairs, on the day of the September protest, we could have bootled down to the DART, used our free passes, and bootled up to the Dail protest all for free. As it was, we spent 80 euro of our benefit money to take taxis into the city and back in order to attend the Dail protest – we did this because we knew it was critically important that we take a stand.

Recently I was told by a nurse that I was ’lucky’ to have three hours a week of PA services. ‘Lucky’ is not how I feel. I am a 59-year-old former lecturer, with a doctorate, being told I’m lucky to get out of the house for three hours a week. I would like to take on some lecturing work, but with no PA and no power wheelchair this is impossible. I am now in a forced ‘low income/benefits only’ situation, as is my twin. A big fall from a lecturer’s job I can tell you. All our money went into buying bungalows, which we are now trying to make wheelchair friendly with the help of small local authority grants. I was fortunate to be able to supplement my grant, and as a result the structural adaptations are now finished. However, Ann cannot add extra money to her grant, and thus work to adapt her small bungalow to accommodate a wheelchair has not yet begun. It’s a great worry.

We feel like this Government does not want us to have a life worth living. We did not choose to be disabled or ill. As Ann said recently, “Disability is not a lifestyle choice.” I believe we can be ‘squeezed’ because we don’t have a strong political ’voice’. The TROIKA rides rough-shod over disability rights when it orders cuts to health/care budgets. We need to strengthen our political voice by advocating and protesting nationally and locally. No doubt, the forthcoming budget will bring further cuts. We may be disabled, but we will not be pawns or scapegoats. Join Ann and me, and the many other activists already speaking up, in protesting. The urgency is great, the consequences of not protesting potentially dismal. We all deserve a life worth living, so let’s demand it now!

Margaret can be contacted on email: magsken57@gmail.com. Her blog is: http://drragingwheels.blogspot.com Ann can be contacted at annken57@gmail.com Her blog is: http://awnyahdays ay.blogspo t.com

MArGAret’S cAll to Action• Make an appointment to see your local TD • Tell them why you are worried and about the

hardships you are already experiencing• Link up with other activists like Ann and me and

attend national/regional protests• Keep informed of your rights and don’t ‘accept’

shoddy services or attitudesIf you are unable to attend protests:• Write letters to relevant ministers about your

worries and hardships• Go online and join petitions of protest• Make a video at home and send it to TDs or

ministers• Make a banner and give it to someone to take to

marches or protests on your behalf• Donate to protests groups who can use the money

for leaflets, transport and support workers

A political poster made by Ann

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xxxxxxx

Spokeout

Wheelchairtaxi.ie’s new website went live recently after many months in development. There were a few hiccups along the way, but all problems are now sorted, and the website is doing what I always hoped it would – providing quick and

easy access to all forms of wheelchair accessible transport, promoting independence, raising standards in the industry, and driving social change.

As a wheelchair user myself, I have always struggled with transport and Wheelchairtaxi.ie developed as a result. The site lists wheelchair taxis, car hire, minibus/coach hire, wheelchair accessible boats, as well as specialised transport. These listings are constantly being added to, so if you know any service providers, please encourage them to sign up, as it will benefit not only wheelchair users but also local business.

The new site was only just live when it was nominated for an Eircom Spider Award. Alas, we were pipped at the post by the National Health Authority, but it was still a great boost to have our hard work acknowledged! We will continue developing the site and if you have any suggestions on how we could improve or add to our services, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Visit www.wheelchairtaxi.ie for more information and contact details.

Frustrated by the lack of accessible taxis, business student Stephen cluSkey founded www.wheelchairtaxi.ie, an online database of accessible taxis and other transport. he told his story in our spring issue, and six months later, his website is flourishing and has received an eircom Spider nomination

onlIne TRANSPORT lIStInGS

The new wheelchairtaxi.ie website

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Access

spokeout

Ailis Healy would love a day out; to go shopping, have some lunch, maybe take in a movie. But for Ailis long trips away from home are out of the question because there are no public toilets

which meet her needs.Ailis (28) has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. In

order to use toilet facilities Ailis needs the use of a hoist. However, the standard accessible toilets aren’t equipped with such facilities. It was while browsing the internet for information on hoists that Ailis’s mum Ann came across the ‘Changing Places’ website - www.changing-places.org

Changing Places is a campaign run, since 2006, by a consortium of UK-based organisations to improve accessible toilet facilities to meet the needs of all people with a disability.

Changing Places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets in that they provide more space and extra equipment for people with disabilities and their carers. Changing Places facilities should include, among other things: a centrally placed toilet with space on either side for carers; adequate space for the disabled person and at least two carers; a height adjustable adult-size changing bench; and either a ceiling track or mobile hoist.

These toilets should be provided alongside the standard disabled toilets in venues such as shopping centres, arts venues, hospitals, leisure complexes and airports. Over 450 Changing Places toilets are located across the UK – nine of which are in Northern Ireland.

The inclusion of these facilities in such venues would

Standard ‘accessible toilets’ are not accessible for everyone. Youth Media Group correspondent

RAchel cReevey finds out about why and learns about a new campaign to address this problem

mean a day out is no longer out of the question for people like Ailis. They would no longer have to limit their involvement for fear of needing to use the bathroom.

Ailis and her mum Ann are eager to promote this campaign to Irish audiences in the hope that Changing Places facilities will become a regular feature in Irish venues. They say they would “love to get in touch with other people who have the same problem and maybe set up some kind of a group, perhaps including someone who had the expertise to set up a website on the group’s behalf.”

The recommendations for toilet facility provisions included in the Irish Wheelchair Association’s Best Practice Access Guidelines were informed by the Changing Places campaign. Representatives at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport acted on these recommendations when designing their new facilities and as a result there are two Changing Place toilets located in Terminal 2 – one in the check-in building beside the One Complete Solution (OCS) Reception Desk and the other in the Baggage Hall, Terminal 2.These toilets contain a changing bench but at present any passengers who will require the use of a hoist while passing through Dublin Airport are asked to email Joan Murphy at OCS, joan.murphy@ocsireland.com, at least seven days before travel, if possible. This will ensure that a hoist will be in place for their use.

OCS is responsible for providing assistance to all passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility as they journey through Dublin Airport. This service is provided on behalf of Dublin Airport Authority. Upon arrival at the airport, passengers should present themselves at the OCS reception desk to be advised of the Changing Place facilities or any other accessibility requirements.

The staff of Dublin Airport Authority and OCS have been in further consultation with the IWA regarding improving their facilities further.

