}
Cllr Keith Martin's Blog
Lisbon video competition
Posted: 13 May 2008 08:05 AM CDT
The Labour Party wants students both 2nd and 3rd level to create short YouTube videos to engage the Irish public in learning about and supporting the Lisbon Treaty.
Students of all levels of familiarity with video production are encouraged to produce a one-minute short illustrating why they support the Lisbon Treaty. The style of videos can be humorous, such as Australia's hilarious and pointed "What have the Unions ever done for us?" (check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=184NTV2CE_c) or simply factual.
The Labour Party is offering a €1,000 prize for the best entry promoting a 'Yes' vote on the Lisbon Treaty. All interested second- and third-level students are greatly encouraged to make a submission.
For more information on what the treaty will do and its merits, visit www.labour.ie/lisbonreformtreaty/.
All submissions may be sent to http://premium.ireland.com/scripts/mail/compose.mail?compose=1&.ob=74464c8dcb2a7b97935b882e71bea74ab5859be9&composeto=campaigns@labour.ie&composecc=&subject=&body= in .WMV, .AVI, .MOV and .MPG formats (any format that is compatible with YouTube). The deadline for entries is June 1st.
Labour's Lisbon Campaign
Posted: 13 May 2008 08:01 AM CDT
Labour's campaign
Eight reasons to vote Yes, according to the Labour Party.
Lisbon promotes our values;
Lisbon strengthens social rights;
Lisbon respects Ireland's neutrality;
Lisbon deepens the rights of citizens;
Lisbon fights global poverty;
Lisbon enhances the role of the Dáil;
Lisbon protects public services;
Lisbon tackles climate change.
You are subscribed to email updates from Councillor Keith Martin's website To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
Email Delivery powered by FeedBurner
Inbox too full? Subscribe to the feed version of Councillor Keith Martin's website in a feed reader.
If you prefer to unsubscribe via postal mail, write to: Councillor Keith Martin's website, c/o FeedBurner, 20 W Kinzie, 9th Floor, Chicago IL USA 60610
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1428 - Release Date: 12/05/2008 07:44
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
BARCELONA DECLARATION
DECLARATION
On the occasion of the European Congress "The City and the Disabled", held in Barcelona, Spain, on 23 and 24 March 1995, the undersigning cities assume:
1) That the Dignity and Worth of a person are conditions inherent to all human beings, regardless of sex, creed, age and capabilities.
2) That Deficiency and Disability, according to the concepts set forth in the United Nations' World Action Program for the Disabled, are matters that affect society as a whole, not only individual persons and their family members.
3) That Disability is a dynamic concept, resulting from the interaction between individual skills and the conditions of the surroundings in which such skills are manifested. It is, thus, the responsibility of the community and of its social organization to promote more favorable conditions for the full development of persons, avoiding or removing all causes that hinder or prevent such development.
4) That the City, as a common form of social organization used in all the diverse cultures throughout our planet, must equip itself with the necessary means and resources to promote equal opportunities and the well-being and participation of all its inhabitants.
5) That the limits between "normality" and disability are ill-defined, and therefore it is necessary to consider
the differences between citizens as a part of the diversity of which society is made up, designing services and structures so that they can be used by everyone, and making unnecessary, in most cases, the existence of specific elements for disabled persons.
Therefore, the undersigning cities adopt the agreements
that hereinafter shall be known as the Declaration of "Cities and the Disabled" and they hereby agree to:
a) Promote the-Declaration of "Cities and the Disabled" in various national and international forums, fostering the maximum adherence possible to its principles and premises.
b) Initiate processes of collaboration allowing for full application of the agreements reflected in the Declaration of "Cities and the Disabled", garnering the necessary cooperation from higher territorial entities.
c) Establish communication channels between the various cities to stimulate and support advances in the promotion of equal opportunities for their disabled citizens, to promote consistency in information, especially with regard to signs and symbols, and, in general, to promote the harmonization of municipal policies aimed at these citizens.
And therefore, they declare:
PREAMBLE
That disabled persons are fully entitled members of the communities in which they reside, and their condition is acknowledged in various international conventions, especially in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Pact for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Pact for Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on Children's Rights, the Declaration of Rights for the Disabled, and the Declaration of Rights for Mentally Retarded Persons.
That disabled persons are entitled to receive attention for their individual and social needs in the context of the provisions for the general population, as well as to promote their development as persons, allowing them to interrelate with the rest of the population, respecting their individual circumstances.
That disabled persons are entitled to technical and social aid which may minimize the consequences of their disabilities, and to be the beneficiaries of policies ensuring equal opportunities, a right upheld by Resolution 48/96, dated 4 March 1994, of the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding "Unified Rules on Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons".
That disabled persons are entitled to equal opportunities as citizens recognized in a society which is plural and respectful of the difference and diversity of the individuals who make them up. They are also entitled to participate in the social affairs of their community without restriction and to the enjoyment of the welfare that the development of this community may generate.
AGREEMENTS
I) The Municipal Governments will promote better awareness of disabled persons, their rights, their needs, their potentials and their contributions among the general public.
II) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, ensure the disabled persons' right to be different, and their right to receive personalized attention depending on their needs.
III) The Municipal Governments will promote and support the diffusion of informative campaigns that promote a real image of disabled persons, free from bias and prejudice, and, in general, stimulate the integration of disabled persons and the normalization of their relations with their physical and social surroundings which may allow them to optimize their relationship with them.
IV) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, establish systems to provide efficient information to disabled citizens regarding matters which affect them and, especially, promote awareness of their rights and obligations, as well as the provisions established to promote their equalitarian development, promoting the necessary coordination between the different public administrations in order to provide improved coordination of their respective actions.
V) The Municipal Governments will ensure the access of disabled persons to information generated by the Community.
VI) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, promote and ensure the access of disabled persons to cultural, sporting, and recreational activities and, in general, to the participatory coexistence with the community.
VII) The Municipal Governments will ensure the access of disabled persons to general and, if necessary, special services, in the fields of health care, rehabilitation, education, work and social services when these fall within their area of competence. They will also encourage observance of this principle when such services are offered by other public or private organizations.
VIII) The Municipal Governments will establish support services tending to the daily needs of disabled persons in order to make it possible for them to remain in their family homes and thus prevent institutionalization in health-care facilities. In the rendering of these services both personal decisions and the right to privacy of the user will be respected and upheld.
IX) The Municipal Governments will promote systems facilitating access to housing according to the personal and economic circumstances of the disabled.
X) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, adopt measures towards the necessary adaptation of urban spaces, buildings and services of all types, in order to allow full use by disabled persons.
XI) The Municipal Governments will adopt the necessary measures ensuring free mobility of disabled persons throughout the city, and special care will be taken to adapt regular means of passenger transport, and will establish, for those disabled persons who by reason of their disability are denied access, alternative services and special economic conditions to ensure their mobility on equal terms with the rest of the population.
XII) The Municipal Governments will establish measures to ensure the performance of studies and analyses which may provide new elements aimed at improving the quality of life of disabled persons, and promote prevention, detection, diagnostic and early-detection programs.
XIII) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, promote and ensure the participation of disabled persons and their representative organizations in decision-making processes dealing with affairs which, either generally or specifically, may affect them.
XIV) The Municipal Governments will enter into cooperation agreements and conventions with city organizations representing disabled persons, in order to cooperate in their activities and agree to overall and consistent actions.
XV) The Municipal Governments will establish permanent skill-providing and training systems aimed at city personnel in order to ensure adequate comprehension and attention to the needs of the disabled.
XVI) The Municipal Governments, within their area of competence and in cooperation with their city's organizations for disabled persons, will draw up action plans consistent with this Declaration. Such plans must include execution and evaluation deadlines.
XVII) The Municipal Governments will adopt measures tending towards the unification and universalization of rules and regulations, provisions, and the adoption of signal systems and adequate media vehicles for each type of disability, facilitating their full integration in society and in order to make their conditions fully equal to those of the rest of the citizenry. In order to advance in the fulfillment of this goal, the undersigning Municipal Governments will promote, through their international municipal organizations, the passing of rules on the part of pertinent European organizations, establishing the minimum requirements that Municipal Governments must take into account in terms of objectives, programs and budgets making possible the accomplishment of the agreements in this Declaration within a reasonable period of time.
Barcelona, 24 March 1995
On the occasion of the European Congress "The City and the Disabled", held in Barcelona, Spain, on 23 and 24 March 1995, the undersigning cities assume:
1) That the Dignity and Worth of a person are conditions inherent to all human beings, regardless of sex, creed, age and capabilities.
2) That Deficiency and Disability, according to the concepts set forth in the United Nations' World Action Program for the Disabled, are matters that affect society as a whole, not only individual persons and their family members.
3) That Disability is a dynamic concept, resulting from the interaction between individual skills and the conditions of the surroundings in which such skills are manifested. It is, thus, the responsibility of the community and of its social organization to promote more favorable conditions for the full development of persons, avoiding or removing all causes that hinder or prevent such development.
4) That the City, as a common form of social organization used in all the diverse cultures throughout our planet, must equip itself with the necessary means and resources to promote equal opportunities and the well-being and participation of all its inhabitants.
5) That the limits between "normality" and disability are ill-defined, and therefore it is necessary to consider
the differences between citizens as a part of the diversity of which society is made up, designing services and structures so that they can be used by everyone, and making unnecessary, in most cases, the existence of specific elements for disabled persons.
Therefore, the undersigning cities adopt the agreements
that hereinafter shall be known as the Declaration of "Cities and the Disabled" and they hereby agree to:
a) Promote the-Declaration of "Cities and the Disabled" in various national and international forums, fostering the maximum adherence possible to its principles and premises.
b) Initiate processes of collaboration allowing for full application of the agreements reflected in the Declaration of "Cities and the Disabled", garnering the necessary cooperation from higher territorial entities.
c) Establish communication channels between the various cities to stimulate and support advances in the promotion of equal opportunities for their disabled citizens, to promote consistency in information, especially with regard to signs and symbols, and, in general, to promote the harmonization of municipal policies aimed at these citizens.
And therefore, they declare:
PREAMBLE
That disabled persons are fully entitled members of the communities in which they reside, and their condition is acknowledged in various international conventions, especially in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Pact for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Pact for Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on Children's Rights, the Declaration of Rights for the Disabled, and the Declaration of Rights for Mentally Retarded Persons.
That disabled persons are entitled to receive attention for their individual and social needs in the context of the provisions for the general population, as well as to promote their development as persons, allowing them to interrelate with the rest of the population, respecting their individual circumstances.
That disabled persons are entitled to technical and social aid which may minimize the consequences of their disabilities, and to be the beneficiaries of policies ensuring equal opportunities, a right upheld by Resolution 48/96, dated 4 March 1994, of the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding "Unified Rules on Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons".
That disabled persons are entitled to equal opportunities as citizens recognized in a society which is plural and respectful of the difference and diversity of the individuals who make them up. They are also entitled to participate in the social affairs of their community without restriction and to the enjoyment of the welfare that the development of this community may generate.
AGREEMENTS
I) The Municipal Governments will promote better awareness of disabled persons, their rights, their needs, their potentials and their contributions among the general public.
II) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, ensure the disabled persons' right to be different, and their right to receive personalized attention depending on their needs.
III) The Municipal Governments will promote and support the diffusion of informative campaigns that promote a real image of disabled persons, free from bias and prejudice, and, in general, stimulate the integration of disabled persons and the normalization of their relations with their physical and social surroundings which may allow them to optimize their relationship with them.
IV) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, establish systems to provide efficient information to disabled citizens regarding matters which affect them and, especially, promote awareness of their rights and obligations, as well as the provisions established to promote their equalitarian development, promoting the necessary coordination between the different public administrations in order to provide improved coordination of their respective actions.
V) The Municipal Governments will ensure the access of disabled persons to information generated by the Community.
VI) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, promote and ensure the access of disabled persons to cultural, sporting, and recreational activities and, in general, to the participatory coexistence with the community.
VII) The Municipal Governments will ensure the access of disabled persons to general and, if necessary, special services, in the fields of health care, rehabilitation, education, work and social services when these fall within their area of competence. They will also encourage observance of this principle when such services are offered by other public or private organizations.
VIII) The Municipal Governments will establish support services tending to the daily needs of disabled persons in order to make it possible for them to remain in their family homes and thus prevent institutionalization in health-care facilities. In the rendering of these services both personal decisions and the right to privacy of the user will be respected and upheld.
IX) The Municipal Governments will promote systems facilitating access to housing according to the personal and economic circumstances of the disabled.
X) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, adopt measures towards the necessary adaptation of urban spaces, buildings and services of all types, in order to allow full use by disabled persons.
XI) The Municipal Governments will adopt the necessary measures ensuring free mobility of disabled persons throughout the city, and special care will be taken to adapt regular means of passenger transport, and will establish, for those disabled persons who by reason of their disability are denied access, alternative services and special economic conditions to ensure their mobility on equal terms with the rest of the population.
XII) The Municipal Governments will establish measures to ensure the performance of studies and analyses which may provide new elements aimed at improving the quality of life of disabled persons, and promote prevention, detection, diagnostic and early-detection programs.
XIII) The Municipal Governments will, within their area of competence, promote and ensure the participation of disabled persons and their representative organizations in decision-making processes dealing with affairs which, either generally or specifically, may affect them.
XIV) The Municipal Governments will enter into cooperation agreements and conventions with city organizations representing disabled persons, in order to cooperate in their activities and agree to overall and consistent actions.
XV) The Municipal Governments will establish permanent skill-providing and training systems aimed at city personnel in order to ensure adequate comprehension and attention to the needs of the disabled.
XVI) The Municipal Governments, within their area of competence and in cooperation with their city's organizations for disabled persons, will draw up action plans consistent with this Declaration. Such plans must include execution and evaluation deadlines.
XVII) The Municipal Governments will adopt measures tending towards the unification and universalization of rules and regulations, provisions, and the adoption of signal systems and adequate media vehicles for each type of disability, facilitating their full integration in society and in order to make their conditions fully equal to those of the rest of the citizenry. In order to advance in the fulfillment of this goal, the undersigning Municipal Governments will promote, through their international municipal organizations, the passing of rules on the part of pertinent European organizations, establishing the minimum requirements that Municipal Governments must take into account in terms of objectives, programs and budgets making possible the accomplishment of the agreements in this Declaration within a reasonable period of time.
Barcelona, 24 March 1995
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
An uphill chalenge and up for it
It’s summertime but the living’ isn’t as easy as it might seem to be. An evening sun settles on the streets of Ballina.
Its Thursday and Tom Chambers has just arrived in to town from Newport a man on a mission, he comes laden with leaflets. Documentation outlining the lofty ambitions that the 1995 Barcelona declaration imposed on local authorities across the continent in relation to the right of people with disabilities to equal opportunities. Correspondence exchanged with various government departments, mayo County Council, and Ballina town Council, dating back to 1998,on issues that have not gone away. He brings cuttings from newspapers and excerpts from parliamentary questions time in Dail Eireann.
He comes accompanied by local town councillor, Peter Clarke. Prior to last summers elections Sinn Fein candidate for Ballina Town Council approached Tom Chambers with a view to placing access for the disabled on the election canvass. He followed up this commitment by partaking in an audit of public buildings in town to access the problems faced by people like Tom Chambers, who is wheel-chair bound. This evening the pair are back on the beaten path.
In February of this year, Tom Chambers contacted 31 councillors’ in Mayo by e-mail, Introducing himself as an access officer and disability campaigner, and inviting each to join his endeavour to implement the Barcelona Declaration. His documentation records four replies ,three from the Westport electoral area, and one from Cllr Clarke in the Ballina region.
Tom Chambers refers to a paper cutting in the midst of his paper trail, an article dating back to October 2003when Ballina councillors “moved” to make their town more accessible for wheelchair users with the formation of a sub-committee to address the issue.
“local representatives’ were expressing their views about the town, but what have they done to alleviate the fears of the persons who wrote to them, ”asks Tom Chambers, a wheelchair user for 25 years.
“I would put it to them that if they are to implement the Barcelona Declaration, Wheelchair users should be included from day one ,not invited when the so called experts have done a bit of work.”
During the next two-and-a half hours, as the perspective of a wheelchair user in Ballina is painstaking revealed Tom Chambers will point out to umpteen situations where the “experts” have failed to meet his requirements as a wheelchair user.
“it seems to me that engineers and architects are often not signing off on work that planning permission has been secured for” he says in exasperated tones at one juncture.
He has parked on one-way O Rahilly street at the disabled drivers space close to where Peter Clarke’s seafood business is located. Immediately the absence of uniform parking bay for disabled drivers is readily identifiable in most of Europe with its distinctive blue background and white logo at its centre.
Tonight that parking space is vacant. Its not always the case. Two years ago the department of Transport indicated to Tom chambers that it would consider the inclusion of illegal parking in designated disabled persons parking bays in the penalty points scheme.
“this would have to be justified on grounds of road safety and it would limit enforcement in that if it was a penalty point offence it could only be enforced by An Garda Siochana,” Tom Chambers says, producing the letter from (then)minister Seamus Brennan’s private secretary. From the same file he sequesters documentation received from the Minister of the Environment in June 2004 in reply to an enquiry by fine Gael T D Michael Ring about special funding to provide for footpath adaptation to provide crossings and dish kerbs for wheel chair users.” the selection of works to be funded from grants is entirely a matter for the relevant local authority,” come the reply.
Superbly versed in this sector ,Tom Chambers understands that € 350,000 has been set aside for 2005 roads programme in the Ballina electoral area. Of this 44 percent is ring-fenced for work on paths. How much of this money has been invested in Ballina’s pathways thus far ,he asks.
