DFI Newsletter April 2013

Issued on April 1 2013

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Disability and Community

At this stage we have all agreed that people with disability are equal citizens and it”s the job of the State, the business community and community and voluntary sector to work towards opening up mainstream services to people with disabilities. However what we find in practice is that some of the State”s best mechanisms that support a mainstream approach are being repeatedly targeted for cuts far out of proportion to the cuts we see elsewhere during this recession. The Housing Adaption Grant is to be cut by 40% in 2013, the mobility grant and motorised transport grant are ending and memory of that reversal of the drastic cut to Personal Assistant Service are still fresh in everyone”s minds. Government are making decisions that are eroding the road it wants to travel itself.

Budget decisions need to be made in the context of the road we are travelling in relation to disability policy. To implement the policy of mainstream services for people with disabilities much greater linkages are needed between disability and community, and far more integrated planning and decision making is required at national and local level. DFI and Not for Profit will launch “Living in the Community: Services and Supports for People with Disabilities 17 ^th April, the report is based on the services provided by fifteen organisations in the community.

It is intended that the launch of the report will direct attention to what we have learnt from providing community based services for people with disabilities and highlight to all the changes needed to realise an Ireland where people with disabilities are active and equal citizens in their own communities.

John Dolan
CEO

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

HR & Employment Law Update

Adare Human Resource Management provide HR and Employment Law Support Services to a large number of Organisations within the Community and Voluntary Sector.
Our HR and Employment Law Support Services include
 Contracts of Employment & Employee Handbooks containing policies & procedures - drafting / review / update
 HR elpdesk – provision of on-going access to Phone / Email HR Advice and Support
 Representation at Workplace Relations Commission, Rights Commissioners, Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) and other external employment bodies
 HR Consultancy Services – Recruitment / Investigations / Dispute Management
Adare Human Resource Management support Organisations through minimising the risk of exposure to legal challenges by ensuring legal compliance for Organisations in their practices as well as policies and procedures.
Disability Federation of Ireland, in conjunction with Adare Human Resource Management, has in place a support structure for member Organisations to avail of discounted Human Resource and Employment Law Support Services exclusively for DFI members.

Access to Part-Time Working
An Employee is considered to work part-time when they work fewer hours than a comparable full-time Employee. Part-time working can be requested for many reasons, including but not limited to:
• Personal development or pursue further study/ other interests
• For family reasons
• To care for a relative or friend
• For medical reasons
The Labour Relations Commission has published a Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time working which is not legally binding but is good practice. The rights of part-time Employees to equal treatment in regard to contractual terms and conditions in relation to full-time Employees are enshrined in The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001. The Act provides that part-time Employees must not be treated any less favourably than comparable full-time Employees unless there are objective grounds. Employees do not have a statutory entitlement to part-time work.
A part-time Employee can be compared to a comparable full-time Employee where:
• Both Employees perform the same work
• Work performed by one Employee is of the same or similar nature to that performed by the other
• Work performed by the part-time Employee is equal or greater in value to the work performed by the other Employee concerned, having regard to matters such as skill, physical or mental requirements, responsibilities or working conditions

General Principles under the Code of Practice
• The Code is applicable to all Employers and Employees
• Access to part-time work should, as far as possible, be available across different levels in the Organisation
• As far as possible, Employers should consider requests by Employees to transfer from: full-time to part-time work; from part-time to full-time work or increase their working time should the opportunity arise
• An Employee moving to part-time work should suffer no diminution of status or Employment rights, with the exception of pay, benefits etc., unless there are objective grounds
• The Pro-rata principle should apply where appropriate

A key element in the consideration of access to part-time work is the operational or business context of the Organisation and the need to maintain/ enhance economic competitiveness.
The facility to change the existing hours of work of Employees is a matter to be agreed between the Employer and the Employee, rather than a statutory entitlement.
If you have any questions relating to Part-time working, do not hesitate to contact us.
For further information on the HR Support Services provided click on the link below:
http://www.disability-federation.ie/index.php?uniqueID=50

“How Could You?” - Bereavement through Suicide – a Special Loss
Maeve Halpin, Social and Organisational Psychologist

Approximately 500 people take their own lives in Ireland every year, with males outnumbering females by about 4 to 1. On average, every death directly affects six other people, meaning 3,000 people per annum are suicide-bereaved. Grief after suicide can be particularly intense, difficult and complicated. In addition to the expected grief at the loss of a loved one, it can raise many painful issues for which special support and intervention may be needed.

I nitial Reactions
With suicide, a death is usually sudden, unexpected and often violent. Shock and disbelief are common initial reactions. A Garda investigation will take place and a post-mortem will have to be held. Even though the Guards and medical staff are trained to be sensitive and compassionate, their very involvement can cause further trauma for family members. Feelings of guilt and shame can be overwhelming after a suicide. Friends, family and even professionals who had been supporting the person can feel that they have failed, that they were negligent, unobservant or uncaring. People can become preoccupied with thoughts of what they could have done - what if I had listened more? What if I hadn't gone away that weekend? Why didn't I notice the signs? Even though nearly 90% of all suicides are associated with a diagnosable mental health or substance-abuse disorder, family members in particular can over-estimate their own contributing role and their presumed ability to affect the outcome.

Anger and Blame
Ironically, while those bereaved by suicide often need more help than other bereaved people, they may be less likely to receive it. There can still be a social stigma attached to suicide and in many religious traditions it is considered a sin. Until 1993, suicide was a crime in Ireland. Some family members may deny the reality of the suicide as a way of coping and refuse to talk about it. They may feel that they will be judged negatively by the community or be seen as a “problem family”. Anger is a common element of grief, but such anger can be greatly exacerbated after suicide. People can be extremely angry with the dead person for killing themselves, for not asking for help or confiding in them, for taking “the easy way out”. They can feel rejected and abandoned, helpless to express their feelings to the person who has died. They can feel added guilt for being so angry and be too embarrassed or ashamed to admit their anger to others. Mutual blame often surfaces after a suicide, with people trying to alleviate their own guilt by targeting other family members, traumatising everyone even further. This can disrupt the family solidarity that would otherwise be a support in times of bereavement.