A second Changing Places facility for Dublin will be part of the renovation work due to take place in the National Gallery of Ireland.

changing plAces

campaigner ailis healy

The changing Place toilet in Dublin airport

Need to hire a hoist? In the east, contact JS Dobbs, Baldoyle, Dublin 13. Tel: 01 839 1071 or visit: www.jsdobbs.ie In the north/north-west, try Evolution Healthcare, Co Tyrone. Tel: 028 8772 7855

or visit: www.evolutionhealthcare.co.uk. Need to hire accessible equipment in Kerry? Contact Tralee ROC, Tel: 066 718 0154.

Somewhere to recommend? Contact Kiara Lynchat email: kiara.lynch.work@gmail.com

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travel

Holidaying at homea winter break can be wonderful if you fancy scenic drives, festive shopping, or simply want to curl up in a cosy bed and order room service. Why not base yourself in one of these accessible hotels, recommended by Kiara lyncH?

PILLO HOTEL & SPaHeadford PointHeadford RoadGalwayT: 091 513 200 www.pillohotelgalway.comThe 4-star Pillo Hotel is within walking distance of Galway City Centre and the train station, making it an ideal location from where to base your stay when visiting the city of the tribes. The entrance has level access, and there are six designated parking spaces in the underground car park. Six bedrooms are wheelchair accessible, and are located on the first, second, and third floors, with lift access. Each en suite has a roll-in shower with a fixed shower seat and surrounding grab rails around the shower and toilet. The bar and restaurant are fully wheelchair accessible. Just 15 minutes transfer from Galway Airport, the Hotel can also serve as a launching point from where to explore Connemara and the West of Ireland, perhaps coupled with a visit to one of the cities many festivals.

THE RaDISSON BLu HOTEL & SPaEnnis RoadLimerickT: 061 456 200www.radissonblu.ie/hotel-limerickThe Radisson Blu Limerick provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable spa break, or for comfortable, modern accommodation near Thomond Park. There are three designated accessible parking spaces within 100 yards of the main reception, and the entrance has level access. The hotel has three wheelchair accessible bedrooms on the first floor with lift access and with space to fit a hoist under the beds. Each en suite has a roll-in shower with a fixed shower seat and surrounding grab rails around the shower and toilet. The bar and restaurant are fully wheelchair accessible. Nestled between the beautiful River Shannon and the rolling green hills of Clare County, this hotel’s location just four kilometres from the city centre train station makes it an ideal travel hotel from which to explore Ireland’s south west.

THE GREaT NORTHERN HOTELBundoranCo DonegalTel: 071 984 1204www.greatnorthernhotel.comThis luxury hotel is located on 130 acres of parkland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Donegal Bay. The entrance has level access and there are five designated parking spaces adjacent to the main reception. The hotel has 112 bedrooms; four of these are wheelchair accessible and two are located on the ground floor, while the other two are on the first floor with lift access. Each en suite has a roll-in shower with a fixed shower seat and surrounding grab rails around the shower and toilet. The bar and restaurant are fully wheelchair accessible. There are two bus stations in Bundoran and the hotel is a 45 minute drive from Sligo city. This is a truly majestic hotel from which to explore Ireland’s north west.

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This summer Strasbourg-based Sonya folca took her fourth accessible holiday in South africa. She tells us about her extraordinary experiences there, from quad biking down a namibian sand dune to visiting a community scheme for battered women near cape Town

african adventure

above: Feeling on top of the world on a sand dune in namibia

As I sat on my quad bike on top of the sand dune, I suddenly began to panic. What on earth was I doing? I shouldn’t be doing this, it felt all wrong. I was suddenly out of my comfort zone, faced with

actually having to do something I had never even dreamed I could do. Seeing me hesitate, my two companions rushed over to check on me. A little gentle coaxing, and I went for it – careering down that dune at what seemed an impossible speed. And then, suddenly, there seemed to be no stopping me. I felt suddenly free, suddenly ‘normal’. Of course, I had always considered myself ‘normal’, and had never accepted the tag ‘disabled’; but, as I charged down that dune in Namibia, I suddenly realised that this was real freedom. I was no longer the prisoner of my wheelchair, and having no legs to brace me didn’t matter – this, it seemed, was what I had been looking for all my life, without knowing it.

And I had found it thanks to the vision of two people, Mike and Silvia Hill, who run their own tour company, and are passionate about travelling the continent they live in

(Southern Africa) – and showing it to others. Determined that the destinations on their list must be accessible to everyone, they have made a speciality of catering for people with disabilities of all kinds: the physically, visually and hearing impaired, oxygen users and people on dialysis. Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique are the countries they cover, either singly or in combination, and nothing seems too much trouble, as they give their guests (as they affectionately call them) the itineraries they want with accommodation to match.

I myself had already tried everything from tents to five-star lodges (this was my fourth trip with them). It all began some years earlier, when I started using odd free moments in the office to search the web for a holiday destination which wasn’t too distant, and where my being in a wheelchair wouldn’t cause too many problems, for me or for anyone else. Call it fate, but the name ‘Endeavour Safaris’ caught my eye. I liked it because it sounded purposeful – and, sure enough, Endeavour were offering trips to South Africa for

“one of the things i suddenly realised, perched on my quad bike on top of that sand dune in namibia,

was that i had found a country where

physical difference really didn’t matter”

disabled people. I had always dreamed of going there – and at last my dream looked like coming true! At university, I had been heavily involved in the anti-Apartheid movement and, now that Apartheid had ended, I was eager to see the places I had heard so much about: Cape Town, Robben Island and all the others.

But first, the backstory. I was born with spina bifida and, studying in Dublin at the age of 24, had to take the difficult decision to have my legs – severely ulcerated, with gangrene on the way – amputated. I didn’t really have time to work out how much my life would change: all I wanted was to break the deadly cycle of weeks and sometimes months in hospital, and get on with my life. But my life did change, and not always for the better. My health improved, of course, but the spina bifida had left my back too weak for prosthetic legs to be a possibility. So, no more buses, no more stairs – and even single steps became a problem in a wheelchair. For the first time, I really knew, in college and outside, just what it meant to live in a world made by others for others. Small wonder that long-range travel seemed a fading prospect.