From the parking space closer to the bottom of O Rahilly Street, Tom Chambers commences the steep haul towards the top of the street where he can gain access to the footpath. Eventually ,as the going get tough, he has to request the assistance of Peter Clarke. Tom Chambers has completed the Dublin City Marathon on four occasions. Turning on to Bury Street it is a monumental struggle to keep his chair on the footpath which narrows alarmingly on the corner. Again some tightrope balancing is required.
At the disabled parking spaces at diamonds Car Park off Bury street, he highlights the crucial need for bays on either side of disabled parking space to allow the disabled driver the space to get out of the car on either side.
At the entrance to Market Lane a sign overhead reads ,”Access to Town Centre”, this is irony in its mendacious form .the negation of Market Lane ,a relatively new shopping district, is nothing short of a nightmare for the wheelchair user. A veritable downhill maze, it leaves tom Chambers skidding out of control in places, reaching for handrails which are either out of reach or dislodged from their concrete foundations. A gradient of 1;20 is recommended in such a situation as are a second ,lower handrail,75mm raised kerbs on open sides and slip -resistant surfaces.” imagine what this would be like on a wet day “ observes tom Chambers. One cringes at the possibilities.
The shape of the handrails here are appropriate and properly sized ,but it’s a different story further down the street where flat, rust-friendly handrails offer no assistance on only one side of a ramp for wheelchair users outside prominent business. Outside Ballina Civic offices, Tom Chambers again struggles to maintain control on the footpath’s uneven layout, and eventually has to call Peter Clarke again. The disabled parking space her is hardly easy to negotiate either .the driver must get out in to the flow of traffic ,and a water drain inhibits the location of the wheelchair. To gain access to the footpath from here, the wheelchair user must return-in the face of traffic-to the traffic lights some 75yards away, around the corner at Dunne’s Stores. I have been approached by people living in Ballina with disabilities and asked to highlight the everyday problems that they are facing. Tom Chambers explains why we are here tonight
From his library of information, he finally produces the ‘disability proofing template for local Government, a hand book issued by the National Disability Authority on the implementation of the Barcelona Declaration
“the ultimate aim and potential of the disability proofing template is to facilitate local authorities in creating a more inclusive society for everyone,” the introduction reads.
“In fulfilling the Declaration Agreement each local authority undertakes to raise disability awareness and to engage in consultative process with disabled people.”
The introduction concludes with definition of disability in this context. It is “the disadvantage or restriction of activity caused by a contempary social organisation which takes little or no account of people (with disabilities)and thus excludes them from participation in the mainstream of social activities”. and right now, Tom Chambers is feeling more than a little bit left out . But he’s not going away.
Its Thursday and Tom Chambers has just arrived in to town from Newport a man on a mission, he comes laden with leaflets. Documentation outlining the lofty ambitions that the 1995 Barcelona declaration imposed on local authorities across the continent in relation to the right of people with disabilities to equal opportunities. Correspondence exchanged with various government departments, mayo County Council, and Ballina town Council, dating back to 1998,on issues that have not gone away. He brings cuttings from newspapers and excerpts from parliamentary questions time in Dail Eireann.
He comes accompanied by local town councillor, Peter Clarke. Prior to last summers elections Sinn Fein candidate for Ballina Town Council approached Tom Chambers with a view to placing access for the disabled on the election canvass. He followed up this commitment by partaking in an audit of public buildings in town to access the problems faced by people like Tom Chambers, who is wheel-chair bound. This evening the pair are back on the beaten path.
In February of this year, Tom Chambers contacted 31 councillors’ in Mayo by e-mail, Introducing himself as an access officer and disability campaigner, and inviting each to join his endeavour to implement the Barcelona Declaration. His documentation records four replies ,three from the Westport electoral area, and one from Cllr Clarke in the Ballina region.
Tom Chambers refers to a paper cutting in the midst of his paper trail, an article dating back to October 2003when Ballina councillors “moved” to make their town more accessible for wheelchair users with the formation of a sub-committee to address the issue.
“local representatives’ were expressing their views about the town, but what have they done to alleviate the fears of the persons who wrote to them, ”asks Tom Chambers, a wheelchair user for 25 years.
“I would put it to them that if they are to implement the Barcelona Declaration, Wheelchair users should be included from day one ,not invited when the so called experts have done a bit of work.”
During the next two-and-a half hours, as the perspective of a wheelchair user in Ballina is painstaking revealed Tom Chambers will point out to umpteen situations where the “experts” have failed to meet his requirements as a wheelchair user.
“it seems to me that engineers and architects are often not signing off on work that planning permission has been secured for” he says in exasperated tones at one juncture.
He has parked on one-way O Rahilly street at the disabled drivers space close to where Peter Clarke’s seafood business is located. Immediately the absence of uniform parking bay for disabled drivers is readily identifiable in most of Europe with its distinctive blue background and white logo at its centre.
Tonight that parking space is vacant. Its not always the case. Two years ago the department of Transport indicated to Tom chambers that it would consider the inclusion of illegal parking in designated disabled persons parking bays in the penalty points scheme.
“this would have to be justified on grounds of road safety and it would limit enforcement in that if it was a penalty point offence it could only be enforced by An Garda Siochana,” Tom Chambers says, producing the letter from (then)minister Seamus Brennan’s private secretary. From the same file he sequesters documentation received from the Minister of the Environment in June 2004 in reply to an enquiry by fine Gael T D Michael Ring about special funding to provide for footpath adaptation to provide crossings and dish kerbs for wheel chair users.” the selection of works to be funded from grants is entirely a matter for the relevant local authority,” come the reply.
Superbly versed in this sector ,Tom Chambers understands that € 350,000 has been set aside for 2005 roads programme in the Ballina electoral area. Of this 44 percent is ring-fenced for work on paths. How much of this money has been invested in Ballina’s pathways thus far ,he asks.
From the parking space closer to the bottom of O Rahilly Street, Tom Chambers commences the steep haul towards the top of the street where he can gain access to the footpath. Eventually ,as the going get tough, he has to request the assistance of Peter Clarke. Tom Chambers has completed the Dublin City Marathon on four occasions. Turning on to Bury Street it is a monumental struggle to keep his chair on the footpath which narrows alarmingly on the corner. Again some tightrope balancing is required.
At the disabled parking spaces at diamonds Car Park off Bury street, he highlights the crucial need for bays on either side of disabled parking space to allow the disabled driver the space to get out of the car on either side.
At the entrance to Market Lane a sign overhead reads ,”Access to Town Centre”, this is irony in its mendacious form .the negation of Market Lane ,a relatively new shopping district, is nothing short of a nightmare for the wheelchair user. A veritable downhill maze, it leaves tom Chambers skidding out of control in places, reaching for handrails which are either out of reach or dislodged from their concrete foundations. A gradient of 1;20 is recommended in such a situation as are a second ,lower handrail,75mm raised kerbs on open sides and slip -resistant surfaces.” imagine what this would be like on a wet day “ observes tom Chambers. One cringes at the possibilities.
The shape of the handrails here are appropriate and properly sized ,but it’s a different story further down the street where flat, rust-friendly handrails offer no assistance on only one side of a ramp for wheelchair users outside prominent business. Outside Ballina Civic offices, Tom Chambers again struggles to maintain control on the footpath’s uneven layout, and eventually has to call Peter Clarke again. The disabled parking space her is hardly easy to negotiate either .the driver must get out in to the flow of traffic ,and a water drain inhibits the location of the wheelchair. To gain access to the footpath from here, the wheelchair user must return-in the face of traffic-to the traffic lights some 75yards away, around the corner at Dunne’s Stores. I have been approached by people living in Ballina with disabilities and asked to highlight the everyday problems that they are facing. Tom Chambers explains why we are here tonight
From his library of information, he finally produces the ‘disability proofing template for local Government, a hand book issued by the National Disability Authority on the implementation of the Barcelona Declaration
“the ultimate aim and potential of the disability proofing template is to facilitate local authorities in creating a more inclusive society for everyone,” the introduction reads.
“In fulfilling the Declaration Agreement each local authority undertakes to raise disability awareness and to engage in consultative process with disabled people.”
The introduction concludes with definition of disability in this context. It is “the disadvantage or restriction of activity caused by a contempary social organisation which takes little or no account of people (with disabilities)and thus excludes them from participation in the mainstream of social activities”. and right now, Tom Chambers is feeling more than a little bit left out . But he’s not going away.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Re: parking at Knock Airport
Letter received on the 23rd April 2008 from Marian Harhin (MEP)
Dear Tom,
I have made enquiries on the matter you spoke to me about when we last met in Claremorris on the 9th March 2008. The situation is that the Disabled Parking Permit scheme opperates under EU regulations and is valid in all European Union States.
With regard to disabled parking at Knock Airport, she informed me that if one goes to Customer Services or indeed Security they will photocopy ones disc which can be left on ones car while one is away and can bring the origional disc wiht you.
Dear Tom,
I have made enquiries on the matter you spoke to me about when we last met in Claremorris on the 9th March 2008. The situation is that the Disabled Parking Permit scheme opperates under EU regulations and is valid in all European Union States.
With regard to disabled parking at Knock Airport, she informed me that if one goes to Customer Services or indeed Security they will photocopy ones disc which can be left on ones car while one is away and can bring the origional disc wiht you.
Uachtarán na hÉireann
Mrs. Mary McAleese
Áras an Uachtaráin
Phoenix Park,
Dublin 8
A Uachtaráin,
I write to you as a last resort in an effort to request that you do not sign the Disability Bill 2004 into law. As an Irish Citizen of the Irish State, and as a disabled person I ask that you refer this Bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality under Article 40.3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann under which the State "guarantees in its laws to respect, and as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate the personal rights of the citizen". The Disability community has repeatedly informed Government through the established consultation process that this Bill is totally flawed and fundamentally inadequate, without the points listed below
1. There must be a clear and unequivocal right to anassessment of need, which must not be resource-dependent2. The services identified in the assessment of need foran individual must be provided within a reasonable and agreed timeframe3 .The Bill must provide for clear protection ofdisability-specific resources4 The provisions regarding Sectoral Plans must takeaccount of the wider needs of people with disabilities. Each governmentdepartment with relevant services must provide a Sectoral Plan5 .The Bill must provide for a clear statutory duty on allgovernment departments and public bodies to include people with disabilitiesin their plans and services with appropriate monitoring and accountabilityA Uachtaráin, as you can see the Government have railroaded the said Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas, allowing little opportunity the Opposition parties to put amendments for change to the Bill.
A Uachtaráin, if you sign this Bill you will be going against the wishes of the 495,000 persons with disabilities in this State and their families.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Mary McAleese
Áras an Uachtaráin
Phoenix Park,
Dublin 8
A Uachtaráin,
I write to you as a last resort in an effort to request that you do not sign the Disability Bill 2004 into law. As an Irish Citizen of the Irish State, and as a disabled person I ask that you refer this Bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality under Article 40.3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann under which the State "guarantees in its laws to respect, and as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate the personal rights of the citizen". The Disability community has repeatedly informed Government through the established consultation process that this Bill is totally flawed and fundamentally inadequate, without the points listed below
1. There must be a clear and unequivocal right to anassessment of need, which must not be resource-dependent2. The services identified in the assessment of need foran individual must be provided within a reasonable and agreed timeframe3 .The Bill must provide for clear protection ofdisability-specific resources4 The provisions regarding Sectoral Plans must takeaccount of the wider needs of people with disabilities. Each governmentdepartment with relevant services must provide a Sectoral Plan5 .The Bill must provide for a clear statutory duty on allgovernment departments and public bodies to include people with disabilitiesin their plans and services with appropriate monitoring and accountabilityA Uachtaráin, as you can see the Government have railroaded the said Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas, allowing little opportunity the Opposition parties to put amendments for change to the Bill.
A Uachtaráin, if you sign this Bill you will be going against the wishes of the 495,000 persons with disabilities in this State and their families.
Yours sincerely,
Euro airports lift disabled cost
Disabled passengers with all airlines will be guaranteed free assistance at all airports, EU Transport Ministers have agreed. The new law will prevent any dis-crimination to people with a disability, with safety reasons the only exception. The new rules will apply to all airlines, including Ryanair, which fought a case in the UK over whether it or Stansted Airport should pay for the cost of transporting a passenger in a wheelchair through the terminal.
The airline currently imposes a 35 cent levy on all passengers to cover the cost of assistance for disabled passengers. The only condition attached to the law is that passengers requiring a wheelchair must notify the airport 48 hours in advance. Under the new rules, airports must provide the service. At Dublin Airport, for example, a private firm operates the service for most airlines. The move was welco0med by Transport Minister Martin Cullen, who said that there is no opt-out clause.
Disabled passengers with all airlines will be guaranteed free assistance at all airports, EU Transport Ministers have agreed. The new law will prevent any dis-crimination to people with a disability, with safety reasons the only exception. The new rules will apply to all airlines, including Ryanair, which fought a case in the UK over whether it or Stansted Airport should pay for the cost of transporting a passenger in a wheelchair through the terminal.
The airline currently imposes a 35 cent levy on all passengers to cover the cost of assistance for disabled passengers. The only condition attached to the law is that passengers requiring a wheelchair must notify the airport 48 hours in advance. Under the new rules, airports must provide the service. At Dublin Airport, for example, a private firm operates the service for most airlines. The move was welco0med by Transport Minister Martin Cullen, who said that there is no opt-out clause.
Back, Geofrey Bourdouxhe (Coach)
Front, Sam Mayerus (Athlete) Tom Chambers (Host)
On a spring morning in 1981 Tom Chambers’ life changed forever. A car accident near Drogheda snapped the Newport man’s spine and left him paralysed from the chest down. This week he talks to Michael Gallagher about his life and the joy he takes from living every day to the full.
By Michael Gallagher, Reporter for the Western People, (County Paper)
Tom Chambers loves to talk. He has a way of telling stories that brings the past to life and the tale of his existence so far is one, which generates a great sense of hope and determination.
Born in Rockfleet just outside Newport he grew up surrounded by seven brothers, eight sisters and parents Mick and Maud. He enjoyed life, going to school, doing the chores and playing games the way kids do. He loved sport and was soon playing football with the local teams.
"I enjoyed playing football and in 1964 we had a great minor team in the area. We were called Mulranny but we drew lads from the whole region stretching from Ballycroy to Kilmeena. I was lucky enough to captain the team and on one special evening in McHale Park we beat Ballina Stephenites in the County league final. That was a famous team and we had some fine footballers like Joe McAndrew, Stephen Conway and Christy Loftus. I scored 1-9 that evening and it is a game I will never forget. Later that year we won the West championship but lost the county semi-final to a Jimmy Duggan-inspired Claremorris. I loved the games and the excitement and will never forget those special days."
He spent happy times learning the painting trade from Sean Kelly and in 1964 when Burrishoole GAA team went to London on tour Tom was in the party. He saw the abundance of work available in the English capital and was soon back there looking for a start.
"I worked all over England from Birmingham to Ipswich and Bristol to Norwich. I followed the work, the money was good and the craic was mighty. I played some football around London with St. Jarlath’s and St. Pat’s in Luton and enjoyed life. There were lots of lads from home over there and when there was a big match on in Ireland like an All-Ireland Final we all gathered to listen to it on the radio. We would tie the radio and the aerial to a lamppost and gather around it listening in silence. The locals didn’t know what was happening and often called the police who would come along and often listen to the game with us."
Tom enjoyed life in England but in the autumn of 1980 he returned to Dublin where the building boom was just about to begin. He wasn’t long there when fate intervened and changed his life forever. On March 30th 1981 the car he was driving hit a wall just outside Drogheda with devastating consequences.
"I wasn’t found for five hours after the accident and when they got to the car I was trapped under a pile of stone from the wall. I could only tell them my name and was then taken to a hospital in Drogheda before being flown to the Central Remedial Clinic in DunLaoighre.
"That day back in Mayo my parents were going to Mass when they heard on the radio that a man named Tom Chambers had been in a serious accident near Drogheda but they never thought it was me as I was living in Dublin at the time."
Soon they learned that it was indeed their son who had been injured in the accident and life would never be the same again. In DunLaoighre Tom was asking the nurses could he soon go home as there was a lot of concrete being delivered that week but it wasn’t long before he realised that he was in serious trouble.
"I looked around me and saw some frightening sights. Fine people lying there in beds unable to move a muscle and I knew that I had some major problems but I also realised that I was very lucky. There was an Irish rugby international there called Gus Barrett who had passed his final exams in dentistry only days before his life was turned upside down and I thanked God that I was as good as I was."
Months of physio and hard work were put in before Tom saw Rockfleet again but in December he arrived home full of trepidation about what the future held.
"I was very nervous wondering what would happen if something went wrong but there was no need to worry, everything worked out fine."
Fundraising locally and in London and Cleveland meant that Tom could buy a car and soon he was on the open road. He valued his independence and later moved to a house of his own in nearby Newport. He settled into life in West Mayo and could often be found driving a carload of friends to dances all over the county. The man from Rockfleet wasn’t going to sit around complaining about the hand he had been dealt.
Then in October 1985 the local sergeant Tom Rochford, set him a challenge. He believed that Chambers was capable of competing in the Dublin City Marathon and told him he would support him all the way. Tom took up the challenge and the rest is history.
He trained four or five hours every day. Rochford, Martin O’ Malley, Kevin McManamon and a local committee secured funding for a new lighter wheelchair and after endless preparation and a few local half-marathons Tom found himself on the starting line for the 1986 marathon.
"Bertie Ahern was the Lord Mayor of Dublin at the time sent us on our way. I was going well at first until one of the front wheels came loose on the chair but I pulled into a garage and borrowed a spanner, which kept me going until I got to the service vehicle."
Soon he was back on course again and as he raced down the Malahide Road a special Mayo lady shouted out her support.
"Rosaline Gallagher was they’re urging me on and I got great courage from that. She had done so much on the sporting scene worldwide as a disabled athlete and had Olympic medals, I was honoured that she turned out to wish me luck as she herself was also from Mayo."
