Tag: Independent Living

Speech at 25-year celebration of Westmeath CIL

Well, readers, this post is slightly different from usual. This is a speech I gave last night at the 25-year celebration for Westmeath CIL for anyone who may have an interest –

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be here with you for this celebration of Westmeath CIL tonight. I am sure I already know a good number of you here. The first time I heard about the organization was when it was in its infancy. It was based on a revolutionary concept at the time, and it brought me joy to know Westmeath would not be left behind – that people with disabilities should be able to chart their futures, whether it is deciding what education to pursue, where to live, and with whom, and the ability to socialize. It is a concept as critical today as all those years ago. 

The role of Westmeath CIL in my life greatly increased a few months after I completed college with my first Personal Assistant from the service, Patricia Gorman, who ended up doing many years with me.


Her work had a great effect on my life straight away. It increased my independence and gave me a solid basis for planning my future. We got along very well, and I occasionally ring her now,  many years after she stopped working. 

Of course, there were times when she was unwell or on leave, and people like Linda McKinley and Grainne Nea, among others, would step into the breech. Throughout those years, Mary Mooney was there for me to contact if I had difficulties. 

During those years, I first worked in the Mullingar Arts Centre and then joined Westmeath County Council as a Clerical Officer. I still remember my excitement on my first day, not thinking I’d still be there nearly twenty-three years later. 

I now live in my house most days of the week thanks to Westmeath CIL. This involved a large increase in my hours, which were done by Thomas McCormack at the start. In my career, I am currently the Resource Worker with the Westmeath Public Partnership Network. A challenging role that makes use of everything that I’ve learned to date. Hopefully, I’ll still go up the ladder a bit more. Chief Executive has a nice ring to it. 

I know that there are challenges, but this would not have been possible without the independent living movement. Currently, I have three PAs from Westmeath CIL. Gerry Marie, Dermot Smith, and Kathleen Carr. Peter Bradley also fulfills the role from time to time. Westmeath CIL continues to play a vital role in my life, and I hope that it continues to make a huge impact, not only in my life but in the lives of all people with disabilities in the region.

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.