But Endeavour solved the problem – and they solved another, subtler problem too. Without positively avoiding them, I had never particularly associated with other disabled people – partly, I suppose, because I was determined to dodge the stereotypes. In short, I didn’t want to join a ‘club’ and I didn’t want special treatment; so I couldn’t help wondering how it would feel to be part of a group, just one of several in wheelchairs. But I needn’t have worried. Whether camping or in lodges, whether we’d spent the day in the wild or visiting a community scheme for battered women in a township near Cape Town, our guides created an atmosphere in which we all felt at home, as we chatted easily, swapping stories and impressions at dinner or round the camp fire that evening. And they always made us feel special as well – in a totally positive way.

And then there was Africa itself. I had always thought of it as a continent full of problems. But what I found in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana was, in each case, a country with its own landscape and character, its own vibrancy and colour – and a people proud of what they had achieved, and proud to show their land to others. Of course, there are still severe problems – lack of water,

electricity and adequate housing among them – but these will certainly be solved, if the warm, positive, committed and welcoming people we met are anything to go by. Spokes, our guide this year in Botswana, was a shining example. Himself a Batswana, with a deep love and knowledge of his country, he was a mine of information on its history and customs. And wildlife too – he taught us to recognise the tracks we saw by day, and the calls we heard at night as we lay in our tent.

Every new trip deepens my love of Africa, its people and its wildlife. The animals, of course, are extraordinary. I have seen a wide range, from mini to maxi – from scrub hares skittering through the grass, to young male elephants play-battling for dominance. Talking of elephants, the Addo Reserve brought me one experience I shall never forget, when an enormous male, having circled our van, probed it with his trunk and then retreated, suddenly looked as if he might charge us after all. Our driver must have beaten the world reversing record! Nor will I forget lying on my camp bed in the tent and listening to the grunting of hippos, which suddenly seemed a lot closer than they probably were, or to the beautiful sound of the bell frogs. And not many people have had hyenas, jackals or elephants come wandering through their campsite either.

One of the things I suddenly realised, perched on my quad bike on top of that sand dune in Namibia, was that I had found a country where physical difference really didn’t matter, but giving me and others like me access to the journey of a lifetime really did. And the facilities were environment-friendly as well: all the lodges and campsites chosen by Endeavour blended beautifully into their surroundings, leaving nature almost wholly undisturbed.

Well, that’s my Africa story, or part of it – and it isn’t finished yet. Nor is Mike and Silvia’s: their latest scheme, the biggest so far, is tourist lodge complexes, entirely run and staffed by people who are themselves disabled, in Botswana and South Africa (Cape Town). Knowing them as I do, I’m sure they’ll make it. And I’m sure of something else too: when they do, I’ll be there from day one – queuing right on their doorstep.

Sonia is happy to share information with anyone considering a safari and can be contacted on: sonya.folca@coe.int

39

TraVEl

SpokEouT

Sonya with her guide Spokes and his team in BotswanaYoung male elephants at play

41

cartoons

spokeout

tech the halls...Kids these days may eat, drink and sleep technology, but having been around a bit longer, poor Father Christmas is struggling with the pace of change...

cartoons by Johnny connaughton

43

LIVING

Spokeout

Indoor plants make good companions, particularly in winter when frost has reduced much of the garden to mush. Unless you have planted for winter surprises, there will be nothing much to admire outside until

the first stirrings of spring. Houseplants are remarkably tolerant of benign neglect and in spite of it, continue to do their good work of making your house a safer and more pleasant place to be. They are extraordinarily hard workers, reducing fungus, dust, noise levels, odours, pollution of all sorts and absorbing airborn bacteria.

By the time houseplants, particularly those reared for the Christmas and winter market, reach the supermarkets and garden centres, they could already be dying, having been through a series of sudden and stressful shocks. Grown and cosseted in heated glasshouses and polytunnels under tightly controlled conditions, their first shock is when they’re shifted out for transportation. If, for example, a tropical plant is on display outside in a freezing wind, then it’s buyer beware: don’t buy it.

The best survivors among the seasonal flowering plants are probably potted chyrsanthemums. They also smell nice and can be planted out in spring, with varying degrees of success. Buy them in bud, when they are showing just a little colour, rather than in flower. Then keep them cool and moist, but not wet. More houseplants die of overwatering than anything else.

Also abundant at this season are potted Azalea, Rhododendrons by another name. They are happiest in cool woodland, which might give you some idea of how to treat them. It’s best to buy a big specimen that has had time to adjust to life in a pot, one with fat, closed flower buds and juicy leaves that show no sign of dropping. Keep it cool but humid, semi-shaded and moist (maybe in the hall) and it will flower for months. Give it rainwater with some diluted tea added from time to time, but never tap water.

THE wINtergardEnEr

As the nights close in and the garden winds down for the year, Helen Rock brings her focus inwards as she considers companionable

indoor plants and reviews some inspiring christmas gifts for garden lovers

GardeNING tooLS – IdeaL chrIStmaS GIftS!Thrive is a small and dynamic British charity that uses gardening to change the lives of disabled people. One company that champions this form of horticultural therapy is Peta UK, a Colchester-based firm that produces ergonomic tools of many descriptions, including, by the way, kitchen implements, all of which are particularly easy to grip and to use. Recently, they held a tool-testing day with Thrive and saw how people enjoyed the real benefits of using their gardening tools.

Peta designs and manufactures its products to assist those with reduced grip strength. They say that anyone who struggles to use conventional gardening tools, for whatever reason, can benefit from these specialist products. Thrive, which has various gardening groups of all ages and abilities, say that some of their people are now finding their experience even more enjoyable, thanks to the easy to use, strain free Peta tools.

Ling Woo, who is a volunteer at Thrive, say that “the tools certainly enhance our gardeners’ experience and enable them to enjoy their work in greater comfort. I have been particularly impressed by the arm support cuff, which has given those who struggle to control their movements excellent guidance and support. I would certainly recommend the products to anyone who has difficulty using conventional

Peta add-On Handle

azaleas make ideal indoor plants

a selection of Easi-grip Peta Tools

LIVING

44

bookS for GardeNerSFrom the Ground Up - How Ireland is Growing its Own by Fionnuala Fallon, with photographs by Richard Johnston (The Collins Press, ˆ24. 99 from bookshops and online at www.collinspress.ie)Once again, just as happened in the first half of the 20th century, Irish people have developed a huge interest in growing their own vegetables, fruit and herbs, either in their gardens or on rented plots or allotments. In her timely, well written, hugely informative and attractive new book, garden writer and designer Fionnuala Fallon has captured this Zeitgeist, the spirit of the age we live in, brilliantly. She has visited growers up and down the country and recorded their trials and successes, their top tips, favourite tools and suppliers and their pet hates.A small sample of the gardens visited – and evocatively photographed by Fallon’s husband Richard Johnston – include a tiny windswept city balcony, a beautiful and productive school garden in Donaghmede, former Green Party leader Trevor Sargent’s small patch in north Co Dublin, the wild Co Mayo seaside garden of Michael Viney of The Irish Times, St Raphael’s in Youghal where Michelin-starred chef Martijn Kajuiter of the Cliff House Hotel has his organic vegetables grown and the beautiful gardens of bio-dynamic growers and teachers, Tonguy and Isabelle de Toulgoet, of Dunmore Country School, near Durrow in Co Laois.