The Newport man raced onwards and as he went up Westland Row a spectator shouted that there was only a mile to go.
"For the first time in the race I thought about the distance I had travelled and I put in a special effort to get to the finish because there were a few people in Newport and surrounding areas who had doubted my ability to finish."
Soon Tom had crossed the line and one of his life’s’ ambitions had been achieved. He would complete another two marathons and numerous other distances in the following years as his fame spread far and wide. The man from Rockfleet became one of Newport’s best-known residents.
These days Tom doesn’t race anymore but he still keeps in touch with the people he met on the athletics trail. He waits anxiously for the opportunity to help another Mayo wheelchair athlete enter the racing game. His head is filled with tips for aspiring racers and he knows someday that another Mayo racer will scorch through the Dublin streets.
His days are filled with the IT lessons he gives in Mayo Tech and the designs he makes for wheelchair accessible buildings. He is enjoying life in Newport and is thankful for the hand life has dealt him.
"If I hadn’t run into that wall I might be dead now, who knows? I have a great life filled with wonderful people and remember it’s only my legs that are paralysed, not my brain."
The man who has packed more into his life than many others has a lot of living to do. He is already planning his next project and the ones after that. Tom Chambers is a unique man, one of Newport’s finest.
Front, Sam Mayerus (Athlete) Tom Chambers (Host)
On a spring morning in 1981 Tom Chambers’ life changed forever. A car accident near Drogheda snapped the Newport man’s spine and left him paralysed from the chest down. This week he talks to Michael Gallagher about his life and the joy he takes from living every day to the full.
By Michael Gallagher, Reporter for the Western People, (County Paper)
Tom Chambers loves to talk. He has a way of telling stories that brings the past to life and the tale of his existence so far is one, which generates a great sense of hope and determination.
Born in Rockfleet just outside Newport he grew up surrounded by seven brothers, eight sisters and parents Mick and Maud. He enjoyed life, going to school, doing the chores and playing games the way kids do. He loved sport and was soon playing football with the local teams.
"I enjoyed playing football and in 1964 we had a great minor team in the area. We were called Mulranny but we drew lads from the whole region stretching from Ballycroy to Kilmeena. I was lucky enough to captain the team and on one special evening in McHale Park we beat Ballina Stephenites in the County league final. That was a famous team and we had some fine footballers like Joe McAndrew, Stephen Conway and Christy Loftus. I scored 1-9 that evening and it is a game I will never forget. Later that year we won the West championship but lost the county semi-final to a Jimmy Duggan-inspired Claremorris. I loved the games and the excitement and will never forget those special days."
He spent happy times learning the painting trade from Sean Kelly and in 1964 when Burrishoole GAA team went to London on tour Tom was in the party. He saw the abundance of work available in the English capital and was soon back there looking for a start.
"I worked all over England from Birmingham to Ipswich and Bristol to Norwich. I followed the work, the money was good and the craic was mighty. I played some football around London with St. Jarlath’s and St. Pat’s in Luton and enjoyed life. There were lots of lads from home over there and when there was a big match on in Ireland like an All-Ireland Final we all gathered to listen to it on the radio. We would tie the radio and the aerial to a lamppost and gather around it listening in silence. The locals didn’t know what was happening and often called the police who would come along and often listen to the game with us."
Tom enjoyed life in England but in the autumn of 1980 he returned to Dublin where the building boom was just about to begin. He wasn’t long there when fate intervened and changed his life forever. On March 30th 1981 the car he was driving hit a wall just outside Drogheda with devastating consequences.
"I wasn’t found for five hours after the accident and when they got to the car I was trapped under a pile of stone from the wall. I could only tell them my name and was then taken to a hospital in Drogheda before being flown to the Central Remedial Clinic in DunLaoighre.
"That day back in Mayo my parents were going to Mass when they heard on the radio that a man named Tom Chambers had been in a serious accident near Drogheda but they never thought it was me as I was living in Dublin at the time."
Soon they learned that it was indeed their son who had been injured in the accident and life would never be the same again. In DunLaoighre Tom was asking the nurses could he soon go home as there was a lot of concrete being delivered that week but it wasn’t long before he realised that he was in serious trouble.
"I looked around me and saw some frightening sights. Fine people lying there in beds unable to move a muscle and I knew that I had some major problems but I also realised that I was very lucky. There was an Irish rugby international there called Gus Barrett who had passed his final exams in dentistry only days before his life was turned upside down and I thanked God that I was as good as I was."
Months of physio and hard work were put in before Tom saw Rockfleet again but in December he arrived home full of trepidation about what the future held.
"I was very nervous wondering what would happen if something went wrong but there was no need to worry, everything worked out fine."
Fundraising locally and in London and Cleveland meant that Tom could buy a car and soon he was on the open road. He valued his independence and later moved to a house of his own in nearby Newport. He settled into life in West Mayo and could often be found driving a carload of friends to dances all over the county. The man from Rockfleet wasn’t going to sit around complaining about the hand he had been dealt.
Then in October 1985 the local sergeant Tom Rochford, set him a challenge. He believed that Chambers was capable of competing in the Dublin City Marathon and told him he would support him all the way. Tom took up the challenge and the rest is history.
He trained four or five hours every day. Rochford, Martin O’ Malley, Kevin McManamon and a local committee secured funding for a new lighter wheelchair and after endless preparation and a few local half-marathons Tom found himself on the starting line for the 1986 marathon.
"Bertie Ahern was the Lord Mayor of Dublin at the time sent us on our way. I was going well at first until one of the front wheels came loose on the chair but I pulled into a garage and borrowed a spanner, which kept me going until I got to the service vehicle."
Soon he was back on course again and as he raced down the Malahide Road a special Mayo lady shouted out her support.
"Rosaline Gallagher was they’re urging me on and I got great courage from that. She had done so much on the sporting scene worldwide as a disabled athlete and had Olympic medals, I was honoured that she turned out to wish me luck as she herself was also from Mayo."
The Newport man raced onwards and as he went up Westland Row a spectator shouted that there was only a mile to go.
"For the first time in the race I thought about the distance I had travelled and I put in a special effort to get to the finish because there were a few people in Newport and surrounding areas who had doubted my ability to finish."
Soon Tom had crossed the line and one of his life’s’ ambitions had been achieved. He would complete another two marathons and numerous other distances in the following years as his fame spread far and wide. The man from Rockfleet became one of Newport’s best-known residents.
These days Tom doesn’t race anymore but he still keeps in touch with the people he met on the athletics trail. He waits anxiously for the opportunity to help another Mayo wheelchair athlete enter the racing game. His head is filled with tips for aspiring racers and he knows someday that another Mayo racer will scorch through the Dublin streets.
His days are filled with the IT lessons he gives in Mayo Tech and the designs he makes for wheelchair accessible buildings. He is enjoying life in Newport and is thankful for the hand life has dealt him.
"If I hadn’t run into that wall I might be dead now, who knows? I have a great life filled with wonderful people and remember it’s only my legs that are paralysed, not my brain."
The man who has packed more into his life than many others has a lot of living to do. He is already planning his next project and the ones after that. Tom Chambers is a unique man, one of Newport’s finest.
Mr. Tony O’Donnell,
Secretary,
Tiernaur Hall Society Ltd,
Sandhill,
Newport,
Co. Mayo.
9th August 2004.
"Building Regulations 2000, Technical Guidance Document M, access for People with Disabilities".
Dear Tony,
I refer to the outlay of the proposed disabled toilets and width of doors from the entrance and internally and lobbies in your plans for Tiernaur Hall.
Regarding the provision of lobbies such as the one in your plans, lobbies are only required when food is sold in the premises or if food is consumed in area. With regard to the positioning of disabled toilets, Section 2a of Technical Guidance Document M, 2000 deals with sanitary conveniences in buildings other than dwellings. Particular attention should be drawn to the last sentence of Section 2.3:
{Sanitary accommodation for people with disabilities should be provided in a convenient and accessible part of the building to which wheelchair users have independent access}
For ventilation of sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings, reference should be made to Section 1.14 and 1.15 of Technical Guidance Document F, 2002 (Hygiene).
Section 1.15 states that:
[Where a kitchen, bathroom or sanitary accommodation is in an internal room, it shall have mechanical extract ventilation to extract air at a rate of not less than that given in Table 2, and a permanently open air inlet having a clear opening area of at least 9000 mm2]
According to Table 1.4 of Technical Guidance Document B, 1997 (Fire Safety), the minimum clear width of a fire exit is 800mm (suitable for a minimum of 50 persons discharging). Where numbers in excess of 50 are discharging the clear width of the exit has to be increased beyond 800mm. This may be achieved by increasing the width of the door leaf or by using a double door leaf door set.
If a double door leaf door set is used as a final exit, such as the main entrance to a building, then one leaf must provide a clear opening width of not less than 800mm to comply with Section 1.7 (a) of Technical Guidance Document 2000. For double door leaf door sets used internally, one leaf must provide a clear opening width of not less than 750mm to comply with Section 1.9 (a) of TGD M, 2000.
Section 1.4.3 of TGD B, 1997 (Fire Safety) deals with doors on escape routes. Doors on escape routes (both within and from the building) should be readily openable in the direction of escape without the use of a key. In places of assembly doors must always open in the direction of escape if more than 20 persons are expected to use them.
Finally, all measures should be taken to ensure that external lighting at the approach to the building defines the entrance clearly.
In your letter to me dated 22nd February 2004 you wrote that you were more or less depending on the engineers advice. As Access Officer for People with Disabilities in Mayo I am answerable to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (JELR).
I also work with the National Disability Authority (NDA) who has been asked by (JELR) to present a draft Guideline for the Achievement of Improving Accessibility for consideration by all Government Departments. The draft has been produced in the context of the accessibility commitment as outlined in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF 2000) which includes the development of guidelines, monitoring and auditing progress towards the achievement of better accessibility for public services and the awarding of an accessibility symbol to compliant public services.
So if the Disability Bill which is about to be passed and hopefully the disabled will have a better say in what they need to fill as full a life as possible, Architects and Engineers and Local Representatives will have to listen to our demands.
I hope the above response is off assistance to your committee and if you have any further queries please do not hesitate in connecting me.
Kindest Regards
……………………..
Tom Chambers,
"The Billy Ranch"
Knocknageeha,
Newport,
Co. Mayo,
Access Officer for PwDI,
Mayo Network.
ID Number 24
Secretary,
Tiernaur Hall Society Ltd,
Sandhill,
Newport,
Co. Mayo.
9th August 2004.
"Building Regulations 2000, Technical Guidance Document M, access for People with Disabilities".
Dear Tony,
I refer to the outlay of the proposed disabled toilets and width of doors from the entrance and internally and lobbies in your plans for Tiernaur Hall.
Regarding the provision of lobbies such as the one in your plans, lobbies are only required when food is sold in the premises or if food is consumed in area. With regard to the positioning of disabled toilets, Section 2a of Technical Guidance Document M, 2000 deals with sanitary conveniences in buildings other than dwellings. Particular attention should be drawn to the last sentence of Section 2.3:
{Sanitary accommodation for people with disabilities should be provided in a convenient and accessible part of the building to which wheelchair users have independent access}
For ventilation of sanitary accommodation in buildings other than dwellings, reference should be made to Section 1.14 and 1.15 of Technical Guidance Document F, 2002 (Hygiene).
Section 1.15 states that:
[Where a kitchen, bathroom or sanitary accommodation is in an internal room, it shall have mechanical extract ventilation to extract air at a rate of not less than that given in Table 2, and a permanently open air inlet having a clear opening area of at least 9000 mm2]
According to Table 1.4 of Technical Guidance Document B, 1997 (Fire Safety), the minimum clear width of a fire exit is 800mm (suitable for a minimum of 50 persons discharging). Where numbers in excess of 50 are discharging the clear width of the exit has to be increased beyond 800mm. This may be achieved by increasing the width of the door leaf or by using a double door leaf door set.
If a double door leaf door set is used as a final exit, such as the main entrance to a building, then one leaf must provide a clear opening width of not less than 800mm to comply with Section 1.7 (a) of Technical Guidance Document 2000. For double door leaf door sets used internally, one leaf must provide a clear opening width of not less than 750mm to comply with Section 1.9 (a) of TGD M, 2000.
Section 1.4.3 of TGD B, 1997 (Fire Safety) deals with doors on escape routes. Doors on escape routes (both within and from the building) should be readily openable in the direction of escape without the use of a key. In places of assembly doors must always open in the direction of escape if more than 20 persons are expected to use them.
Finally, all measures should be taken to ensure that external lighting at the approach to the building defines the entrance clearly.
In your letter to me dated 22nd February 2004 you wrote that you were more or less depending on the engineers advice. As Access Officer for People with Disabilities in Mayo I am answerable to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (JELR).
I also work with the National Disability Authority (NDA) who has been asked by (JELR) to present a draft Guideline for the Achievement of Improving Accessibility for consideration by all Government Departments. The draft has been produced in the context of the accessibility commitment as outlined in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF 2000) which includes the development of guidelines, monitoring and auditing progress towards the achievement of better accessibility for public services and the awarding of an accessibility symbol to compliant public services.
So if the Disability Bill which is about to be passed and hopefully the disabled will have a better say in what they need to fill as full a life as possible, Architects and Engineers and Local Representatives will have to listen to our demands.
I hope the above response is off assistance to your committee and if you have any further queries please do not hesitate in connecting me.
Kindest Regards
……………………..
Tom Chambers,
"The Billy Ranch"
Knocknageeha,
Newport,
Co. Mayo,
Access Officer for PwDI,
Mayo Network.
ID Number 24
Friends,
As 2003 draws to a close it is time for us all to look back on the past twelve months and take stock. We will all have mixed emotions, good days, bad days, happy moments and sad times but hopefully everyone will have taken something positive from the year.
Like the rest of humanity I endured the ups and downs of life but the abiding memory I will carry forward from 2003 is of the Special Olympics. It left memories that will stay with me forever, it was a pleasure to have experienced the greatest gathering of people this country has ever seen and the people, the fun and the friendships will live on long after other things fade from the memory.
As a disabled person I took special interest in the organisation and running of the games and was very proud to host an athlete and coach from the Luxembourg delegation during their stay in the Newport/Westport area. Taking an athlete meant welcoming them into my home, becoming part of their effort and sharing firsthand their success and disappointment. It also meant that I would be playing a critical role in contributing to the nationwide effort of hosting and running the games. Been disabled myself I felt I was up to the challenge. In a space of a few days, people who arrived, as strangers would become friends.
Sam Mayerus, who was the captain of the Bocce team and his coach Geoffrey Bourdouxhe arrived in my home in the early hours of June 15th last. Sam had very little English but was delighted to be sharing a house with someone like himself who was confined to a wheelchair.
The following morning they woke to the sounds of sheep, dogs and cattle but when they pulled the curtains they were greeted by the sight of trees, mountains and even wild weeds and they thought they were in heaven as they were both from built up areas and weren’t used to the scenery Newport had to offer.
I tried to give them a bit of my knowledge of the Irish heritage. One typical day began with a traditional breakfast at 9.30am. At 10am I had laid on an interview with Tommy Marren of NWR. The coach spoke with Tommy about the sport of Bocce before we headed off to bowling in Castlebar. A meal followed and then a scenic tour of Curraune and Achill Island. Back to Westport for a meal and when we got home I showed them a game of Gaelic football that I had on tape. It was a semi-final GAA match between Mayo and Cork.
The official opening of the Games in Croke Park, which I attended, was something I will never forget. Then the games itself which I supported as much as I could were very well organised and the beauty of it was that a book could be written about every athlete.
Hosting the Athletes would not have been as successful without the great back-up team there was here in Mayo. So many people worked hard to ensure everything ran smoothly. The people who gave me linen for the beds, flowers and home-made bread, the team that erected the flags outside my house and those who called and made Sam and Geoffrey feel so welcome can be very proud of their contribution.
A special word of thanks to the Woods Hotel in Westport for allowing the team to train there, in particular to Margaret Mulchrone, Corporate Marketing Executive of the hotel for her kindness. To Staunton’s Sport Shop in Westport in sponsoring a Mayo football jersey and to C/C Cellular in Rosbeg, Westport for also sponsoring mobile phone components. To the Order of Malta who were always on standby while the team trained in the Hotel. Not forgetting Sean Geraghty with his specially adapted van who was always only a phone call away and Ann Kelly-Hoban who made sure the guests had a change of linen every night. Not forgetting the magnificent hamper provided by Tesco’s to everyone who hosted an athlete. Everyone played a part to make the whole experience one that will be remembered through the mists of time
I spent many good days with the Luxembourg team but one day stands out above all the others. It was on Friday 27th June when attending the games in Simmonscourt I was introduced to Eunice Kennedy Smith, the founder member of the Special Olympics. Later I was introduced to H.R.H. the Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa and the Sports Minister Mne Anne Brasseur of Luxembourg. I was introduced as an adopted son from Ireland to Luxembourg. She thanked me for the good work I had done and was a good Ambassador for Newport/Westport. We spoke for a few minutes about the two countries and what they had in common. She was full of praise for the Irish business people who had set up in their capital of Luxembourg.
I pointed out to her that the athletes were very friendly, gentle and kind and it was a pleasure to have them in my house. A TV crew from Luxembourg recorded all this and their journalist took notes.
To cap it all I was invited to a reception on the 27th June 2003 in honour of their team. The reception was held at the Exhibition area of the University Industry Centre, UCD, Belfield. The Consul of Luxembourg in Ireland and the Ambassador of Luxembourg in London also attended it.
I felt very proud when I was presented with a special €10 and €5 coins specially minted by the Bank of Ireland who were the main sponsors for the games. The games are now over, but hopefully their legacy will remain in Ireland. People from all over the world will have watched our example and will have helped to influence Special Olympics programmes all over the world. So all in all I felt happy, as the feedback I got was that they had an enjoyable 5 days and nights in Newport.
