Review of “Conversations about Activism and Change Independent Living Movement Ireland and Thirty Years of Disability Rights – Edited by Sarah Fitzgerald”.

This review is a bit unusual for me. Usually, I review biographies or science fiction novels. This more a social history book. As per the title, it is about something very close to my heart – the history of the Independent Living Movement in Ireland.

Declan O’Keefe was a founding member of the ILMI. He passed away in 2019 and generously left a request to ILMI that was used to publish this book.

First of all, let me declare my conflicts of interest. These people are heroes in my eyes who have done so much to help people with disabilities in Ireland including myself. Second I am a member of the member of ILMI. Thirdly I consider Sarah Fitzgerald a friend, and I know many of the contributors. I’m unsure if they’d know of me though.

So, there’s no reason for bias whatsoever.

This book was timely. I agree with the writers that it is important to record the history of the movement, the sacrifices made, the protests and the names of the people who were involved. The next generation and allies must understand how we got to where we are today. That the Government didn’t create PA services until political pressure was placed on it to do so.

As explained in the book, younger generations are less likely to know the history of the movement due to its success. They go to mainstream schools rather than special schools. It is a good thing but the drawback is that they no longer know as many other disabled people. Strong alliances that were created in the special schools played a vital role in sustaining the movement.

But, there are grounds for optimism. The internet allows disabled people to meet more easily and in different settings so hopefully new and even stronger alliances can be formed in the future. There is still so much to fight for.

The books itself tell the story of eleven activists in their own words. What inspired them to get involved and what role they went on to play. And how the movement has affected their life outcomes. Some, went to special schools where little was expected but they ended up playing a crucial role in the history of the country.

It goes without saying that this gets five stars out of five from me. If you have a disability, or consider yourself an ally then then this is a must read.