The Grasses of Ireland by John Feehan & Helen Sheridan, with photographs by Damian Egan (published by Teagasc, in association with UCD). To order a copy at ˆ37. 50 inc. p&p, tel. 059 917 0200.Grasses are beautiful, possessing subtle riches of colour and tone. They are prolific, adaptable, resourceful and responsible for a good deal of the Emerald in our fair

Isle. They are also economically and functionally essential and have long been vital for gardeners, for practical as well as decorative reasons. For example, the very strong, white-striped grass that is known as ‘gardeners’ garters’ is so called because it was used to tie-in plants to supports and also to hold up the bottoms of trousers, to keep them out of the mud. This hugely detailed book, which boasts a wealth of supplementary background material, is a welcome publication, of interest to all gardeners, plantspeople and anyone curious about the urban and rural landscape. The photographs are excellent and are backed up by botanical drawings.

what’S oN8th December, 10am-2pm: Festive flower arranging workshop with Christopher White, a gold medal winner at Bloom and three-time winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. Cost £30. Booking at www.rolestownplantsplus.ie and 01 840 5780.Sat 2nd Feb 2013, 9.30am-5pm: ‘Snowdrop Gala & Other Spring Treasures’ at Ballykealey Manor, near Altamont, Co Carlow. Cost ˆ 70, including lectures, lunch and a guided tour of Altamont gardens. Bulbs from specialist nurseries will be on sale. Bookings: Hester Forde (086 865 4972) or Robert Miller (087 982 2135). Sat 9th March 2013, 10am-4pm: Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI) Annual Seminar on ‘Collecting Plants for a Better Garden’ at National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Speakers are contemporary plantsman and collector Jimi Blake of Huntingbrook Garden, Co Wicklow; environmentalist & creative gardener Carl Wright of Caher Bridge Garden, Co Clare; hellebore specialist John Massey of Ashwood Nurseries, UK. Cost €50 for RHSI & IGPS members, €60 for non-members. Booking 01 235 3912 (Tues, Wed, Thurs 10am-1.30pm), 087 368 2916 (Mon-Fri, 2-3pm & 6-7pm. Email: info@rhsi.ie Web: www.rhsi.ie

products but also to those who just want a more comfortable option.”

Peta’s range includes the Easi-Grip Trowel and Easi-Grip Fork and something that sounds great value, called the Add-On Handle, which can be fitted to regular garden tools to convert them to an ergonomic grip. Peta says that all of their gardening tools have been designed in response to feedback from occupational therapists and have a specially angled handle making them supremely comfortable to use. By keeping your hand and wrist in a natural position, they eliminate the strains and blisters that can be caused by conventional style garden tools, while the ‘soft-feel’ grip has a non-slip, waterproof finish, making the tools easy to grip even with wet hands.

Incidentally, Thrive stresses that keeping active in all seasons is really important to everybody’s health and wellbeing. “Gardening is an excellent high or low impact activity which can be done inside and out and in all weathers. During winter months,” they say, “we can neglect exercise but it’s important to keep your body’s circulation going, as well as helping treat anxiety and staving off the winter blues. Easi-Grip garden tools and all their other specially designed implements can be bought online at www.johnpreston.co.uk (Note: You may need to visit www.peta-uk.com to see the full range of products, but Peta does not deliver to Ireland. However, even if not listed on the John Preston website, John Preston will be happy to supply any Peta product to Ireland).

Fork and something that sounds great value, called the Add-On Handle, which can be fitted to regular garden tools to convert them to an ergonomic grip. Peta says that all of their gardening tools have been designed in response to feedback from occupational therapists and have a specially

The Grasses of Ireland Helen Sheridan, with photographs by Damian Egan (published by Teagasc, in association with UCD). To order a copy at ˆ37. 50 inc. p&p, tel. 059 917 0200.Grasses are beautiful, possessing subtle

47

living

my first power wheelchairWhen 29-year-old Youth Media group Correspondent padraiC haYes from shannon in Co Clare decided it was time to buy his first power wheelchair, he put a great deal of thought into making the right decision

Padraic on the pros and cons of switching to a power wheelchair:

Pros:■ You do not have to push the wheelchair yourself.■ It’s easier to travel on footpaths in a power wheelchair, compared to pushing a manual wheelchair over rough and unstable footpaths. ■ When you fund it yourself, you can pick your own chair e.g. colour, model. You normally get your chair within a few weeks of ordering it.■ Money can’t buy you the independence the power wheelchair will bring you.

Cons■ By not pushing, you get less exercise!■ There is more maintenance with the power wheelchair compared to the manual wheelchair. For example, if a part goes you could be a few days waiting to get the wheelchair fixed.■ You could be out in your power wheelchair and it might suddenly break down.■ You need to charge your power wheelchair regularly.

Two years ago I decided it was time that I bought my own power wheelchair. I found that pushing my manual wheelchair was getting really difficult for me – I was becoming more tired and found it difficult going up

hills. Changing to a power chair was a big step for me and I was excited and nervous at the same time. I began by looking into the different types of power wheelchairs that were on the market. It was a bit like buying a car; I phoned a few different companies, and I had some come to my house to show me some power wheelchairs. I also looked on the internet and visited different chat rooms to see what other people thought of the different makes of power chairs on the market.

There were so many different types to choose from and lots of established retailers. I eventually decided to buy a TDX SP by Invacare. I found out from my research that Invacare is a well-known brand, and I also had a few friends with Invacare power wheelchairs. This was my first power wheelchair so I was nervous about making the wrong choice, and I wanted to go with a brand that I was familiar with rather than choose a brand that wasn’t well known.

I ended up having to purchase my power chair privately. I did look at the other avenues for getting a power chair but unfortunately I had no success. I contacted my local Health Board and was assessed for a power wheelchair by my local occupational therapist, who submitted a formal application on my behalf, but I was turned down as I did not meet their current criteria.