Now as we face into a new year I hope that we can carry the spirit of the Special Olympics with us in our daily lives and that will be a fitting testament to the greatest sporting event ever to take place in our country.
Modern technology (The computer) means that we can keep in touch with one another.
Yours truly,
Tom Chambers
"The Billy Ranch"
Newport
Co. Mayo.
E-mail: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Sam Mayerus (athlete) and captain of the Luxembourg Bocce Team and Geoffrey Bourdouxhe arrived at 00.15am on the 15th June last. After exchanging presents and a few minutes on the computer to send e-mails home they went to bed. Sam had very little English but was delighted to be sharing a house with someone like himself confined to a wheelchair.
I woke them as 8.00am to the noise of sheep, dogs and cattle, but when they pulled the curtains and looked out to see trees, mountains and even wild weeds they thought it was heaven. As they had come from a built-up area they were not expecting scenery like this.
Taking an athlete means welcoming them into ones home, you become part of their effort, sharing firsthand their success and disappointment. It also meant that I would be playing a critical role in contributing to the towns and country. Been disabled myself I felt I was up to the challenge. In a space of a few days’ people who arrived as strangers would become friends.
A lot of words have been spoken about the athletes and what it means to the disabled. Words can open doors, but they can just as easily create barriers.
I tried to give them a bit of my knowledge of the Irish heritage. One typical day was getting up to a traditional breakfast at 9.30am. At 10.00am I had laid on an interview with Tommy Marren of NWR. The coach spoke with Tommy about the sport Bocce. Then off to bowling in Castlebar. A meal and then a scenic tour of Curraune and Achill Island. Back to Westport for a meal and when we got home I showed them a game of our National sport. It was a semi-final GAA match between Mayo and Cork.
The official opening of the Games in Croke Park, which I attended, was something I will never forget. Then the games itself which I supported as much as I could were very well organised and the beauty of it was that a book could be written about every athlete.
Hosting the Athletes could not be as successible without the support of a good committee. Also the people who gave me linen for the beds, flowers and home made bread and the team for erecting the flags outside my house. The people who called and made them welcome.
A special word of thanks to the Woods Hotel in Westport for allowing the team to train in particular to Margaret Mulchrone, Corporate Marketing Executive of the hotel for her kindness. To Staunton’s Sport Shop in Westport in sponsoring a Mayo football jersey and to C/C Cellular in Rosbeg, Westport for also sponsoring mobile phone components. To the Order of Malta who were always on standby while the team trained in the Hotel. Not forgetting Sean Geraghty with his specially adapted van who was always only a phone call away and Ann Kelly-Hoban who made sure the guests had a change of linen every night.
Above all the good days I spent with the Luxembourg team one day must stand out. It was on Friday 27th June when attending the games in Simmonscourt I was introduced to Eunice Kennedy Smith, the founder member of the Special Olympics. Later I was introduced to H.R.H. the Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa and the Sports Minister Mne Anne Brasseur. I was introduced as an adopted son from Ireland to Luxembourg. She thanked me for the good work I had done and was a good Ambassador for Newport/Westport. We spoke for a few minutes about the two countries and what they had in common. She was full of praise for the Irish business people who had set up in their capital of Luxembourg.
I pointed out to her that the athletes were very friendly, gentle and kind and it was a pleasure to have them in my house. A TV crew from Luxembourg recorded all this and their journalist took notes.
To cap it all I was invited to a reception on the 27th June 2003 in honour of their team. The reception was held at the Exhibition area of the University Industry Centre, UCD, Belfield. The Consul of Luxembourg in Ireland and the Ambassador of Luxembourg in London also attended it.
I felt very proud when I was presented with a special €10 and €5 coins specially minted by the Bank of Ireland who were the main sponsors for the games. The games are now over, but hopefully their legacy will remain in Ireland. People from all over the world will have watched our example and will have helped to influence Special Olympics programmes all over the world.
So all in all I felt happy, as the feedback I got was that they had an enjoyable 5 days and nights.
Yours truly,
Tom Chambers
"The Billy Ranch"
Newport
Co. Mayo.
E-mail: thomaschambers@eircom.net
As 2003 draws to a close it is time for us all to look back on the past twelve months and take stock. We will all have mixed emotions, good days, bad days, happy moments and sad times but hopefully everyone will have taken something positive from the year.
Like the rest of humanity I endured the ups and downs of life but the abiding memory I will carry forward from 2003 is of the Special Olympics. It left memories that will stay with me forever, it was a pleasure to have experienced the greatest gathering of people this country has ever seen and the people, the fun and the friendships will live on long after other things fade from the memory.
As a disabled person I took special interest in the organisation and running of the games and was very proud to host an athlete and coach from the Luxembourg delegation during their stay in the Newport/Westport area. Taking an athlete meant welcoming them into my home, becoming part of their effort and sharing firsthand their success and disappointment. It also meant that I would be playing a critical role in contributing to the nationwide effort of hosting and running the games. Been disabled myself I felt I was up to the challenge. In a space of a few days, people who arrived, as strangers would become friends.
Sam Mayerus, who was the captain of the Bocce team and his coach Geoffrey Bourdouxhe arrived in my home in the early hours of June 15th last. Sam had very little English but was delighted to be sharing a house with someone like himself who was confined to a wheelchair.
The following morning they woke to the sounds of sheep, dogs and cattle but when they pulled the curtains they were greeted by the sight of trees, mountains and even wild weeds and they thought they were in heaven as they were both from built up areas and weren’t used to the scenery Newport had to offer.
I tried to give them a bit of my knowledge of the Irish heritage. One typical day began with a traditional breakfast at 9.30am. At 10am I had laid on an interview with Tommy Marren of NWR. The coach spoke with Tommy about the sport of Bocce before we headed off to bowling in Castlebar. A meal followed and then a scenic tour of Curraune and Achill Island. Back to Westport for a meal and when we got home I showed them a game of Gaelic football that I had on tape. It was a semi-final GAA match between Mayo and Cork.
The official opening of the Games in Croke Park, which I attended, was something I will never forget. Then the games itself which I supported as much as I could were very well organised and the beauty of it was that a book could be written about every athlete.
Hosting the Athletes would not have been as successful without the great back-up team there was here in Mayo. So many people worked hard to ensure everything ran smoothly. The people who gave me linen for the beds, flowers and home-made bread, the team that erected the flags outside my house and those who called and made Sam and Geoffrey feel so welcome can be very proud of their contribution.
A special word of thanks to the Woods Hotel in Westport for allowing the team to train there, in particular to Margaret Mulchrone, Corporate Marketing Executive of the hotel for her kindness. To Staunton’s Sport Shop in Westport in sponsoring a Mayo football jersey and to C/C Cellular in Rosbeg, Westport for also sponsoring mobile phone components. To the Order of Malta who were always on standby while the team trained in the Hotel. Not forgetting Sean Geraghty with his specially adapted van who was always only a phone call away and Ann Kelly-Hoban who made sure the guests had a change of linen every night. Not forgetting the magnificent hamper provided by Tesco’s to everyone who hosted an athlete. Everyone played a part to make the whole experience one that will be remembered through the mists of time
I spent many good days with the Luxembourg team but one day stands out above all the others. It was on Friday 27th June when attending the games in Simmonscourt I was introduced to Eunice Kennedy Smith, the founder member of the Special Olympics. Later I was introduced to H.R.H. the Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa and the Sports Minister Mne Anne Brasseur of Luxembourg. I was introduced as an adopted son from Ireland to Luxembourg. She thanked me for the good work I had done and was a good Ambassador for Newport/Westport. We spoke for a few minutes about the two countries and what they had in common. She was full of praise for the Irish business people who had set up in their capital of Luxembourg.
I pointed out to her that the athletes were very friendly, gentle and kind and it was a pleasure to have them in my house. A TV crew from Luxembourg recorded all this and their journalist took notes.
To cap it all I was invited to a reception on the 27th June 2003 in honour of their team. The reception was held at the Exhibition area of the University Industry Centre, UCD, Belfield. The Consul of Luxembourg in Ireland and the Ambassador of Luxembourg in London also attended it.
I felt very proud when I was presented with a special €10 and €5 coins specially minted by the Bank of Ireland who were the main sponsors for the games. The games are now over, but hopefully their legacy will remain in Ireland. People from all over the world will have watched our example and will have helped to influence Special Olympics programmes all over the world. So all in all I felt happy, as the feedback I got was that they had an enjoyable 5 days and nights in Newport.
Now as we face into a new year I hope that we can carry the spirit of the Special Olympics with us in our daily lives and that will be a fitting testament to the greatest sporting event ever to take place in our country.
Modern technology (The computer) means that we can keep in touch with one another.
Yours truly,
Tom Chambers
"The Billy Ranch"
Newport
Co. Mayo.
E-mail: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Sam Mayerus (athlete) and captain of the Luxembourg Bocce Team and Geoffrey Bourdouxhe arrived at 00.15am on the 15th June last. After exchanging presents and a few minutes on the computer to send e-mails home they went to bed. Sam had very little English but was delighted to be sharing a house with someone like himself confined to a wheelchair.
I woke them as 8.00am to the noise of sheep, dogs and cattle, but when they pulled the curtains and looked out to see trees, mountains and even wild weeds they thought it was heaven. As they had come from a built-up area they were not expecting scenery like this.
Taking an athlete means welcoming them into ones home, you become part of their effort, sharing firsthand their success and disappointment. It also meant that I would be playing a critical role in contributing to the towns and country. Been disabled myself I felt I was up to the challenge. In a space of a few days’ people who arrived as strangers would become friends.
A lot of words have been spoken about the athletes and what it means to the disabled. Words can open doors, but they can just as easily create barriers.
I tried to give them a bit of my knowledge of the Irish heritage. One typical day was getting up to a traditional breakfast at 9.30am. At 10.00am I had laid on an interview with Tommy Marren of NWR. The coach spoke with Tommy about the sport Bocce. Then off to bowling in Castlebar. A meal and then a scenic tour of Curraune and Achill Island. Back to Westport for a meal and when we got home I showed them a game of our National sport. It was a semi-final GAA match between Mayo and Cork.
The official opening of the Games in Croke Park, which I attended, was something I will never forget. Then the games itself which I supported as much as I could were very well organised and the beauty of it was that a book could be written about every athlete.
Hosting the Athletes could not be as successible without the support of a good committee. Also the people who gave me linen for the beds, flowers and home made bread and the team for erecting the flags outside my house. The people who called and made them welcome.
A special word of thanks to the Woods Hotel in Westport for allowing the team to train in particular to Margaret Mulchrone, Corporate Marketing Executive of the hotel for her kindness. To Staunton’s Sport Shop in Westport in sponsoring a Mayo football jersey and to C/C Cellular in Rosbeg, Westport for also sponsoring mobile phone components. To the Order of Malta who were always on standby while the team trained in the Hotel. Not forgetting Sean Geraghty with his specially adapted van who was always only a phone call away and Ann Kelly-Hoban who made sure the guests had a change of linen every night.
Above all the good days I spent with the Luxembourg team one day must stand out. It was on Friday 27th June when attending the games in Simmonscourt I was introduced to Eunice Kennedy Smith, the founder member of the Special Olympics. Later I was introduced to H.R.H. the Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa and the Sports Minister Mne Anne Brasseur. I was introduced as an adopted son from Ireland to Luxembourg. She thanked me for the good work I had done and was a good Ambassador for Newport/Westport. We spoke for a few minutes about the two countries and what they had in common. She was full of praise for the Irish business people who had set up in their capital of Luxembourg.
I pointed out to her that the athletes were very friendly, gentle and kind and it was a pleasure to have them in my house. A TV crew from Luxembourg recorded all this and their journalist took notes.
To cap it all I was invited to a reception on the 27th June 2003 in honour of their team. The reception was held at the Exhibition area of the University Industry Centre, UCD, Belfield. The Consul of Luxembourg in Ireland and the Ambassador of Luxembourg in London also attended it.
I felt very proud when I was presented with a special €10 and €5 coins specially minted by the Bank of Ireland who were the main sponsors for the games. The games are now over, but hopefully their legacy will remain in Ireland. People from all over the world will have watched our example and will have helped to influence Special Olympics programmes all over the world.
So all in all I felt happy, as the feedback I got was that they had an enjoyable 5 days and nights.
Yours truly,
Tom Chambers
"The Billy Ranch"
Newport
Co. Mayo.
E-mail: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Newport Tidy Towns Monthly Meeting
At our monthly meeting of Newport Tidy Towns Committee on the 3rd March 2005, a number of topics were on the agenda.
The "Good Friday Clean up" as was carried in last week’s edition of the Local papers.
Two of our members had a meeting with Pete Griffiths, the Rural Social Scheme Supervisor and it was agreed that work would be done to the following: Canon Killen Park, benches, rail, flower beds, walls, paint all seats and work on the edge of road from Kelly’s house to the turn on the Quay Road. The telephone Kiosk on Main Street is to be repaired in the next few weeks.
The meeting was attended by Frank Chambers, our Local Councillor who asked the meeting what work is needed to be done by the Council and the following was agreed: Paint all lamp posts in the town, clear more grass margin at the top of Quay Road towards slip-way and tar into wall, thus making room for a few extra areas for vehicles to park, the flower boxes to be painted. The viaduct to be cleared of grass and gravel put each side of path. This work was to be completed by the beginning of June this year.
Cllr. Chambers informed the meeting that he would ask Frank Walshe, the Area Engineer if he could get a machine to clean the tide-side of Canon Killen Park. Cllr. Chambers also when asked said that Kelly’s Garage was going through Legal Process and Planning was coming up.
He also informed the Committee that works on the Mulranny Road footpath would start in a few weeks. He also stated that €20,000 was allocated to complete the work to finish the roads in Knocknageeha Estate and extend the footpath to the "Billy Ranch".
But the main talking point at the meeting was how to overcome the litter problem we have in and around the streets of your town because it is your litter. A member of the Committee has agreed to pay a visit to the Local school and have a talk with the pupils about litter, as they were beneficiary of an Environment award last year.
We are calling on all business people and householders for their support in ensuring that their premises and homes are painted, kept neat, tidy and looking their best. We are a voluntary group of dedicated people working to maintain our town as a vital and pleasant place not only for our visitors but those of us who work and live here.
All those should help to improve the marks for this year Tidy Competition and Litter League, which starts in the first week in April 2005.
The Tidy Town Collection Date is on Friday 20th May 2005, subject to Permission and will be looking for volunteers.
Finally, if anyone out there has any ideas of their own of improving the outlook of the town or at the outskirts of the town, e.g., flowers or rockery beds, please contact or call into Tom, Committee Secretary @"The Billy Ranch", Tel: 098-41545 or any member of the Committee.
At our monthly meeting of Newport Tidy Towns Committee on the 3rd March 2005, a number of topics were on the agenda.
The "Good Friday Clean up" as was carried in last week’s edition of the Local papers.
Two of our members had a meeting with Pete Griffiths, the Rural Social Scheme Supervisor and it was agreed that work would be done to the following: Canon Killen Park, benches, rail, flower beds, walls, paint all seats and work on the edge of road from Kelly’s house to the turn on the Quay Road. The telephone Kiosk on Main Street is to be repaired in the next few weeks.
The meeting was attended by Frank Chambers, our Local Councillor who asked the meeting what work is needed to be done by the Council and the following was agreed: Paint all lamp posts in the town, clear more grass margin at the top of Quay Road towards slip-way and tar into wall, thus making room for a few extra areas for vehicles to park, the flower boxes to be painted. The viaduct to be cleared of grass and gravel put each side of path. This work was to be completed by the beginning of June this year.
Cllr. Chambers informed the meeting that he would ask Frank Walshe, the Area Engineer if he could get a machine to clean the tide-side of Canon Killen Park. Cllr. Chambers also when asked said that Kelly’s Garage was going through Legal Process and Planning was coming up.
He also informed the Committee that works on the Mulranny Road footpath would start in a few weeks. He also stated that €20,000 was allocated to complete the work to finish the roads in Knocknageeha Estate and extend the footpath to the "Billy Ranch".
But the main talking point at the meeting was how to overcome the litter problem we have in and around the streets of your town because it is your litter. A member of the Committee has agreed to pay a visit to the Local school and have a talk with the pupils about litter, as they were beneficiary of an Environment award last year.
We are calling on all business people and householders for their support in ensuring that their premises and homes are painted, kept neat, tidy and looking their best. We are a voluntary group of dedicated people working to maintain our town as a vital and pleasant place not only for our visitors but those of us who work and live here.
All those should help to improve the marks for this year Tidy Competition and Litter League, which starts in the first week in April 2005.
The Tidy Town Collection Date is on Friday 20th May 2005, subject to Permission and will be looking for volunteers.
Finally, if anyone out there has any ideas of their own of improving the outlook of the town or at the outskirts of the town, e.g., flowers or rockery beds, please contact or call into Tom, Committee Secretary @"The Billy Ranch", Tel: 098-41545 or any member of the Committee.
Letter looking for a Grant
Charlie Lambert
Mayo Sports Partnership
Mayo Co. Council
Castlebar
Co. Mayo
16th March 2006
Dear Charlie,
I am writing to on behalf of a Disability Committee which meet at the Westport Family Recourse Centre, Fairgreen, Westport.
One of our targets is to have a “Sports for All” day sometime in 2006. As this would be a huge project to set-up, we propose to have a meeting on the 28th March 2006, at 11 am in the Centre.
We would like it if you could find the time to attend, so that we could get a sub-committee elected to get the project up and running.
With Kind Regards,
--------------------------
Tom Chambers,
Co-ordinator
Westport Family Resource Centre
The Fairgreen
Westport
Co. Mayo
E-mail: thomaschanbers@eircom.net
Tel: (0(98) 41545 or 086/3552047
Mayo Sports Partnership
Mayo Co. Council
Castlebar
Co. Mayo
16th March 2006
Dear Charlie,
I am writing to on behalf of a Disability Committee which meet at the Westport Family Recourse Centre, Fairgreen, Westport.
