Brian Crowley MEP Launches DLDC Disability Report

Brian Crowley, MEP, provided a keynote address at the official launch of a research report undertaken by Donegal Local Development Company Ltd (DLDC) entitled “Community, Volunteering and People with Disabilities.” Speaking at the Launch of the research in the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny on Wednesday 31st October, the Fianna Fail Munster MEP said that the research report provided a critical insight into the need to reduce the barriers faced by people with disabilities, enabling people to get more involved in community and voluntary activities both within Co. Donegal and across the country.

Mr. Crowley said that people need to “think outside the box” and realize that people with disabilities have vital skills and knowledge that can help to build stronger communities within Ireland. He added that “people with different types of disability also have different needs as regards becoming involved in voluntary activities. Involvement is more than just about installing ramps or making buildings accessible, it involves a change in attitudes.” Mr. Crowley believes that people with disabilities have a lot to offer the local community and voluntary sector, providing greater diversity, a wider base of volunteers and helping to pool the collective resources of society. He extended his thanks to DLDC Board Directors Jim Slevin (Chairman) and Martin McBride (DESSA, PWDI) who invited him to Donegal to officially launch the research report, and commended the company’s efforts to highlight the abilities and needs of people with disabilities within Irish Society. Speaking also at the event, Donal Kavanagh Broadcast Journalist with Highland Radio provided a personal account of the challenges faced by people with different types of disability, stating that people with disabilities do not define themselves in terms of their disability and in this respect encouraged the community and voluntary sector to challenge their perception, perspective and attitudes towards disability. Donal said that society must look beyond their perception of disability to see the totality of a person and the value which their involvement can add to groups and communities. Colleen Boyle from the ME4U Volunteering Donegal project provided an overview of the research report undertaken in association with the National Disability Authority. Among the key findings of the research report, Colleen stated that the barriers identified to the participation of people with disabilities through the research survey included public transport, access to buildings, services and facilities, communication between community groups and people with disabilities, social stigma, attitudes and a lack of training. Colleen said that both people with disabilities and the community and voluntary sector require additional support and encouragement in getting people involved in local community groups, and that community groups should actively recruit people with disabilities. The ME4U Volunteering Donegal project is working towards the empowerment of the community and voluntary sector in this regard. Donegal Local Development Company would like to thank all the guest speakers that took part in the launch of the research report, particularly for their very personal and inspirational accounts of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in getting involved in community and voluntary activities. A copy of the research report can be obtained by calling DLDC on 07491 27056 or by e-mailing info@dldc.org.