As power wheelchairs are expensive, the fact that Invacare offered hire purchase finance as part of their company’s business model was a big incentive, and I ended up purchasing my power wheelchair over a five-year period. Hire purchase is a great option for people with disabilities who want to buy their own equipment. Ultimately, all equipment is about helping us to live our daily lives as independently as possible, and I have found that since I bought my own power wheelchair I have a new lease of life – I am more independent and able to go to more places on my own.

Padraic in his new chair

49

motoring

Spokeout

2012 IWA MOTORING RALLY Niall McDonnell driving his

mustang in the rally

The third Annual IWA Motoring Rally, open to all drivers and passengers with disabilities, took place on 15th September 2012 and attracted motor enthusiasts from all over the country.

Wheelchair Cars Ireland was once again the event sponsor. The Slieve Bloom Mountains, which link counties Laois and Offaly, were chosen by Course Co-ordinator Declan Grogan as the location for the majority of this year’s 134km long course.

After registration, all contestants were briefed on how to follow the IWA Motoring Rally handbook. The official start time was 10.30am, with over fifty contestants leaving the start line in Portlaoise at two minute intervals. Competitors soon entered the Slieve Blooms, crossing the scenic Glendine Gap before finishing for a well-earned lunch break in Birr. As well as navigating the directions in the handbook, contestants had completed two off-road tests designed to assess their driving skills and had been required to drive parts of the course at fixed speeds. Discussion over lunch ranged from contestants expressing their delight at the fantastic views to more competitive types asking innocently how their competitors were faring!

Suitably refreshed, the IWA Motoring Rally departed from Birr and, after travelling though the village of Clonaslee, ascended once more into the wonderful and sunny Slieve Bloom countryside. After approximately two hours of navigation and off-road tests, contestants crossed the finishing line in Portlaoise.

As contestants sat down to dine at the Rally dinner, there

was much speculation regarding who would be on the winners’ podium. Course co-ordinator Declan announced the results to a room full of anxious faces. This year, there was a new overall winner – Michael Doyle and his navigator Anne Sheehan. Michael, who is well known in IWA circles but more often seen in the winners’ enclosure at greyhound tracks, stole the title from last year’s winner, Louth man Patrick Lennon, who had been hoping for a hat-trick of wins in this category. Full details of the winners and runners up is available on our website www.iwa.ie

It is fair to say that all contestants had a great day and the feedback received was incredibly positive. Special mention is due to generous sponsors Wheelchair Cars Ireland and to Declan Grogan and his band of helpers from Carlow and the Midland Motoring clubs, without whose energy and expertise this event could not take place.

The 2013 Rally won’t be long coming around and we would encourage all motorists with disabilities to consider taking part in this unique and enjoyable annual event. Remember no previous rally or motor event experience is required! If you would like further information, please contact Tony or Niall at the National Mobility Centre, Clane, on 045 893 094 or maats@iwa.ie

Driving and navigational skills were tested at IWA’s Annual Motoring Rally in the beautiful Slieve Bloom Mountains in September. tony MAheR, IWA transport Manager, reports

Winners of category for over two years’ driving experience (l to r): Gerry Murtagh (WheelchairCarsIreland); Tom Caulfield, Driver; and Dermot Hope, Navigator. Photo by Nuala Grogan

51

motoring

Spokeout

NEWS

Brian Madden from Dublin, a long time supporter of IWA, receives his €10,000 cheque from the August Draw of the Friends of IWA Monthly Prize Draw from Francis Genockey, Fundraising Development Officer, IWA

AuGust 2012 suPer €10,000 DrAW WInnerBrian Madden, Blanchardstown, Dublin

sePteMBer 2012 WInners1st Prize ˆ2,00 0: Lorraine Murray, Dublin 2nd Prize ˆ1,500: Kieran Bergin, Co Kildare 3rd Prize ˆ500: Sinisa Kasolovic, Dublin

OctOBer 2012 WInners 1st Prize ˆ2,00 0: Kevin Doyle, Wexford 2nd Prize ˆ1,500: Liam Saunders, Carlow3rd Prize ˆ500: Michael Staunton, Galway

To enter the Friends of IWA Monthly Draw, visit www.iwa.ie/Friends-of-IWA or contact Robbie Cousins, Friends of IWA Monthly Draw Co-ordinator, on 087 2609169.

Walk with Irish Wheelchair Association and discover the cultural and musical heritage of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. The 2013 International Walk will depart from Dublin Airport on Thursday 28th March and return on Saturday 6th April. Participants will explore Nashville, the home of country music; Memphis, the home of the Blues; and finally New Orleans, the city that boasts elegant French architecture.

This year IWA is asking all walkers to raise ˆ 4,200 (or ˆ 7,900 per couple) for participation and to help to support the vital services that IWA provides for people with physical disabilities. For further information, contact Helen Power on 01 818 6469 or email fund@iwa.ie.

2013 International Walk to America

nashville tennessee

Take To The slopes for IWaThis January IWA, in partnership with iRadio, will host its second annual ski trip to St Johann, Austria. Participants will depart from Dublin Airport on Saturday 21st January and return on Saturday 28th January. The culture of St Johann will suit both skiers and non-skiers. Fergal Darcy from iRadio will lead the ski trip, so tune in and listen to what Fergal has planned on iRadio, Monday to Friday from 3pm-6pm. Participants are asked to raise ˆ 2,750 to take part. If you’re interested in taking part, please contact Helen Power on 01 818 6469 or email fund@iwa.ie.

55

news

spokeout

Cuisle Holiday Centre, IWA’s national holiday centre celebrated its 15th birthday in style at a Gala Ball in The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on 5th October. Kevin McStay, MC, kept the formal part

of the evening flowing with speeches. Cuisle Manager Jean Coleman took the opportunity to thank all the sponsors and outline the many positive developments at Cuisle since its opening in 1997. IWA CEO Kathleen McLoughlin highlighted that, despite a 15 percent cut in funding, IWA was proud to have maintained service levels at Cuisle.

Special guests were Paralympian table tennis players Ronan Rooney and his wife Rena McGarron-Rooney. Ronan spoke about the rigorous preparations involved in qualifying for the Paralympics and the magnitude of the event itself.

The dance floor was full all night thanks to the music of The Paschal Brennan Showband and later DJ Robbie. There were lots of giveaways including a €250 fuel voucher, sponsored by Corrib Oil, which was won by Mary Hannon, Cuisle Duty Manager. The top prize of €10,000 was won by young Jamsie Gerety and was collected by his aunty Ann Gerety.