One of our targets is to have a “Sports for All” day sometime in 2006. As this would be a huge project to set-up, we propose to have a meeting on the 28th March 2006, at 11 am in the Centre.
We would like it if you could find the time to attend, so that we could get a sub-committee elected to get the project up and running.
With Kind Regards,
--------------------------
Tom Chambers,
Co-ordinator
Westport Family Resource Centre
The Fairgreen
Westport
Co. Mayo
E-mail: thomaschanbers@eircom.net
Tel: (0(98) 41545 or 086/3552047
The Sports Day 2006, 14th October
It had everything. We had boxers and Local Councillors, People running for the next election and mechanics, doctors and members of the local garda, people who completed marathons in their wheelchairs and lorry drivers for Mayo Co. Council. Young boys/girls completing with senior citizens. Hoteliers and carpenters. We had a very experience goalkeeper and a great supporter of Liverpool playing with a supporter of Watford and Manchester United playing together in a pleasant atmosphere.
The “sports for all” day on the 14th October 2006 had that and I hope it can continue next year and it grows better as years go by. Sports for all is good for all if it is played for all. We had persons from the 2003 World Special Olympics and participation’s from the Belfast Special games competing.
From 11.45 am till 4.45 pm, people were coming and going with music blearing all the time. The face painting was ongoing in a professional way and the smile on the kids faces was something else. Kids and grown ups admiring their medals as they won their matches. Young kids playing chess with a publican.
Every game and winner had their own story to tell. Sandwiches and crisps and soft drinks were abundant on the day. People came from far and near. It was well represented by local representations.
Where else would you get such a group of people to plan together . All sports were played in a fund atmosphere, although the red card was nearly produced by the referee in the soccer match. Where would you get a team of the garda playing a team of young kids in a soccer tournament for medals.
It was great to see Fianna Fail/Fine Gael/Sein Fein/Green Parties playing games and enjoying themselves.
It was covered by all local papers. I believe everyone of all walks of life were there except “ Sam” it’s a pity he could not make, but there will be a place for him next year.
The real winners were the people who came on the day. Not even a puncture to a wheelchair. All in all, the games had a cardinal atmosphere on the day. A bit of history was created on the 14th Oct. 2006.
There were winners and losers, the losers were the ones who failed to turn up on the day. Myself personally, it was a great achievement for someone is wheelchair bound for over 25 years. But it could not be done without the support I got from all the committee who worked so hard for the last 6 months. Take a bow all of you.
It had everything. We had boxers and Local Councillors, People running for the next election and mechanics, doctors and members of the local garda, people who completed marathons in their wheelchairs and lorry drivers for Mayo Co. Council. Young boys/girls completing with senior citizens. Hoteliers and carpenters. We had a very experience goalkeeper and a great supporter of Liverpool playing with a supporter of Watford and Manchester United playing together in a pleasant atmosphere.
The “sports for all” day on the 14th October 2006 had that and I hope it can continue next year and it grows better as years go by. Sports for all is good for all if it is played for all. We had persons from the 2003 World Special Olympics and participation’s from the Belfast Special games competing.
From 11.45 am till 4.45 pm, people were coming and going with music blearing all the time. The face painting was ongoing in a professional way and the smile on the kids faces was something else. Kids and grown ups admiring their medals as they won their matches. Young kids playing chess with a publican.
Every game and winner had their own story to tell. Sandwiches and crisps and soft drinks were abundant on the day. People came from far and near. It was well represented by local representations.
Where else would you get such a group of people to plan together . All sports were played in a fund atmosphere, although the red card was nearly produced by the referee in the soccer match. Where would you get a team of the garda playing a team of young kids in a soccer tournament for medals.
It was great to see Fianna Fail/Fine Gael/Sein Fein/Green Parties playing games and enjoying themselves.
It was covered by all local papers. I believe everyone of all walks of life were there except “ Sam” it’s a pity he could not make, but there will be a place for him next year.
The real winners were the people who came on the day. Not even a puncture to a wheelchair. All in all, the games had a cardinal atmosphere on the day. A bit of history was created on the 14th Oct. 2006.
There were winners and losers, the losers were the ones who failed to turn up on the day. Myself personally, it was a great achievement for someone is wheelchair bound for over 25 years. But it could not be done without the support I got from all the committee who worked so hard for the last 6 months. Take a bow all of you.
Dáil Question
No: 1051
*To ask the Minister for Transport if there is grant assistance available to make a taxi/hackney minibus wheelchair accessible.
- Michael Ring.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 30th September, 2003.
Ref No: 20183/03
Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Séamus Brennan, TD)
REPLY
There is no grant assistance available for this purpose. However the New Taxi Advisory Council and the Taxi Regulator can review the situation in light of evolving policy.
Take Number: WRYY
Next Take Number: WRZZ
Forum
DÁIL ÉIREANN
Sitting Time
Sitting Date
22:48
29 September 2004
Text:
^ Written Answers Nos. 978 - 997. ^
^^ Taxi Regulations. ^^
995. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the advice guidelines or financial assistance which is available to assist a minibus or taxi owner to convert their vehicles to be fully wheelchair accessible. [21980/04]
996. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of fully wheelchair accessible taxis and minibuses which are registered at present and on a county basis. [21981/04]
997. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the suitability requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis to consider the rear tailgate type vehicle. [21982/04]
Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 995 to 997, inclusive, together.
The licensing and operation of small public service vehicles, including wheelchair accessible taxis, is governed by the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002. Under these regulations, a licence may only be granted following presentation of a vehicle test certificate and certificate of suitability issued by the National Car Testing Service, NCTS, which confirms that the vehicle is suitable for the purpose of being licensed as a taxi, wheelchair accessible taxi, hackney or limousine, as appropriate. The testing of a vehicle for taxi licensing purposes is undertaken by NCTS in accordance with the relevant regulatory requirements, including the requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis contained in the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (SI No. 47 of 1998), in the case of such a licence application. There is no financial assistance available to assist vehicle owners to convert vehicles to comply with the requirements of the wheelchair accessible taxi specification.
The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 specifically provides that an objective of the Commission for Taxi Regulation is to promote access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In this regard, the commission will be tasked with the determination of the future policy in relation to accessible taxis, including the consideration of possible revisions or improvements to the existing wheelchair accessible taxi specification. It is envisaged that this will necessitate specific discussions with both disability and taxi representative groups.
Under the public service vehicle regulations the granting and renewal of wheelchair accessible taxi licences is the responsibility of individual local licensing authorities to whom applications for licences are made. Accordingly, information regarding the total number of wheelchair accessible taxis licensed currently is not available in my Department. However, the following table outlines the position at 31 December 2003 based on statistical information provided for my Department by local authorities.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Total number of licences
granted at 31.12.2003
Licensing Authority and still current
at that date
Athlone Town Council 3
Ballina Town Council 2
Bray Town Council 6
Birr Town Council 0
Carlow Town Council 13
Castlebar Town Council 1
Cobh Town Council 1
Cork City Council 35
Donegal County Council 1
Stranorlar 0
Drogheda Borough Council 7
Dublin City Council 1001
Dundalk Town Council 5
Dungarvan Town Council 2
Ennis Town Council 2
Fermoy Town Council 0
Galway City Council 42
Kilkenny Borough Council 8
Killarney Town Council 10
Laois County Council 9
Letterkenny Town Council 9
Limerick City Council 11
Longford Town Council 2
Longford County Council 0
Mallow Town Council 2
Mhuinebeag (Carlow Town Council) 1
Naas Town Council 6
Navan Town Council 16
Sligo Borough 4
Thurles Town Council 0
Tipperary Town Council 0
Tralee Town Council 1
Tullow (Carlow Town Council) 0
Waterford City Council 13
Westmeath Urban (Mullingar) 14
Westmeath Co. Co. (Rural) 4
Wexford Borough Council 7
Total 1,238
Section to follow:
Section WRZZ follows.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last Modified by: Margaret Rushe at 30/09/2004 06.34.45 p.m.
Previously modified by: Mary Griffin, Margaret Rushe
No: 1051
*To ask the Minister for Transport if there is grant assistance available to make a taxi/hackney minibus wheelchair accessible.
- Michael Ring.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 30th September, 2003.
Ref No: 20183/03
Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Séamus Brennan, TD)
REPLY
There is no grant assistance available for this purpose. However the New Taxi Advisory Council and the Taxi Regulator can review the situation in light of evolving policy.
Take Number: WRYY
Next Take Number: WRZZ
Forum
DÁIL ÉIREANN
Sitting Time
Sitting Date
22:48
29 September 2004
Text:
^ Written Answers Nos. 978 - 997. ^
^^ Taxi Regulations. ^^
995. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the advice guidelines or financial assistance which is available to assist a minibus or taxi owner to convert their vehicles to be fully wheelchair accessible. [21980/04]
996. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of fully wheelchair accessible taxis and minibuses which are registered at present and on a county basis. [21981/04]
997. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the suitability requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis to consider the rear tailgate type vehicle. [21982/04]
Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 995 to 997, inclusive, together.
The licensing and operation of small public service vehicles, including wheelchair accessible taxis, is governed by the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002. Under these regulations, a licence may only be granted following presentation of a vehicle test certificate and certificate of suitability issued by the National Car Testing Service, NCTS, which confirms that the vehicle is suitable for the purpose of being licensed as a taxi, wheelchair accessible taxi, hackney or limousine, as appropriate. The testing of a vehicle for taxi licensing purposes is undertaken by NCTS in accordance with the relevant regulatory requirements, including the requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis contained in the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (SI No. 47 of 1998), in the case of such a licence application. There is no financial assistance available to assist vehicle owners to convert vehicles to comply with the requirements of the wheelchair accessible taxi specification.
The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 specifically provides that an objective of the Commission for Taxi Regulation is to promote access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In this regard, the commission will be tasked with the determination of the future policy in relation to accessible taxis, including the consideration of possible revisions or improvements to the existing wheelchair accessible taxi specification. It is envisaged that this will necessitate specific discussions with both disability and taxi representative groups.
Under the public service vehicle regulations the granting and renewal of wheelchair accessible taxi licences is the responsibility of individual local licensing authorities to whom applications for licences are made. Accordingly, information regarding the total number of wheelchair accessible taxis licensed currently is not available in my Department. However, the following table outlines the position at 31 December 2003 based on statistical information provided for my Department by local authorities.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Total number of licences
granted at 31.12.2003
Licensing Authority and still current
at that date
Athlone Town Council 3
Ballina Town Council 2
Bray Town Council 6
Birr Town Council 0
Carlow Town Council 13
Castlebar Town Council 1
Cobh Town Council 1
Cork City Council 35
Donegal County Council 1
Stranorlar 0
Drogheda Borough Council 7
Dublin City Council 1001
Dundalk Town Council 5
Dungarvan Town Council 2
Ennis Town Council 2
Fermoy Town Council 0
Galway City Council 42
Kilkenny Borough Council 8
Killarney Town Council 10
Laois County Council 9
Letterkenny Town Council 9
Limerick City Council 11
Longford Town Council 2
Longford County Council 0
Mallow Town Council 2
Mhuinebeag (Carlow Town Council) 1
Naas Town Council 6
Navan Town Council 16
Sligo Borough 4
Thurles Town Council 0
Tipperary Town Council 0
Tralee Town Council 1
Tullow (Carlow Town Council) 0
Waterford City Council 13
Westmeath Urban (Mullingar) 14
Westmeath Co. Co. (Rural) 4
Wexford Borough Council 7
Total 1,238
Section to follow:
Section WRZZ follows.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last Modified by: Margaret Rushe at 30/09/2004 06.34.45 p.m.
Previously modified by: Mary Griffin, Margaret Rushe
Mr Bertie Ahern T.D. "The Billy Ranch"
An Taoiseach Knocknageeha
Department of the Taoiseach Newport
Upper Merrion Street Co. Mayo
DUBLIN 2 098/41545
Friday, 07 September ‘02 E-mail: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Dear Taoiseach,
I am writing to you to complain about the state of the medical services in this county.
I myself am wheelchair bound. I this morning, rang Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar, County Mayo.
I asked to speak to my Community Care Dietician, to be to told that there is no longer a dietician working out of the hospital.
Also, I find it very difficult to get six weeks physiotherapy, something that is essential to the likes of myself. I find it difficult to get the treatment and care that I require.
The country is awash with money. Your spokespersons are advising that everything is wonderful, the economy is booming we are not short of nothing. Yet, when a person, such as myself, go looking for the most basic of services in hospitals etc., we are never able to get them.
Taoiseach, I am submitting this letter of protest to explain, that I, as a member of the general public am very dissatisfied with the level of service available, and am appalled at the way that persons in my position are treated.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Chambers.
An Taoiseach Knocknageeha
Department of the Taoiseach Newport
Upper Merrion Street Co. Mayo
DUBLIN 2 098/41545
Friday, 07 September ‘02 E-mail: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Dear Taoiseach,
I am writing to you to complain about the state of the medical services in this county.
I myself am wheelchair bound. I this morning, rang Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar, County Mayo.
I asked to speak to my Community Care Dietician, to be to told that there is no longer a dietician working out of the hospital.
Also, I find it very difficult to get six weeks physiotherapy, something that is essential to the likes of myself. I find it difficult to get the treatment and care that I require.
The country is awash with money. Your spokespersons are advising that everything is wonderful, the economy is booming we are not short of nothing. Yet, when a person, such as myself, go looking for the most basic of services in hospitals etc., we are never able to get them.
Taoiseach, I am submitting this letter of protest to explain, that I, as a member of the general public am very dissatisfied with the level of service available, and am appalled at the way that persons in my position are treated.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Chambers.
Dear Mr Langan,
I want to thank you for your prompt reply and for my delay in getting back to you.
Westport Leisure Park is an excellent asset for the people of Westport and my only aim is to ensure that it is accessible to all.
With regard to the problems with the disabled toilets I would like to make the following observations.
The toilet was built to accommodate wheelchairs and the disabled however modifications to the toilet since then mean that it is no longer accessible to those in wheelchairs.
The original complaint was made to me as a host of the Special Olympics. The athlete in question did not feel it was appropriate to raise a complaint in light of the wonderful hospitality accorded to the athletes by your centre. Instead he mentioned it quietly to me and I have checked it out myself and as qualified and experienced Access Officer I can tell you that as it is at present the toilet is not up to standard. A small amount of work will put this right.
The situation with the lift is the big problem. You have dismantled your other lift as it is not up to the job and I must ask you on behalf of the disabled to purchase and fit one that is capable of lifting adults in and out of the pool. I will be happy to lobby with you for funding to make this happen.
The reception desk counter is very high for someone in a wheelchair and I would ask that you lower a section of it.
I would be happy to chat with you about any of the above matters to see what we can do together to make your centre into a totally accessible resource for the Westport area. I am happy to advise you on any other access related matters anytime.
Please feel free to contact me anytime and I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Sincerely
____________
Tom Chambers
Access Officer
Disability Campaigner
I want to thank you for your prompt reply and for my delay in getting back to you.
Westport Leisure Park is an excellent asset for the people of Westport and my only aim is to ensure that it is accessible to all.
With regard to the problems with the disabled toilets I would like to make the following observations.
The toilet was built to accommodate wheelchairs and the disabled however modifications to the toilet since then mean that it is no longer accessible to those in wheelchairs.
The original complaint was made to me as a host of the Special Olympics. The athlete in question did not feel it was appropriate to raise a complaint in light of the wonderful hospitality accorded to the athletes by your centre. Instead he mentioned it quietly to me and I have checked it out myself and as qualified and experienced Access Officer I can tell you that as it is at present the toilet is not up to standard. A small amount of work will put this right.
The situation with the lift is the big problem. You have dismantled your other lift as it is not up to the job and I must ask you on behalf of the disabled to purchase and fit one that is capable of lifting adults in and out of the pool. I will be happy to lobby with you for funding to make this happen.
The reception desk counter is very high for someone in a wheelchair and I would ask that you lower a section of it.
I would be happy to chat with you about any of the above matters to see what we can do together to make your centre into a totally accessible resource for the Westport area. I am happy to advise you on any other access related matters anytime.
Please feel free to contact me anytime and I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Sincerely
____________
Tom Chambers
Access Officer
Disability Campaigner
Thomas Chambers
The Billy Ranch
Newport
Co. Mayo
Mr Peter Hynes
Town Manager
Westport Town Council
11th July 2005
Dear Peter,
I am writing to you in relation to the Barcelona Declaration concerning disabilities. As you know I have attended meetings organised by Mr Simon Wall in relation to car parking spaces in the town.
However it has been several months since the last meeting and several follow ups to the last meeting have not taken place even now. I was promised at the last meeting that the Town Engineer would accompany Elsie Higgins and myself around town to conduct a "snag" list of necessary action. I am disapointed that this has not yet happened.
I am also concerned with the layout, position, surface condition, access and signage in relation to several of the new and old disabled car parking spaces in the town and I would like to raise these issues, but again, there has not been a follow up meeting to allow me to do so.
Recently I have been assisting Ballina Town Council with the setting up of their Barcelona Committee to oversee their town's compliance with the declaration and I would respectfully suggest that Westport Town Council now form a committee to meet regularly and formally to address the town's disability needs.
I would also request to be a member of such a committee as I am qualified and willing to assist Westport in becoming a better place for all those with disabilities. I have noted that such a committee has been mooted on several occasions but that as yet nothing has happened. As the declaration is nearly 10 years old I think it is time Westport formalised its committment to disabilities.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Tom Chambers
The Billy Ranch
Newport
Co. Mayo
Mr Peter Hynes
Town Manager
Westport Town Council
11th July 2005
Dear Peter,
I am writing to you in relation to the Barcelona Declaration concerning disabilities. As you know I have attended meetings organised by Mr Simon Wall in relation to car parking spaces in the town.