IwA staff, guests, friends and supporters gather at Gala Ball to celebrate 15 years of IwA’s national Holiday Centre

Cuisle HAs A BAll!

Back l-r: eileen shannon, Kevin Mcstay (MC), Jean Coleman (Cuisle Manager), Rachel Burke, Tony Cunningham (Regional Director) and Dominic Connolly. Front l-r: Rena McCarron Rooney and Ronan Rooney (Paralympians and guest speakers)

l-r: emma Molloy, Christina leonard, Deirdre Morgan and Niamh Donlon

56

l-r: Cindy Bolger, Jackie Doyle, Claire Craddock, Colette Blanchford and Angela lyons

l-r: Winifred R idley, sarah Murray, Anthony Murray and John Ridley l-r:: Group of ladies from Dunmore

l-r: Bernie King, Martina Mitchell, eamonn Mitchell, Maria Richardson and Orla Boyle

< l-r: Kevin Mcstay and Kathleen Mcloughlin, CeO of iWA

Orla Boyle take a sip from the champagne fountain

< Back l-r: Aisling Coyne, eileen shannon, Marie Grogan, Rachel Burke, Geraldine shannon, Aine Coyne, Adel Flynn, Angela O’Toole and shirley Fallon. Front l-r: Peter Connolly and Noeleen Flanagan

news

59

Regional news

spokeout

On 7th June 2012 members of Kilkenny ROC embarked on a week’s holiday in sunny Lanzarote. The holiday was the result of a

huge effort by members and staff. It all started when the Annual Service Plan Consultation Meeting identified that a large number of service users had a great desire for a foreign holiday. Each interested member was tasked with coming back to the group with their favourite destination and votes were taken on important criteria including accessibility, distance, climate and location.

Lanzarote was chosen as the destination and the fundraising and saving began in earnest. Everything from pub quizzes and music nights to cake sales and marathons were undertaken. Marble City Travel in Kilkenny took care of the travel arrangements with Thompson Travel. They looked after every single detail of the trip and nothing was ever a problem to staff Tom and Gillian. Before we knew it, the day of departure arrived and with packed suitcases with shorts, shades, sun cream and swimwear we were off to Dublin airport to embark on the journey to Lanzarote with Thompson Travel. The airline was exceptionally

Kilkenny visits lanzaroteBy tony mccoy

‘Kilkenny On Tour’

Liz Fogarty, Michelle Kenny, Sean Molloy, Eamon Cleere, Bernadette Murphy, and John Doyle shopping in Puerto Del Carmen

helpful and accommodating during check in and allocated the first five rows of the aircraft to us and allowed our staff to assist with the transfers. Once landed we loaded into a fleet of accessible taxis and a holiday coach which brought us to the Hyde Park Apartments in Puerto Del Carmen.

The accessible and spacious accommodation was just a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and the

five minute taxi ride cost just €5 for four people! The main attraction of the hotel was the wonderful swimming pool with a wheelchair hoist. The town of Puerto Del Carmen had a couple of hilly challenges but there was a clear cycle/pram/wheelchair path to facilitate access. Service users could engage as little or as much as they wanted to in the available activities and everyone enjoyed the holiday.

Sincere thanks goes to Marble City Travel; Ladbrokes Kilkenny; Unecol Ltd; St Canice’s Credit Union; Unicare Pharmacy; St John of God Sisters; Kilkenny Gospel Choir; Progressive Genetics Ireland; Revise Online; and the very kind people of Kilkenny.

achievements

kilkenny skills development graduation By eimeaR phelan

Earlier this year, IWA Kilkenny hosted a special FETAC awards ceremony for its Skills Development Programme. Eleven participants came together to accept the FETAC awards they had worked so hard to achieve. Awards were made for modules in Communications, Maths, Personal and Interpersonal Skills, Drama, Consumer Awareness, Computer literacy, Preparation for Work and Self-Advocacy. Two participants, Peter Nolan and Marian Byrne, received an overall level 3 Award, equivalent to a full Irish Junior Certificate.

As well as the huge educational

achievement, participants in the programme emphasised that the friendships they made and the social gain they got from the programme was equally important.

In the seven years since its foundation, the Skills Development programme has developed significantly, and it now has ten participants at any given time and delivers a wide range of modules which are either FETAC or IWA certified. The dedicated and resourceful tutors played a key

role in making the modules so interesting and relevant.

Back row l-r: Sinead Foskin, Area Manager IWA; John Meany; Michael O’Keeffe; Peter Nolan; Stephen Power; Mayor of Kilkenny Sean O Hargain; Patrick Cunningham; Brian Shannon; and Eimear Phelan, Trainer/Facilitator IWA. Front row l-r: Meta Eardly, Marian Byrne, Michelle Kenny and Patrick Ryan.

Regional news

60

summeR aRt workshop

Children with a physical disability in Waterford City and county had the opportunity to take part in a six-week art and craft workshop during the

summer. Innovative techniques were used throughout the course. For example, the paper used to create the giant windmills was made by placing the paint between two pieces of paper, which was then rolled over with the wheelchairs. The children had great fun zooming over the paper in their chairs and there was great excitement as the patterns made were unveiled.

The hard work and enjoyment was evident in the exhibition held in the Waterford Healing Arts Trust centre, located in the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. It

was attended by families, friends, staff and service users, and the children were presented with certificates and a small gift of art materials.

Comments from parents included: “It was inclusion in the arts world for children with disabilities”; “It was great for her to be with others her own age and they created marvellous work!”; “He really got something out of this and looked forward to each session, especially as there is little on offer over the summer months for special needs children”; “ We thoroughly enjoyed the day and the project. It was a great opportunity for the children to express themselves. The teacher Claire was fantastic, and gave it her all”.

cRoagh patRick climBStaff and volunteers from Irish Wheelchair Association Athlone recently completed a climb of Croagh Patrick to raise funds for the local ROC. It was a great fundraiser and also a good team building exercise. Now to next year’s challenge!

Aidan O’Grady, Intro Arts; participant Jack Walsh; and Andrea Lloyd, IWA Service Coordinator, Waterford

Allanah Little, John Power, Alex Butler, Kerrie-Ann Mylette, Owen Phelan, Zac Winters, Jack Walsh, Ezra Winters and Claire Fitzgerald Chowder, Arts Facilitator

fundraising

Listowel Charity Shop fundraiserAll 32 county GAA jerseys were photographed together in Gordon Flannery’s ‘Tankers Bar’ in IWA’s Listowel Charity Shop recently. Organised by Diana McCarthy, IWA Shop Supervisor, with tremendous help from shop staff, ROC staff, service users and lots of friends and supporters including Terry O’Brien, Mayor of County Kerry and IWA Community Development Officer, the successful event raised over €2,750!