However it has been several months since the last meeting and several follow ups to the last meeting have not taken place even now. I was promised at the last meeting that the Town Engineer would accompany Elsie Higgins and myself around town to conduct a "snag" list of necessary action. I am disapointed that this has not yet happened.
I am also concerned with the layout, position, surface condition, access and signage in relation to several of the new and old disabled car parking spaces in the town and I would like to raise these issues, but again, there has not been a follow up meeting to allow me to do so.
Recently I have been assisting Ballina Town Council with the setting up of their Barcelona Committee to oversee their town's compliance with the declaration and I would respectfully suggest that Westport Town Council now form a committee to meet regularly and formally to address the town's disability needs.
I would also request to be a member of such a committee as I am qualified and willing to assist Westport in becoming a better place for all those with disabilities. I have noted that such a committee has been mooted on several occasions but that as yet nothing has happened. As the declaration is nearly 10 years old I think it is time Westport formalised its committment to disabilities.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Tom Chambers
“Sports for All” 14 the October 2006
The Westport Disability Group - in conjunction with Westport Family Recourse Centre will hold a Sports for All day in the Sacred Heart School on Sat. 14th October 2006.
It will geared for the Old, Youth, Travellers, People with disabilities and Active Retirement in the Westport area. We have identified events such as: Basketball, Bocce, Draughts, Cards, Rings, Sports Quiz, Boxing, Wheelchair Relay Racing, Wheelchair Races and Indoor Soccer.
So on behalf of the Committee, I am asking brothers, sisters, home helpers and PA’s, youth clubs, mums and dads of people with disabilities to get those out, who might not normally have the chance to have an opportunity to participate in sports.
As someone who has participated as a player when I was able-bodied and, now as a person with a disability, I am aware of the barriers that prevent people taking part in sporting activity. They are not just physical but psychological as well. Although some physical issues prevent people with disabilities getting involved in sport, in my view these are easy to overcome. The fear factor is more difficult.
Although some physical issues prevent people with disabilities getting involved in sport, in my view these are easy to overcome. The fear factor is more difficult.
When sport for people with disabilities is suggested some people get afraid. They think it will involve huge commitment and a heavy workout, but really the idea is to encourage them to be more active and to get out and about. A person with a disability can get as many benefits from being active as their able-bodied counterparts. They are also entitled to a healthier life.
Transport will be provided for people with disabilities and their helpers on the day if necessary. Amusements for the kids will be available. We hope to finish off the day with a social and all donations and contributions will go towards the Newport/Westport Special Olympics team. So lets see you all on the 14th October.
For further Information:
Contact Tom Chambers at: 086/3552047 or Eoghan Murphy at 098/24419.
Regards,
Tom Chambers
“The Billy Ranch”
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo.
The Westport Disability Group - in conjunction with Westport Family Recourse Centre will hold a Sports for All day in the Sacred Heart School on Sat. 14th October 2006.
It will geared for the Old, Youth, Travellers, People with disabilities and Active Retirement in the Westport area. We have identified events such as: Basketball, Bocce, Draughts, Cards, Rings, Sports Quiz, Boxing, Wheelchair Relay Racing, Wheelchair Races and Indoor Soccer.
So on behalf of the Committee, I am asking brothers, sisters, home helpers and PA’s, youth clubs, mums and dads of people with disabilities to get those out, who might not normally have the chance to have an opportunity to participate in sports.
As someone who has participated as a player when I was able-bodied and, now as a person with a disability, I am aware of the barriers that prevent people taking part in sporting activity. They are not just physical but psychological as well. Although some physical issues prevent people with disabilities getting involved in sport, in my view these are easy to overcome. The fear factor is more difficult.
Although some physical issues prevent people with disabilities getting involved in sport, in my view these are easy to overcome. The fear factor is more difficult.
When sport for people with disabilities is suggested some people get afraid. They think it will involve huge commitment and a heavy workout, but really the idea is to encourage them to be more active and to get out and about. A person with a disability can get as many benefits from being active as their able-bodied counterparts. They are also entitled to a healthier life.
Transport will be provided for people with disabilities and their helpers on the day if necessary. Amusements for the kids will be available. We hope to finish off the day with a social and all donations and contributions will go towards the Newport/Westport Special Olympics team. So lets see you all on the 14th October.
For further Information:
Contact Tom Chambers at: 086/3552047 or Eoghan Murphy at 098/24419.
Regards,
Tom Chambers
“The Billy Ranch”
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo.
From: Cllr Keith Martin (Westport)
Date: 11/10/05 21:40:55
To: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Subject: EU Trip
One Mans StoryIn September of this year, a delegation of the disabled arrived in Strasbourg at the heart of the EU to lobby MEPs for increased direct funding of the disabled throughout the EU. The trip was organised as the "Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2005" and was seen as an opportunity to empower people with disabilities from all over the European Union states.Disability campaigner Tom Chambers was among those who travelled out to meet the MEPs, rally outside the Parliament and meet with the European Court of Human Rights. Tom is well known throughout Mayo and further a field as a dedicated campaigner for the rights of those with disabilities and for the provision of disability accessible facilities and buildings.Tom travelled to Strasbourg to campaign for three key points, the right to independent living, the availability of personal assistants and overseas aid to support the disabled in developing countries."What disabled people want is the right to live independently. We don't want institutionalisation we want the government and the EU to develop support that allows the disabled to live their lives as independent citizens within their own communities. We are asking that a European wide policy on independent living that is focused on the individual and we need Personal Assistant services on a progressively implemented basis," Tom explains.Tom says that also among their calls to the EU was "the right to free movement between EU states is enshrined in the EU treaties however there are clear restrictions on the movement of disabled people as the EU states do not recognise the requirement for portability of independent living supports such as Personal Assistants. We are also anxious as a group that the mistakes of the developed world are not repeated in the developing nations, which are currently developing their own attitudes and systems for their disabled community. That is why we are asking the EU to ensure that its EU overseas Development funding is used to ensure the involvement of organisations of the disabled in the planning and development of aid programmes so we are asking that a percentage of the EU Overseas fund be ring-fenced for projects that recognise the principals of Independent living in these developing nations.Tom was part of the Irish contingent of the Strasbourg Freedom Drive which was made up from members of disability groups and the disabled from countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Denmark and newer EU members from eastern Europe.Tom landed in Strasbourg early in the morning ready to take the campaign to the centre of the EU government full of hope but his first experience was a sign that perhaps the Freedom Drive was going to be a bit bumpy. Tom's taxi from the airport to his hotel cost €48, which he haggled down to €30 only after a heated debate. Arriving at last Tom felt that the hostel was a bit austere but the beds were tidy and neat. This was a lot more than could be said for the hostel's only disabled toilet. Complaints by Tom and his fellow travellers lead to a new seat being put on the facility proving to Tom that even while attending to the big issues, disability campaigning starts and finishes with the small details that make life liveable for the disabled.Morale improved, Tom explains, as "that evening was a time to gather thoughts and get to know the others who were staying in the hostel as they were coming into the Hostel at all hours of the night and the next day. I must say the Barbeque on Monday night was great fun. It was nice to see people from other countries coming and mixing together. The Danes had specially designed tee shirts for all of us. It was great to hear them all singing Irish songs and the craic on those first two days was 90 and we all agreed it was a good start to the campaign.""Tuesday morning was the start of the campaign proper and we set off to meet our respective MEPs. We got a Tram, which was completely accessible and fast right to the Parliament buildings, and were escorted to the Staff canteen where we meet with our representatives in Europe. There was a discussion but it was brief and we felt a little disappointed with the outcome but we had made our points to those who counted. Then it was back to the hostel for another social which kicked off at 7pm."It was a long day on Wednesday as it was the day we marched to the Parliament Buildings. As our hostel was 10 miles away we had to start early and caught a Tram at 9am to bring us to the meeting point from which we, the disabled from many countries, would go together as a group. So we set off for our two mile trip to the buildings and were surrounded by a police escort all they way as we shouted and chanted in English, French and a few other languages, there was even an outbreak of Rebel songs on the march."We got to the Parliament building at 12.30 where there were interviewers waiting to talk to the groups and there was even a television crew from Norway. Unfortunately there was no one from the Irish media there. People were looking out from the Parliament Buildings and from the street to see who and what was causing all the fuss. Now we had made an impact we had to wait until 5pm for our meeting with the EU's special Disability Intergroup, which is the assigned committee of the MEPs, which deals with disability issues. So while many of us were waiting we explored the local area including a market that sold everything from cars to needles. "The Disability Intergroup was chaired by a UK MEP Richard Howitt and he welcomed us and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. We were frank in our complaints and in raising the issues that had brought us as a group all the way to Strasbourg. Then as we finished a group of 6 girls let loose singing, "We shall overcome" which caused a bit of a stir. Mr Howitt said we were the first group to ever sing in the Parliament and he thanked us for staging our protest in a sociable manner and wished us the best of luck while he committed himself and his committee to doing their best to achieve the goals we had set for them."Leaving the Parliament we were a bit distressed to notice how inaccessible it actually is. Its lifts are too small for wheelchairs and it is a maze for anyone with an impairment who is trying to leave the building. As Ireland were playing an international soccer match we moved on to a pub to watch it and we happened to pick the same pub as several Irish MEPs but despite having spoken to us earlier on they choose not to come over and watch the match with us. In the end Ireland lost and we were a bit despondent that evening."Thursday was the last day and we travelled into the city once again to meet with the European Court were we were met by a representative of the courts from Ireland and he gave us a talk on what the courts do She explained that on Tuesday a woman from Ireland had brought an action against the government in the court. Then it was back to the Hostel for the end of campaign party where a late night of craic, ceol, food and drink was had by all until the wee hours."Tom says he enjoyed the trip and feels he and the others made their point even if the reaction from the Irish MEPs was a bit disappointing. Tom says he would go again if needed but "not without a Personal Assistant. It was a huge task to take on all on my own and I had a terrible time travelling as a disabled person on my own. I still bear the scars!"On the return trip they took my wheelchair off me at De Gaulle airport. I was left on a hard chair holding on to a metal bar to stop me falling off. I was left like this for two hours and had to ask some passing Americans for some water. It was like a form of torture but worse was to come. The chair they then gave me was not suitable for the plane and I had to explain that four men would be needed to lift me into a chair. They called the pilot down to supervise it but they had no training and actually did me harm when my legs went into spasm while being lifted over into me seat on the plane, I hit off other seats ripping my left shin and bursting one of my big toes open. Then to add insult to injury when we landed at Dublin the sides of my wheelchair and gone missing. Later I got a call to say the sides were found in Gatwick airport and airport that I hadn't even been too!""Despite this, I am not sorry I went. We put it to the MEPs that we want 5% of Structural funds and we got commitments to that from Mr Howitt. There was a record of everything that was done and said and it is up to them to fulfil the promises because if they don't, like the Terminator, "I'll be back and there will be many, many more with me!"
Date: 11/10/05 21:40:55
To: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Subject: EU Trip
One Mans StoryIn September of this year, a delegation of the disabled arrived in Strasbourg at the heart of the EU to lobby MEPs for increased direct funding of the disabled throughout the EU. The trip was organised as the "Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2005" and was seen as an opportunity to empower people with disabilities from all over the European Union states.Disability campaigner Tom Chambers was among those who travelled out to meet the MEPs, rally outside the Parliament and meet with the European Court of Human Rights. Tom is well known throughout Mayo and further a field as a dedicated campaigner for the rights of those with disabilities and for the provision of disability accessible facilities and buildings.Tom travelled to Strasbourg to campaign for three key points, the right to independent living, the availability of personal assistants and overseas aid to support the disabled in developing countries."What disabled people want is the right to live independently. We don't want institutionalisation we want the government and the EU to develop support that allows the disabled to live their lives as independent citizens within their own communities. We are asking that a European wide policy on independent living that is focused on the individual and we need Personal Assistant services on a progressively implemented basis," Tom explains.Tom says that also among their calls to the EU was "the right to free movement between EU states is enshrined in the EU treaties however there are clear restrictions on the movement of disabled people as the EU states do not recognise the requirement for portability of independent living supports such as Personal Assistants. We are also anxious as a group that the mistakes of the developed world are not repeated in the developing nations, which are currently developing their own attitudes and systems for their disabled community. That is why we are asking the EU to ensure that its EU overseas Development funding is used to ensure the involvement of organisations of the disabled in the planning and development of aid programmes so we are asking that a percentage of the EU Overseas fund be ring-fenced for projects that recognise the principals of Independent living in these developing nations.Tom was part of the Irish contingent of the Strasbourg Freedom Drive which was made up from members of disability groups and the disabled from countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Denmark and newer EU members from eastern Europe.Tom landed in Strasbourg early in the morning ready to take the campaign to the centre of the EU government full of hope but his first experience was a sign that perhaps the Freedom Drive was going to be a bit bumpy. Tom's taxi from the airport to his hotel cost €48, which he haggled down to €30 only after a heated debate. Arriving at last Tom felt that the hostel was a bit austere but the beds were tidy and neat. This was a lot more than could be said for the hostel's only disabled toilet. Complaints by Tom and his fellow travellers lead to a new seat being put on the facility proving to Tom that even while attending to the big issues, disability campaigning starts and finishes with the small details that make life liveable for the disabled.Morale improved, Tom explains, as "that evening was a time to gather thoughts and get to know the others who were staying in the hostel as they were coming into the Hostel at all hours of the night and the next day. I must say the Barbeque on Monday night was great fun. It was nice to see people from other countries coming and mixing together. The Danes had specially designed tee shirts for all of us. It was great to hear them all singing Irish songs and the craic on those first two days was 90 and we all agreed it was a good start to the campaign.""Tuesday morning was the start of the campaign proper and we set off to meet our respective MEPs. We got a Tram, which was completely accessible and fast right to the Parliament buildings, and were escorted to the Staff canteen where we meet with our representatives in Europe. There was a discussion but it was brief and we felt a little disappointed with the outcome but we had made our points to those who counted. Then it was back to the hostel for another social which kicked off at 7pm."It was a long day on Wednesday as it was the day we marched to the Parliament Buildings. As our hostel was 10 miles away we had to start early and caught a Tram at 9am to bring us to the meeting point from which we, the disabled from many countries, would go together as a group. So we set off for our two mile trip to the buildings and were surrounded by a police escort all they way as we shouted and chanted in English, French and a few other languages, there was even an outbreak of Rebel songs on the march."We got to the Parliament building at 12.30 where there were interviewers waiting to talk to the groups and there was even a television crew from Norway. Unfortunately there was no one from the Irish media there. People were looking out from the Parliament Buildings and from the street to see who and what was causing all the fuss. Now we had made an impact we had to wait until 5pm for our meeting with the EU's special Disability Intergroup, which is the assigned committee of the MEPs, which deals with disability issues. So while many of us were waiting we explored the local area including a market that sold everything from cars to needles. "The Disability Intergroup was chaired by a UK MEP Richard Howitt and he welcomed us and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. We were frank in our complaints and in raising the issues that had brought us as a group all the way to Strasbourg. Then as we finished a group of 6 girls let loose singing, "We shall overcome" which caused a bit of a stir. Mr Howitt said we were the first group to ever sing in the Parliament and he thanked us for staging our protest in a sociable manner and wished us the best of luck while he committed himself and his committee to doing their best to achieve the goals we had set for them."Leaving the Parliament we were a bit distressed to notice how inaccessible it actually is. Its lifts are too small for wheelchairs and it is a maze for anyone with an impairment who is trying to leave the building. As Ireland were playing an international soccer match we moved on to a pub to watch it and we happened to pick the same pub as several Irish MEPs but despite having spoken to us earlier on they choose not to come over and watch the match with us. In the end Ireland lost and we were a bit despondent that evening."Thursday was the last day and we travelled into the city once again to meet with the European Court were we were met by a representative of the courts from Ireland and he gave us a talk on what the courts do She explained that on Tuesday a woman from Ireland had brought an action against the government in the court. Then it was back to the Hostel for the end of campaign party where a late night of craic, ceol, food and drink was had by all until the wee hours."Tom says he enjoyed the trip and feels he and the others made their point even if the reaction from the Irish MEPs was a bit disappointing. Tom says he would go again if needed but "not without a Personal Assistant. It was a huge task to take on all on my own and I had a terrible time travelling as a disabled person on my own. I still bear the scars!"On the return trip they took my wheelchair off me at De Gaulle airport. I was left on a hard chair holding on to a metal bar to stop me falling off. I was left like this for two hours and had to ask some passing Americans for some water. It was like a form of torture but worse was to come. The chair they then gave me was not suitable for the plane and I had to explain that four men would be needed to lift me into a chair. They called the pilot down to supervise it but they had no training and actually did me harm when my legs went into spasm while being lifted over into me seat on the plane, I hit off other seats ripping my left shin and bursting one of my big toes open. Then to add insult to injury when we landed at Dublin the sides of my wheelchair and gone missing. Later I got a call to say the sides were found in Gatwick airport and airport that I hadn't even been too!""Despite this, I am not sorry I went. We put it to the MEPs that we want 5% of Structural funds and we got commitments to that from Mr Howitt. There was a record of everything that was done and said and it is up to them to fulfil the promises because if they don't, like the Terminator, "I'll be back and there will be many, many more with me!"
DISABLED PERSON’S PARKING CARD
CONDITIONS FOR USE
People who have the New EU Disabled Person’s Parking Card displayed on their windscreen have certain parking conditions:
These include parking at Parking Meters and in Disc Parking areas without charge and without a time limit.
Additionally, people displaying the new Parking Card can park in assigned parking spaces. These have the wheelchair symbol painted on the ground within the bays with a sign with the symbol thereon displayed.
Vehicles parked in these spaces not displaying the new Parking Card will be clamped or towed in cities and certain towns. Additionally, parking fine also applies throughout the country.
People who are parking and are causing an obstruction, such as in bus corridors and in clearway lanes will be towed in these areas.
Parking on double yellow lines is strictly forbidden. Parking on single yellow lines is not recommended; in the event that it is necessary before doing so it is advisable to consult a Garda or Traffic warden.
Persons to whom it is issued must only use the Parking Card. Any abuse/misuse will result in its immediate withdrawal.
The Parking Card is valid in all Member States of the European Union. Local parking regulations apply in each country so it is advisable to establish your rights in the country you are visiting.
Note
The laws on parking do not extend to private car parks.
The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, The Irish Wheelchair Association, Ballindine, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) 64266/64054
CONDITIONS FOR USE
People who have the New EU Disabled Person’s Parking Card displayed on their windscreen have certain parking conditions:
These include parking at Parking Meters and in Disc Parking areas without charge and without a time limit.
Additionally, people displaying the new Parking Card can park in assigned parking spaces. These have the wheelchair symbol painted on the ground within the bays with a sign with the symbol thereon displayed.
Vehicles parked in these spaces not displaying the new Parking Card will be clamped or towed in cities and certain towns. Additionally, parking fine also applies throughout the country.
People who are parking and are causing an obstruction, such as in bus corridors and in clearway lanes will be towed in these areas.
Parking on double yellow lines is strictly forbidden. Parking on single yellow lines is not recommended; in the event that it is necessary before doing so it is advisable to consult a Garda or Traffic warden.
Persons to whom it is issued must only use the Parking Card. Any abuse/misuse will result in its immediate withdrawal.
The Parking Card is valid in all Member States of the European Union. Local parking regulations apply in each country so it is advisable to establish your rights in the country you are visiting.
Note
The laws on parking do not extend to private car parks.
The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, The Irish Wheelchair Association, Ballindine, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) 64266/64054
Tom Chambers, Newport “Access Campaigner“@ Gerry Cowley, Ind, TD. Mulranny
Outside Leinster House on the 26th May 2005, discussing the collapse of the Disability Bill.
Approximately 3,000 people with disabilities marched from Parnell Square to the Leinster House on the 26th May, 2005,
“Asking, what do we want? Change the Bill.
What do we want? Change our lives.
What do we want? Equality.
Disability Bill – 86 TDs say YES, 500,000 people say NO
Can this be justice?
DISABILITY BILL A CRUEL DECEPTION
AND A BETRAYAL OF THE COMMITMENT
TO RIGHTS
Throughout my lifetime, perceptions of disability in Ireland have changed. Mostly, that change has been for the better. Disability in many forms was hidden away in Ireland when we were younger. People with disabilities were stigmatised, pitied, sometimes institutionalised. Certainly, disability was seen as placing a finite limit on the potential of the person.
Sometimes it was even worse than that. I remember being told that the parents of a new-born baby with Downs Syndrome were being punished because the baby had clearly been conceived outside marriage. Indeed, even terms like Downs Syndrome was not used then – the baby was called mongoloid. And how often when we were younger did we become aware of the son or daughter in a family who was never seen, because they were locked up in a psychiatric hospital as a consequence of their disability? How often did every service for people with disabilities depend entirely on charity, on our willingness to put coppers into collection boxes? How often were we able to turn a blind eye to disability simply because we had parted with those few miserable coppers?
It’s often said now that we knew how much attitudes had changed when thousands of people queued to watch events at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin. It was somehow natural to associate people with intellectual disability with words like grace, and courage, and competitiveness in a way that would have seemed impossible a generation ago.
Had people with disabilities changed in the intervening years? Had they somehow discovered a potential they had never had before? Or had the rest of us somehow come to realise that when you have a disability, you face barriers that are often impossible to surmount without help. And those barriers all too often are put there by people and institutions whose principal disability is selfishness.
Isn’t it easier to blame the person with a disability rather that tear down the barrier – to blame the size of the wheelchair rather than the narrowness of the aisle, to blame the person rather than remove the obstacle?
In truth, of course, it is people with disabilities themselves who have forced us to change our perception. The time is past when people with disabilities could be forced to be content with whatever label we choose to pin on them, whatever pigeonhole we choose to slot them in, whatever method of charity we choose to employ to help them eke out a limited and constrained life. For years now, people with disabilities have rejected what is known as the “medical model” of disability, the description that says all the disadvantages that go hand in hand with disability are caused by the disability itself.
They have been demanding instead that we accept a societal model, which ascribes that disadvantage much more to the barriers that confront people with disability. And increasingly they have been demanding one simple right, the right to be treated as equal citizens. In a republic, that’s not a lot to ask, is it?
I believe that the Disability Bill in its current form is unacceptable.
While I recognise that some effort has been made by the government, it is nevertheless clear that they have no real concept of how the flaws in this Bill will result in people with disabilities being treated as second class citizens yet again.”
Supporting the Disability Legislation Consultation Group’s (DLCG) views on the Bill, I believe that the Disability Bill should be part of a framework of measures that aims to support social inclusion and designed to advance and underpin participation by people with disabilities in everyday life. Moreover, provision should be made for the full assessment of health and educational needs so that Government can make services available to meet those needs. Access by people with disabilities to mainstream services is seen as a fundamental right. I am calling for all organisations and people with a disability who share our concerns to support me that will leave the government in no doubt that this inept Bill will not be tolerated”.
“People with disabilities are not guaranteed vital necessary services within a reasonable timeframe”.
Stressing that the Disability Bill is a critical element of the National Disability Strategy, Michael Doyle, Regional Manager, IWA, declared “ We are collecting a petition that we estimate will be signed by half a million people. We find ourselves in the ludicrous situation that 86 TDs seem to be saying YES to this Bill and 500,000 people are clearly saying NO, can this be justice?”
I sharply criticise the Government over its failure to respond positively to the broad range of opinion calling for the new disability legislation to be rights-based. The Government’s failure to respond to the many voices both inside and outside the House that called for this legislation to be rights-based rather than recourses based is another lost opportunity to define our society as one that is truly based on the principle of equality.
The new disability bill which was published in September2004, is not much different to that which was rightly rejected in 2001. The Minister can still set limits on our rights by simply decreasing the funding which is available to us. People with a short term disability have no right to a needs assessment. Why should it matter whether or not your disability is short term or long term. What matters is your ability to function has been disrupted.
The act does not clearly lay out a time frame in which the person who is applying for an assessment should have it undertaken. We could end up on a waiting list for years. Without the assessment, we would not be able to avail of services. The relevant minister can also decide when the provisions of the act come into force. There are already acts which have not been implemented in full.
Many people with disabilities have found that they cannot access a particular product or service. They have then found out that that service or product provider has a solution to the problem that they have created. Namely that they pay huge amounts of money to get a service which is often more than what is provided to a non disabled person.
Some prime examples of this are: Close caption VCR recorders which record subtitling for the deaf. Why should a person who cannot interface with technology be penalized? So that some company can make a profit from their lack of thought in the design of their product or service in the first place.
We should avoid the government pushing the provision of services for people with disabilities onto the free market as this has been a failure in England, where private nursing agencies were used to provide personal assistance to people with disabilities. This has resulted in wildly varying standards and, in some cases, was even a treat to health and safety, as the personal assistants were not properly trained.
The argument that government should allow us to purchase services from the private market place will leave us open to being controlled by the service provider. We have no taken our campaign to the streets onto our capital city and demonstrated our anger because of the lack of consideration of us as disabled people.
To me, it represents a slap in the face to all everyone with a disability, their families and advocates who were led on a 2 year merry-go-round of repeated consultations in the hope that this Government would finally live up to its responsibilities to acknowledge and deliver our rights. It refrains the disabled and their families from securing the services that should be theirs as of right.
Significantly, the Bill also fails to impose a legal duty on every public service provider to include and promote equality of people with disabilities. It is also an absolute disgrace, and it is despicable that the Minister with ultimate responsibility for implementation of the legislation, Michael McDowell, Minister for Justice, Equality didn’t even bother to turn up to take part in the debates in the Dial.
While the passage of this Bill represents an immediate setback in achieving the objective of rights-based legislation for people with disabilities , I urge everyone out there to continue to support the disability sector in their just demands to be treated with dignity and respect and above all on a basis of equality with all other citizens of the state.
Finally, there is nothing in the bill to say that it would be reviewed in a few years time. Therefore we now have to take this demonstration beyond the disability community. I believe we should build alliances with the trade unions, health care workers, and organisations who represent people with disabilities.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the TD,s who came out and gave us our support. I met with Kathy Sinnott, MEP, and following a good conversation she informed me that if we could get at least 8 (eight) good points and bring them to Strasburg in September of this year. She also said that if we could get 5 (five) people with a disability from each county and go to the city with them, there is a great possibility that a group she works with, could get it enshrined into the EU Law, then the Irish Government would have to accept it.
So at the moment, the Bill is going through the Seanad, and if it is passed there it will go to the President, Mrs. Mary McAleese. As an Irish Citizen of the Irish State, and as a disabled person I will be writing to her to refer this Bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality under Article 40.3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann under which the State “guarantees in its laws to respect, and as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate the personal rights of the citizen”. The Disability community has repeatedly informed Government through the established consultation process that this Bill is totally flawed and fundamentally inadequate, without the points listed below
1. There must be a clear and unequivocal right to anassessment of need, which must not be resource-dependent2. The services identified in the assessment of need foran individual must be provided within a reasonable and agreed timeframe3 .The Bill must provide for clear protection ofdisability-specific resources4 The provisions regarding Sectoral Plans must takeaccount of the wider needs of people with disabilities. Each governmentdepartment with relevant services must provide a Sectoral Plan5 .The Bill must provide for a clear statutory duty on allgovernment departments and public bodies to include people with disabilitiesin their plans and services with appropriate monitoring and accountability
I am calling on everyone who has any feeling for the disabled to write to the President appealing to her to refer it to the Supreme Courts. “A Uachtaráin, as you can see the Government have railroaded the said Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas, allowing little opportunity the Opposition parties to put amendments for change to the Bill“.
“A Uachtaráin, if you sign this Bill you will be going against the wishes of the 500,000 persons with disabilities in this State and their families.”
Yours sincerely,
Tom Chambers
Disability Campaigner for Co. Mayo
“The Billy Ranch”
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo.
Outside Leinster House on the 26th May 2005, discussing the collapse of the Disability Bill.
Approximately 3,000 people with disabilities marched from Parnell Square to the Leinster House on the 26th May, 2005,
“Asking, what do we want? Change the Bill.
What do we want? Change our lives.
What do we want? Equality.
Disability Bill – 86 TDs say YES, 500,000 people say NO
Can this be justice?
DISABILITY BILL A CRUEL DECEPTION
AND A BETRAYAL OF THE COMMITMENT
TO RIGHTS
Throughout my lifetime, perceptions of disability in Ireland have changed. Mostly, that change has been for the better. Disability in many forms was hidden away in Ireland when we were younger. People with disabilities were stigmatised, pitied, sometimes institutionalised. Certainly, disability was seen as placing a finite limit on the potential of the person.
Sometimes it was even worse than that. I remember being told that the parents of a new-born baby with Downs Syndrome were being punished because the baby had clearly been conceived outside marriage. Indeed, even terms like Downs Syndrome was not used then – the baby was called mongoloid. And how often when we were younger did we become aware of the son or daughter in a family who was never seen, because they were locked up in a psychiatric hospital as a consequence of their disability? How often did every service for people with disabilities depend entirely on charity, on our willingness to put coppers into collection boxes? How often were we able to turn a blind eye to disability simply because we had parted with those few miserable coppers?
It’s often said now that we knew how much attitudes had changed when thousands of people queued to watch events at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin. It was somehow natural to associate people with intellectual disability with words like grace, and courage, and competitiveness in a way that would have seemed impossible a generation ago.
Had people with disabilities changed in the intervening years? Had they somehow discovered a potential they had never had before? Or had the rest of us somehow come to realise that when you have a disability, you face barriers that are often impossible to surmount without help. And those barriers all too often are put there by people and institutions whose principal disability is selfishness.
Isn’t it easier to blame the person with a disability rather that tear down the barrier – to blame the size of the wheelchair rather than the narrowness of the aisle, to blame the person rather than remove the obstacle?
In truth, of course, it is people with disabilities themselves who have forced us to change our perception. The time is past when people with disabilities could be forced to be content with whatever label we choose to pin on them, whatever pigeonhole we choose to slot them in, whatever method of charity we choose to employ to help them eke out a limited and constrained life. For years now, people with disabilities have rejected what is known as the “medical model” of disability, the description that says all the disadvantages that go hand in hand with disability are caused by the disability itself.
They have been demanding instead that we accept a societal model, which ascribes that disadvantage much more to the barriers that confront people with disability. And increasingly they have been demanding one simple right, the right to be treated as equal citizens. In a republic, that’s not a lot to ask, is it?
I believe that the Disability Bill in its current form is unacceptable.
While I recognise that some effort has been made by the government, it is nevertheless clear that they have no real concept of how the flaws in this Bill will result in people with disabilities being treated as second class citizens yet again.”
Supporting the Disability Legislation Consultation Group’s (DLCG) views on the Bill, I believe that the Disability Bill should be part of a framework of measures that aims to support social inclusion and designed to advance and underpin participation by people with disabilities in everyday life. Moreover, provision should be made for the full assessment of health and educational needs so that Government can make services available to meet those needs. Access by people with disabilities to mainstream services is seen as a fundamental right. I am calling for all organisations and people with a disability who share our concerns to support me that will leave the government in no doubt that this inept Bill will not be tolerated”.
“People with disabilities are not guaranteed vital necessary services within a reasonable timeframe”.
Stressing that the Disability Bill is a critical element of the National Disability Strategy, Michael Doyle, Regional Manager, IWA, declared “ We are collecting a petition that we estimate will be signed by half a million people. We find ourselves in the ludicrous situation that 86 TDs seem to be saying YES to this Bill and 500,000 people are clearly saying NO, can this be justice?”
I sharply criticise the Government over its failure to respond positively to the broad range of opinion calling for the new disability legislation to be rights-based. The Government’s failure to respond to the many voices both inside and outside the House that called for this legislation to be rights-based rather than recourses based is another lost opportunity to define our society as one that is truly based on the principle of equality.
The new disability bill which was published in September2004, is not much different to that which was rightly rejected in 2001. The Minister can still set limits on our rights by simply decreasing the funding which is available to us. People with a short term disability have no right to a needs assessment. Why should it matter whether or not your disability is short term or long term. What matters is your ability to function has been disrupted.
The act does not clearly lay out a time frame in which the person who is applying for an assessment should have it undertaken. We could end up on a waiting list for years. Without the assessment, we would not be able to avail of services. The relevant minister can also decide when the provisions of the act come into force. There are already acts which have not been implemented in full.
Many people with disabilities have found that they cannot access a particular product or service. They have then found out that that service or product provider has a solution to the problem that they have created. Namely that they pay huge amounts of money to get a service which is often more than what is provided to a non disabled person.
Some prime examples of this are: Close caption VCR recorders which record subtitling for the deaf. Why should a person who cannot interface with technology be penalized? So that some company can make a profit from their lack of thought in the design of their product or service in the first place.
We should avoid the government pushing the provision of services for people with disabilities onto the free market as this has been a failure in England, where private nursing agencies were used to provide personal assistance to people with disabilities. This has resulted in wildly varying standards and, in some cases, was even a treat to health and safety, as the personal assistants were not properly trained.
The argument that government should allow us to purchase services from the private market place will leave us open to being controlled by the service provider. We have no taken our campaign to the streets onto our capital city and demonstrated our anger because of the lack of consideration of us as disabled people.
To me, it represents a slap in the face to all everyone with a disability, their families and advocates who were led on a 2 year merry-go-round of repeated consultations in the hope that this Government would finally live up to its responsibilities to acknowledge and deliver our rights. It refrains the disabled and their families from securing the services that should be theirs as of right.
Significantly, the Bill also fails to impose a legal duty on every public service provider to include and promote equality of people with disabilities. It is also an absolute disgrace, and it is despicable that the Minister with ultimate responsibility for implementation of the legislation, Michael McDowell, Minister for Justice, Equality didn’t even bother to turn up to take part in the debates in the Dial.
While the passage of this Bill represents an immediate setback in achieving the objective of rights-based legislation for people with disabilities , I urge everyone out there to continue to support the disability sector in their just demands to be treated with dignity and respect and above all on a basis of equality with all other citizens of the state.
Finally, there is nothing in the bill to say that it would be reviewed in a few years time. Therefore we now have to take this demonstration beyond the disability community. I believe we should build alliances with the trade unions, health care workers, and organisations who represent people with disabilities.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the TD,s who came out and gave us our support. I met with Kathy Sinnott, MEP, and following a good conversation she informed me that if we could get at least 8 (eight) good points and bring them to Strasburg in September of this year. She also said that if we could get 5 (five) people with a disability from each county and go to the city with them, there is a great possibility that a group she works with, could get it enshrined into the EU Law, then the Irish Government would have to accept it.
So at the moment, the Bill is going through the Seanad, and if it is passed there it will go to the President, Mrs. Mary McAleese. As an Irish Citizen of the Irish State, and as a disabled person I will be writing to her to refer this Bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality under Article 40.3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann under which the State “guarantees in its laws to respect, and as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate the personal rights of the citizen”. The Disability community has repeatedly informed Government through the established consultation process that this Bill is totally flawed and fundamentally inadequate, without the points listed below
1. There must be a clear and unequivocal right to anassessment of need, which must not be resource-dependent2. The services identified in the assessment of need foran individual must be provided within a reasonable and agreed timeframe3 .The Bill must provide for clear protection ofdisability-specific resources4 The provisions regarding Sectoral Plans must takeaccount of the wider needs of people with disabilities. Each governmentdepartment with relevant services must provide a Sectoral Plan5 .The Bill must provide for a clear statutory duty on allgovernment departments and public bodies to include people with disabilitiesin their plans and services with appropriate monitoring and accountability
I am calling on everyone who has any feeling for the disabled to write to the President appealing to her to refer it to the Supreme Courts. “A Uachtaráin, as you can see the Government have railroaded the said Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas, allowing little opportunity the Opposition parties to put amendments for change to the Bill“.