On 6th September, 108 anglers from different IWA centres participated in the Lucan Centre’s Fishing Competition which was held at The Grand Canal 12th Lock, Lucan, County Dublin. The team from the Clontarf centre was crowned this year’s overall champion. The competition was followed by a barbeque, entertainment, raffle and award ceremony held in the Lucan Centre grounds. The Fishing Competition is now in its eighth year and is co-sponsored annually by Waterways Ireland.

cuisle inaugural 10k run

The sun shone in Donamon for Cuisle Holiday Centre’s inaugural 10k run/walk. Athletes from all over Ireland signed up in advance with Run Ireland

and many local people turned up on the day. Race Director Glen Campbell said great feedback was received from all the participants and it is hoped to make the run an annual event. Thanks was extended to all the local business who sponsored the event to all the volunteers and marshals, to personal trainer Richie Feeney who provided a great warm up before the event, and to DJ Paul for providing the music. Duty Manager Noel Brennan added to the day with his witty, off-the-cuff commentary which helped the runners/walkers get across the finish line. Cuisle Holiday Centre, Ireland’s leading accessible wheelchair resort, can be contacted on 090 666 2277 or cuisle@iwa.ie

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Regional news

spokeout

events At the starting line

First three across the line: Maura Brogan (2nd), Sandra Brandon (3rd) and Maura Dervin with Cuisle guests Karen Kelly and Stewart Lacey

lucan fishing competition

The winning team

gilbert centre Halloween Party

The opening of the Gilbert Centre in Mallow, Co Cork, has enabled us to organise a series of one-off programmes aimed at children with disabilities, including our latest venture, a huge Halloween party.

The event was organised by a team of volunteers including IWA staff, friends and my own children. I must not forget my neighbours who readily volunteered to bake cup cakes and Rice Krispie buns. A number of people also sent in handmade Halloween decorations for the day. Bin liners were cut at the seams and hung from the ceiling to create a dark hallway, with spiders and bats for added effect.

Activities at the party included: a chocolate fountain, making Halloween cards, colouring, mummy wrapping, eyeball racing, face painting, dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, pin the peg on the witch, eat the crossing hanging from the ceiling, piñata, and costume judging by the children.

It was a lot of work before and on the day but when we heard children saying it was the best party ever we knew it was worth it. So now I ask myself who are the lucky ones – the children who came to the party or us volunteers having fun and seeing children’s happy smiling faces?

By doRis o’flynn, als co-oRdinatoR, noRth coRk

Sinister-looking participant at the Gilbert Centre’s Halloween party

62

spokeout article on the right to dieDear EditorEarlier this year, I read an article in your Winter 2011 edition called ‘It’s my Life’ by IWA member Susan Mansfield. In this piece, Susan raised a number of sensitive issues about living with a progressive disability and about her belief in the right to end one’s own life if pain or disability became intolerable. I was troubled by some aspects of this piece and, while the article was so articulate that it’s a very hard act to follow, I’d like to offer my opinion.

Although, I am still fairly independent at 75, my wife is almost entirely wheelchair bound, so I feel that I can empathise with Susan. It is almost 18 years since my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) after at least one wrong diagnosis. At the time, she could play tennis, golf and bridge better than I could. For the first 8-9 years she was fairly okay and we went on holidays on our own. She is now almost 100 percent dependent from the time she is taken out of bed in the morning, to when she is put to bed in the evening. She can’t talk and she must be spoon-fed but she is generally in good form and sleeps well. So we are blessed that way.

We have a lot of help now, including a care package of 18 hours per week. After reading Susan’s article, I wondered if she was getting all the help she is entitled to. I also hoped that Susan’s views would not have a negative impact on other readers in similar circumstances. In difficult situations, where feelings of depression and despair inevitably arise, I hope people will avail of the many supports out there, from the Samaritans (Tel: 1850 60 60 90) and MS Ireland counselling (Tel: 01 490 6234), to respite care at MS Ireland, IWA and Cheshire Homes. Local

your views Got something to say? Write to us at Spokeout, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3

hospices can also be invaluable, and often offer packages with home care (including palliative care), day care or residential care.

Regarding God, Susan writes, “I do not believe in God but when I look out on the sea or the rolling hills I feel that something must be behind all this beauty.” I can understand this view because for years I wasn’t very sure either. I was brought up a Catholic but for decades I had my doubts. For decades I had my doubts. I would say “I sort of believe in God but “what about The Big Bang or evolution, etc.? For every reason I was given to believe in God I could find another reason not to believe. I didn’t know what to believe. I wanted some proof.

In recent years I came across a little booklet called ‘The reason I believe in God’. To my mind this booklet gives tangible proof that God does exist. I was also affected by a second booklet called ‘The Handbook of Devotion to Divine Mercy’ which shows photos of three people who were cured by a miracle. It shows two pictures of a 39 year old Italian, Ugo Festa, taken in 1990 – one before and after his cure from multiple sclerosis.

There is no doubt that faith, combined with the support of loved ones and good services, can bring great comfort in difficult circumstances. In writing this letter, I simply want to tell people that they are not alone, and to encourage them to ask for help when they need it. Ask and you will receive.

Yours, etcMr P (Note: The author of this letter prefers to remain anonymous to protect his wife’s privacy but his name and address is with the editor)

The above letter was sent to Susan Mansfield in November 2012 and she has responded as follows.

Dear ‘Mr P’Thank you for taking the time to reply to my piece regarding the right to choose to die. It’s very important that we start a discussion now about this very important topic. The majority of people in this country are very uncomfortable with the concept of ending one’s life oneself when life has become intolerable because of pain or severe disability. Until now any open, honest and rational discussion about this subject has been completely taboo. It has seemed almost obscene to discuss the topic of the right to die in a Christian country, after all, they say it is God’s decision when a person dies, and the individual has no right to decide. Some see it as a rather negative or depressing topic and would rather it not be discussed.

Many see living one’s life to the bitter end despite incredible pain as somehow brave and noble; one sees

the words ‘bravely borne’ and suchlike written regularly in obituaries in newspapers. But what is ennobling about dying in terrible pain or enduring long years with severe disability? The latter may not be suffering a terminal illness, but they may however suffer pain with their disability and they may have had their disability for many years. However, their extreme physical disability, pain and length of suffering are not seen as reasons enough to end their lives even though they themselves may wish to do so.

Having the right to choose is both liberating and life enhancing. Imagine having a progressive illness but having the right to die. One could live a full, happy and productive life knowing that worry about spending one’s last months or years with extreme pain or disability was unnecessary. One would never have to worry about last years spent increasingly disabled and dwindling in a nursing home – the financial cost of that, the loss of independence, the loss of living at home surrounded by loved ones, pets, belongings, and finally the loss of living how one pleases. When one is

63Spokeout

crossword

The views expressed on this page do not necessarily represent the views of IWA

crosswordTo be in with a chance of winning one of two ˆ50 ‘One4all’ gift tokens, which can be used in 4,500 outlets nationwide, simply send your completed crossword along with your name and address to: Spokeout Crossword, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Correct entries will be entered into a draw on Friday, 1st February, and two winners drawn.

Crossword No. 18 by Gordius

Across 1. Automobile. (3)3. Some kind of witless hint

for traditional musical instruments. (3,8)

8. Inn. (6) 9. One of the earliest group who

adored the Christ child. (8) 10. The central walkway in a

church. (5) 11. Lasso. (5) 13. Velocity. (5) 15. Alighting at the top of the

stairs? (7) 16. The largest city in Pakistan.

(7) 20. Happening, occurrence. (5) 21. Smithy. (5) 23. Make cloth. (5)24 & 25. Getting ahead in the

world - as a ramp or lift may

help one become? (8,6) 26. Ulster on horseback, here in

Tipperary. (5,6) 27. But, however. (3)

Down1. Bakery product named for a

small dwelling. (7,4) 2. What students engage in

when exams are nigh. (8)3 & 4. Would Confucius, Plato

and Aristotle exemplify the Magi? (5,4,3)

5. Great, fantastic. (5) 6. Allowance, extra time, space

etc. (6) 7. Piece of turf. (3) 12. Feat; accomplishment. (11) 13. Taste or smell, for example.

(5) 14. Unedited copy, or in America,

conscription. (5) 17. Catastrophe that preceded

Jane. (8) 18. Hindered, kept late. (7) 19. Compartment for one who

makes sketches? (6) 22. Soil. (5) 23. Mistaken. (5) 24. Vase. (3)

CroSSWorD WInnErS for AuTumn 2012P O’Connor, Swords, Co Dublin A Bowden, Kilkenny City, Co Kilkenny

completely disabled and can do nothing for oneself, others decide such things as when you get up in the morning and when you go to bed at night. The body is cared for, but what about the person inside, what does that person think of their ‘life’?

Mr P suggests that if I had enough care I would not wish to die. He is wrong. I have both a loving husband and sufficient care. He also suggests that I lack God in my life, but I know that my spiritual journey will continue to the

end. Mr P’s solution is both comfortable and simplistic but unfortunately completely misses the point. I have lived my life, and when I choose to end it, is my choice. Mr P is a carer; thankfully he is not suffering from a terminal illness or a severe disability, and he can make decisions about his own life, but has no right to make decisions about my life or others.

Yours, etcSusan Mansfield

disabled people in greece, etcDear EditorI read your magazine and find it a mine of information. I wonder am I alone in wondering how things are going for disabled people in Greece and other countries stricken with this economic depression? I would like to know more.

On a separate issue, I would also like to know why there

are so many Disabled Person’s Parking Permit holders in counties Louth and Meath. It appears that every other car has the disabled sticker, but no hand controls. There are not as many permit holders in Dublin, from what I can see.

Yours, etcE Saputo, Co Meath

Editor’s note: We checked with IWA’s Transport Manager, Tony Maher, and apparently IWA issues significantly more permits in the Dublin region than in Louth or Meath (although we don’t have figures for the number of permit holders per percentage of the population in each county). Tony pointed out

that permits are also issued to passengers with disabilities so that may be the reason why many permit holders cars would not have hand controls, as well as the fact that not all drivers with disabilities require hand controls. That said, IWA shares your concerns that there may be abuse of the permit system in all counties.

small ads

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small ads If you have an item for sale or wanted, a holiday contact or a personal advert, please send approx 25 words to Small ads, Spokeout, IWA, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Small ads are free-of-charge to members. Adverts for accessible holiday accommodation and services are ˆ2 0.00 (cheques or postal orders payable to IWA Ltd).

FOR SALECars and accessories

NissaN Micra 2007Automatic transmission, mint condition, very low mileage. ˆ5,500. T el: 086 734 5992 (Dublin)

Wheelchairs, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

ricoN wheelchair liftPreviously fitted to VW Shuttle Bus. Cost ˆ5, 000 new, sell ˆ2,500. T el: 087 644 6339 (Kerry)

MaNual exercise bikePerfect working order. Great for home workout. ˆ45 ono. Tel: 01 831 6220 (Dublin)

sterliNg DiaMoND Mobility scooterHeavy duty, very stable and robust, ideal for longer distances. Little used, excellent condition. ˆ 1,000.

Will deliver if necessary once sale has been agreed. Tel: 086 333 1900 (Cork)

ultra lite 765 power chairFull working order. Battery and charger included. ˆ 500 ono. Buyer collects. Tel: 087 637 0462 (Dublin)

ultra lite 760/765 power chairAs new, immaculate condition. Used indoors only for six months. Needs battery pack. ˆ1, 400 without battery pack; ˆ1, 500 with new battery pack supplied. Tel: 087 325 8459 (Sligo)

elap swivel seatAs new, base included. ˆ 600 ono. Tel: 087 643 6899 (Meath)

presto electroNic MagNifier Suitable for person with low vision. Perfect condition, used

for six months. ˆ 650 ono. Tel: 087 272 1888 (Westmeath)

eclipse air beDPermaflow automatic pump, never used. Less than half price at ˆ 750. Tel: 087 970 7141 (Galway)

freeriDer Mayfair reD Mobility scooterPre-loved, used on three occasions. Shopping basket included. Maximum speed 4mph. ˆ 1,400 ono. Tel: 087 964 2173 (Longford)

WAntEdWheelchairs, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

hospital beDAutomatic or manual for OAP/cancer patient. Mattress not needed. Dublin area. Tel: 01 868 0650

CAREER OPPORtUnItIES In IWAInterested in working with the Irish Wheelchair association?If so, make sure to regularly visit our website (www.iwa.ie) for the latest vacancies.IWA is an equal opportunities employer.