“A Uachtaráin, if you sign this Bill you will be going against the wishes of the 500,000 persons with disabilities in this State and their families.”
Yours sincerely,
Tom Chambers
Disability Campaigner for Co. Mayo
“The Billy Ranch”
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo.
“This is an article in the Mayo News on the 2nd June 2004.”
[Gala opening of Westport Cinema]
The gala opening of the new Westport cinema took place on Thursday night last, 27th May 2004,when an invited audience viewed a film in the complex before enjoying a buffet in he Westport Wyatt Hotel.
The official opening was performed by Cllr. Margaret Adams, Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council.
Guests were welcomed by Mr. Haulie Hoban, whose family are responsible for the new complex. The manager of the complex is Ms Claire Cusack of Glenhest, Newport.
Mr. Hoban thanked all who had played a part in bringing the cinema to completion and gave particular thanks to Westport Town Manager, Mr. Peter Hynes and his predecessors in that position, Mr. Padraig Hughes and Mr. Tim Mullen.
Cllr Margaret Adams said the Cineplex was a very important piece of social infrastructure in a major tourist town like Westport. The Council management and membership were delighted to work in partnership with the Hoban family in helping it to become a reality.
“I warmly thank the Hobans for their investment, their initiative and their commitment to their native place” she said. Town Manager, Mr. Peter Hynes, said Westport was a very important tourist destination in the West and, up to now, visitors had difficulty in understanding how such a popular destination did not have a cinema.
“That need has now been responded to by the Hoban family and we on the Council were delighted to work with them in making it happen” he said.
Music at the Wyatt was provided by the Westport Jazz Group.
It was a co-incidence that the manager on the 27th May 2004, rang me to inform me not to bother to call to the cinema as she had arranged a date for me to meet with the engineers.
Enclosed is the result of a meeting and a follow up letter to the manager.
[Gala opening of Westport Cinema]
The gala opening of the new Westport cinema took place on Thursday night last, 27th May 2004,when an invited audience viewed a film in the complex before enjoying a buffet in he Westport Wyatt Hotel.
The official opening was performed by Cllr. Margaret Adams, Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council.
Guests were welcomed by Mr. Haulie Hoban, whose family are responsible for the new complex. The manager of the complex is Ms Claire Cusack of Glenhest, Newport.
Mr. Hoban thanked all who had played a part in bringing the cinema to completion and gave particular thanks to Westport Town Manager, Mr. Peter Hynes and his predecessors in that position, Mr. Padraig Hughes and Mr. Tim Mullen.
Cllr Margaret Adams said the Cineplex was a very important piece of social infrastructure in a major tourist town like Westport. The Council management and membership were delighted to work in partnership with the Hoban family in helping it to become a reality.
“I warmly thank the Hobans for their investment, their initiative and their commitment to their native place” she said. Town Manager, Mr. Peter Hynes, said Westport was a very important tourist destination in the West and, up to now, visitors had difficulty in understanding how such a popular destination did not have a cinema.
“That need has now been responded to by the Hoban family and we on the Council were delighted to work with them in making it happen” he said.
Music at the Wyatt was provided by the Westport Jazz Group.
It was a co-incidence that the manager on the 27th May 2004, rang me to inform me not to bother to call to the cinema as she had arranged a date for me to meet with the engineers.
Enclosed is the result of a meeting and a follow up letter to the manager.
Interview with Tom Chambers ESQ
From: Caroline Casey
Date: 02/17/05 18:13:43
To: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Cc: 'Sarah Conroy'
Subject: O2 Ability Awards 2005
Dear Thomas,
Thank you for your email of 26th January and sincere apologies for the delay in replying to you. I appreciate your feedback and am sorry to hear of your experiences with Mayo County Council. As a person with a disability myself I fully understand everyday frustrations with day-to-day life. As you may be aware we are attempting to establish a benchmark of excellence in the employment of people with disabilities, what we’re also doing is concentrating on the positive. No organization is doing a perfect job but companies that have the right attitude should be commended and some rewarded.
The O2 Ability Awards were designed to award companies that are striving to embrace diversity in their organisations. No organisation is perfect as is no person. The journey of recognising the potential and contribution that people with disabilities make to business is going to take time. As with anything, mistakes will and have been made, but it is how we overcome those mistakes and the fact that we continually strive for improvement is what truly deserves attention and is the reason for any success. These Awards are about encouraging Irish business to see that employing people with disabilities is both possible and good for business. By using the examples of those companies that have begun to do this and whose philosophy is to treat people equally we can create future opportunities. The O2 Ability Awards is about continuous improvement. They encourage business leaders and companies to ask questions, to assess themselves and their progress and to create an environment where success is rewarded. There is no full stop or perfect point. The O2 Ability Awards recognise the beginning of a journey to ensure the momentum is sustained!
Kindest regards,
Caroline.
Caroline Casey
Founder and Development
The Aisling Foundation
The rear of 1 Mount Street Crescent
Dublin 2
Ph : 00 353 1 634 0018
Mb : 00 353 87 242 3792
-----Original Message-----From: thomas Chambers [mailto:thomaschambers@eircom.net] Sent: 26 January 2005 10:30To: sarah@theaislingfoundation.orgSubject: Awards
.
Date: 02/17/05 18:13:43
To: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Cc: 'Sarah Conroy'
Subject: O2 Ability Awards 2005
Dear Thomas,
Thank you for your email of 26th January and sincere apologies for the delay in replying to you. I appreciate your feedback and am sorry to hear of your experiences with Mayo County Council. As a person with a disability myself I fully understand everyday frustrations with day-to-day life. As you may be aware we are attempting to establish a benchmark of excellence in the employment of people with disabilities, what we’re also doing is concentrating on the positive. No organization is doing a perfect job but companies that have the right attitude should be commended and some rewarded.
The O2 Ability Awards were designed to award companies that are striving to embrace diversity in their organisations. No organisation is perfect as is no person. The journey of recognising the potential and contribution that people with disabilities make to business is going to take time. As with anything, mistakes will and have been made, but it is how we overcome those mistakes and the fact that we continually strive for improvement is what truly deserves attention and is the reason for any success. These Awards are about encouraging Irish business to see that employing people with disabilities is both possible and good for business. By using the examples of those companies that have begun to do this and whose philosophy is to treat people equally we can create future opportunities. The O2 Ability Awards is about continuous improvement. They encourage business leaders and companies to ask questions, to assess themselves and their progress and to create an environment where success is rewarded. There is no full stop or perfect point. The O2 Ability Awards recognise the beginning of a journey to ensure the momentum is sustained!
Kindest regards,
Caroline.
Caroline Casey
Founder and Development
The Aisling Foundation
The rear of 1 Mount Street Crescent
Dublin 2
Ph : 00 353 1 634 0018
Mb : 00 353 87 242 3792
-----Original Message-----From: thomas Chambers [mailto:thomaschambers@eircom.net] Sent: 26 January 2005 10:30To: sarah@theaislingfoundation.orgSubject: Awards
.
From the Western People Dated: 8th October 2003.
Ballina moves to make town more accessible for wheelchair users.
Ballina Town Council is to form a subcommittee to address the issue of accessibility in the town for the physically challenged. The initiative has been proposed by members of the Council in members of the Council in response to letters received by the Local Authority from individuals, using wheelchairs. They complained of having serious difficulties negotiating their way around the town.
Cllr. Michelle Mulherin noted that the Council had only recently signed up to the Barcelona Declaration on foot of a proposal by Cllr. Willie Nolan. The Declaration advocates the right of disabled people to equal opportunities and recognises their contribution to the society and the environment they live in.
Under its terms Local Authorities undertake to consult people with disabilities and their advocates and to device a plan of action for the implementation of the Declaration. Cllr. Mulherin requested that the Town Engineer investigate the particular issues raised in the correspondence and find ways of alleviating the difficulties being experienced by those using wheelchairs. She also asked that he respond in writing to the authorities of the letters. Cllr. Mulherin said the Local Authority would also have to bear its commitments under the Declaration in mind in all future planning related matters.
Compliance
Cllr. Johnny O’Malley suggested that the Council establish a sub committee to ensure compliance with the terms of the Declaration. Such a committee should liaise with people like those who had written to the Local Authority to complain about accessibility. Lady Mayor Francis McAndrew seconded this proposal. Padraig Moore asked the Council to address the issues as quickly as possible. He said motorists in the town should also be more aware of wheelchair ramps on footpaths.
People do not always know the purpose for the ramps and often obstruct them when parking, he said. Councillors also complained about the poor conditions of many of the County Council roads in Ballina. It can be very difficult for wheelchair users to use these roads.
Ballina moves to make town more accessible for wheelchair users.
Ballina Town Council is to form a subcommittee to address the issue of accessibility in the town for the physically challenged. The initiative has been proposed by members of the Council in members of the Council in response to letters received by the Local Authority from individuals, using wheelchairs. They complained of having serious difficulties negotiating their way around the town.
Cllr. Michelle Mulherin noted that the Council had only recently signed up to the Barcelona Declaration on foot of a proposal by Cllr. Willie Nolan. The Declaration advocates the right of disabled people to equal opportunities and recognises their contribution to the society and the environment they live in.
Under its terms Local Authorities undertake to consult people with disabilities and their advocates and to device a plan of action for the implementation of the Declaration. Cllr. Mulherin requested that the Town Engineer investigate the particular issues raised in the correspondence and find ways of alleviating the difficulties being experienced by those using wheelchairs. She also asked that he respond in writing to the authorities of the letters. Cllr. Mulherin said the Local Authority would also have to bear its commitments under the Declaration in mind in all future planning related matters.
Compliance
Cllr. Johnny O’Malley suggested that the Council establish a sub committee to ensure compliance with the terms of the Declaration. Such a committee should liaise with people like those who had written to the Local Authority to complain about accessibility. Lady Mayor Francis McAndrew seconded this proposal. Padraig Moore asked the Council to address the issues as quickly as possible. He said motorists in the town should also be more aware of wheelchair ramps on footpaths.
People do not always know the purpose for the ramps and often obstruct them when parking, he said. Councillors also complained about the poor conditions of many of the County Council roads in Ballina. It can be very difficult for wheelchair users to use these roads.
Access
Introduction
Barriers
A lack of awareness and education exists among architects, designers and service providers as to how to include people with a disability in the provision of full accessibility in buildings.
Lack of accessible facilities.
Access sometimes focuses only on wheelchair users. However, visually impaired people and others need to be included, too. Often there is nowhere to socialise. An inability to full participate in activities is often due to inappropriate access to the service. Frequently, there are no subtitles in cinemas. People with hidden disabilities e.g. epilepsy, are not always able to access facilities. The lack of audio facilities for people who are visually impaired needs to be highlighted. Spring-loaded doors in buildings should be replaced with automatic doors for ease of access. It is a well-known fact that the most and best facilities are Dublin- based with a drip feed to the rest of the country.
Swimming
In relation to swimming, it is a fact that public pools are not available throughout the region and private hotel pools are not accessible due to the high cost of membership. Pools that exist and have a hoist system in place for access by disabled persons generally do not have them in operation.
Schools
School gyms are not fully equipped to cater for young disabled people. Disabled people have to adapt to the facilities available. Changing rooms/toilets are not usually designed to include the needs of disabled people.
Lack of information and communication barriers
People do not know how to communicate with those who are deaf or blind, of who have autism or a learning disability. Many exhibitions, or other public spaces, are not inclusive of the communication needs of people with disabilities. There is too much high level English on signs, information flyers, newspapers and government documents.
Funding
A lack of funding is often a barrier for individuals/service providers to adapt their facilities.
Cost
Many people with disabilities face barriers of cost, due to having no self-incomer and depend on carers, parents and others to pay bills. A major problem is that if they are unable to get there, they cannot avail of leisure facilities. Finance is a major barrier as many people with a disability are living below the poverty line., again with parents meeting the cost because of no self-income. Those living in the Border region accessed facilities in Northern Ireland, which is better, but often not available.
Support
A lack of support exists from organisations to gain access to activities such as Arts and Crafts. There is not always the opportunity to participate because of a lack of personal assistances or a lack of staff as sometimes a high level of support is needed. Often there is a need to ask for help as it is not always forthcoming and this reduces independence.
Fear
Fear is often a barrier for some in participating in activities and having to admit they cannot take part
Society’s attitude
Society’s attitude can prevent the participation of people with a disability in everyday activities. People’s attitude to people in restaurants etc, due to the lack of awareness and fear of doing wrong things is a problem. If people have balance difficulties, they are generally perceived as being intoxicated. The current travel pass is of little use due to the non-existence of public transport in many rural areas.
Parking Bays
Parking facilities for people with a disability are still inadequate. There is a lack of designated parking spaces in both public and private areas.
Transport
Transport to schools, cinemas, leisure activities etc, is inadequate to include full participation. There is a need for access to taxis for the deaf, including mobile text facilities. There are no loops in taxis. CIE has a poor awareness of the needs of people with disabilities; e.g., there are no signs on trains or buses to inform deaf people which stop they are at.
Wheelchairs
The standard manually propelled wheelchair is 660mm wide and 1065mm long. This standard is likely to change in time, to around 700mm-X-1200mm. However, many people use chairs which are either larger or smaller than the standard dimensions, and it is unwise to rely on the personal experience of an individual user when considering whether building access or facilities are adequate in any particular situation.
A wide range of powered wheelchairs is available for indoor, outdoor or combined use. Most require a minimum 1700mm diameter turning circle. Electric scooters, generally for outdoor use but sometimes used indoors, are bigger. Some people’s feet extend beyond the wheelchair footpaths. My own feet extend over 200mm.
"As people with disabilities, we must also accept the responsibilities that are associated with the ups, as well as the downs, of life." "We do not want to be singled out for special attention, just to be treated as equals and to enjoy the benefits other citizens expect as a right".
Introduction
Barriers
A lack of awareness and education exists among architects, designers and service providers as to how to include people with a disability in the provision of full accessibility in buildings.
Lack of accessible facilities.
Access sometimes focuses only on wheelchair users. However, visually impaired people and others need to be included, too. Often there is nowhere to socialise. An inability to full participate in activities is often due to inappropriate access to the service. Frequently, there are no subtitles in cinemas. People with hidden disabilities e.g. epilepsy, are not always able to access facilities. The lack of audio facilities for people who are visually impaired needs to be highlighted. Spring-loaded doors in buildings should be replaced with automatic doors for ease of access. It is a well-known fact that the most and best facilities are Dublin- based with a drip feed to the rest of the country.
Swimming
In relation to swimming, it is a fact that public pools are not available throughout the region and private hotel pools are not accessible due to the high cost of membership. Pools that exist and have a hoist system in place for access by disabled persons generally do not have them in operation.
Schools
School gyms are not fully equipped to cater for young disabled people. Disabled people have to adapt to the facilities available. Changing rooms/toilets are not usually designed to include the needs of disabled people.
Lack of information and communication barriers
People do not know how to communicate with those who are deaf or blind, of who have autism or a learning disability. Many exhibitions, or other public spaces, are not inclusive of the communication needs of people with disabilities. There is too much high level English on signs, information flyers, newspapers and government documents.
Funding
A lack of funding is often a barrier for individuals/service providers to adapt their facilities.
Cost
Many people with disabilities face barriers of cost, due to having no self-incomer and depend on carers, parents and others to pay bills. A major problem is that if they are unable to get there, they cannot avail of leisure facilities. Finance is a major barrier as many people with a disability are living below the poverty line., again with parents meeting the cost because of no self-income. Those living in the Border region accessed facilities in Northern Ireland, which is better, but often not available.
Support
A lack of support exists from organisations to gain access to activities such as Arts and Crafts. There is not always the opportunity to participate because of a lack of personal assistances or a lack of staff as sometimes a high level of support is needed. Often there is a need to ask for help as it is not always forthcoming and this reduces independence.
Fear
Fear is often a barrier for some in participating in activities and having to admit they cannot take part
Society’s attitude
Society’s attitude can prevent the participation of people with a disability in everyday activities. People’s attitude to people in restaurants etc, due to the lack of awareness and fear of doing wrong things is a problem. If people have balance difficulties, they are generally perceived as being intoxicated. The current travel pass is of little use due to the non-existence of public transport in many rural areas.
Parking Bays
Parking facilities for people with a disability are still inadequate. There is a lack of designated parking spaces in both public and private areas.
Transport
Transport to schools, cinemas, leisure activities etc, is inadequate to include full participation. There is a need for access to taxis for the deaf, including mobile text facilities. There are no loops in taxis. CIE has a poor awareness of the needs of people with disabilities; e.g., there are no signs on trains or buses to inform deaf people which stop they are at.
Wheelchairs
The standard manually propelled wheelchair is 660mm wide and 1065mm long. This standard is likely to change in time, to around 700mm-X-1200mm. However, many people use chairs which are either larger or smaller than the standard dimensions, and it is unwise to rely on the personal experience of an individual user when considering whether building access or facilities are adequate in any particular situation.
A wide range of powered wheelchairs is available for indoor, outdoor or combined use. Most require a minimum 1700mm diameter turning circle. Electric scooters, generally for outdoor use but sometimes used indoors, are bigger. Some people’s feet extend beyond the wheelchair footpaths. My own feet extend over 200mm.
"As people with disabilities, we must also accept the responsibilities that are associated with the ups, as well as the downs, of life." "We do not want to be singled out for special attention, just to be treated as equals and to enjoy the benefits other citizens expect as a right".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)