Getting Help
Bereavement after suicide can require special measures. Unanswered questions can be torturous for those left behind. They need to find a way to understand the act, what led up to it and its consequences, in order to integrate and accept it. They may find this in their religious or spiritual life, in learning about the psychology of suicide, or by talking to friends and acquaintances of the dead person. Contact with others with similar experiences is often helpful. Online forums and discussion groups are popular because they can preserve the anonymity of the person and are available 24 hours a day. People who are depressed or feel stigmatized by the suicide are all the more likely to seek help from Internet support services. Face-to-face support groups specifically dedicated to supporting those bereaved by suicide have been found to be more helpful for such people than broader grief or bereavement groups. Many people find one-to-one professional counselling very effective, as it allows them to explore the conflicting and contradictory tangle of emotions generated by suicide in a constructive, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
Survivors of suicide loss are at higher risk of developing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal behaviours, as well as a prolonged form of grief called complicated grief. It is important that shame, guilt or stigma do not hinder them from accessing support services that can provide crucial assistance towards healing and recovery.

Maeve Halpin is a practising counsellor and Social and Organisational Psychologist, with many years” experience in the Community and Voluntary sector, latterly as Chair of the Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups. In conjunction with Maeve, DFI have launched an External Supervision and Support Service for staff and Boards of DFI member groups. More information is available at http://www.disability-federation.ie/index.php?uniqueID=215

HEALTH

Update on Service Level Agreements

The HSE Business Support Unit have made some changes to this year”s SLA”s, they have compiled an overview of the list of changes made and given a copy of an SLA with changes highlighted in blue, please see link below: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/Non_Statutory_Sector/Comparator_Documents_for_Section_39_Revised_Schedules_2013.html
From our initial reading of this there appears to be an increase in the integration of the quality issues and in particular HIQA”s Better Safer Healthcare into the SLA along with the integration of the disability Key Performance Indicators into the SLA.
Please do contact your Support Officer if you require any support with this and if you have any queries in relation to these changes please do contact us.

Mobility Allowance

DFI responded this month to the Department of Health”s decision to discontinue the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport grant with a media campaign to provide information on the value of these grants for people with disabilities, as well as the impact of the loss of them. Other issues highlighted were the lack of consultation with representative organisations prior to this decision being made, as well as the uncertainty associated with the replacement of these grants and a timeline for this process.

Meeting the Secretary General of the Department of Health

DFI held a meeting with the Secretary General (SG) of the Department of Health, where he presented on the changing health system and about the need for active direct collaboration in planning, in developing the Department”s strategic direction over the next 2 years. DFI and member organisations engaged in a discussion with the SG, and the Assistant Secretary for Social Care, raising points of concern related to non-recognition of community based services and supports in the VfM Review, and the need for service planning over the long-term.

National Consultative Forum

DFI participated in two National Consultative Forum meetings this month, the first one dealt with Tom Beegan”s review of disability services (see note below), and the second one focused on the functioning of HSE Consultative Structures, and the NCF”s Communication Strategy. DFI also emphasised its concerns about the decision of the Department of Health to discontinue the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport grant. DFI continued its participation on the regional and local consultative fora to influence the work programme and promote a balanced approach across the diversity of people with disabilities, ensuring that there is a focus on the services and supports needed to live in the community.

Children First

DFI sits on the National Group for the Implementation of Children First for Children with Disabilities. The policy guide for Children First was signed off at a recent meeting of this group.
With regard to the work of the Progressing Disability Programme for Children and Young People aged 0-18, DFI is working with the HSE in the role out of presentations and information sessions to parents of children with disabilities with regard to the realignment of children”s services.

Value for Money

DFI met with Tom Beegan, who is carrying out a Value for Money Review of the voluntary sector, on behalf of the HSE, and is beginning his work by examining disability services. DFI provided him with a detailed overview of the range of supports and services that physical, sensory, and neurological organisations provide, as well as measures that have already been introduced in the area of quality.

DFI NEWS IN BRIEF

Launch of Research on: “Living in the Community: Services and Supports for People with Disabilities.”

Launch of the joint Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and the Not for Profit Business Association (NFPBA) research report: Living in the Community: Services and Supports for People with Disabilities. The report is being launched by the Minister for Disability, Older People, Equality and Mental Health Kathleen Lynch and will take place in the Mansion House on 17th April 2013.
The Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in Ireland acknowledged that community based services and supports were not examined in the Review. The research involving 15 voluntary disability organisations demonstrates the key features of services and supports that enable people with disabilities to continue living in the community. It also explores the area of measuring outcomes for people with disabilities and the quality of services.
The report makes a number of recommendations related to valuing community based services and supports as a key component of our social and health infrastructure.
Elected members of the Oireachtas have been invited and as usual we will be inviting the media to attend. The details of the event are as follows:
Date: Wednesday 17th April
Time: 10.30 a.m. to 1. p.m.
Venue: Oak Room, Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

Community and Voluntary Pillar

DFI attended the Community and Voluntary Pillars Education Linkage Group in preparation for the Community and Voluntary Pillar Bilateral meeting with the Department of Education. DFI is seeking information about progress on the establishment of SOLAS and the current provision for facilitating people with disabilities to access and participate in Further Education.
DFI contributed to the C & V Pillar”s National Reform Programme Update, in which we highlighted our concerns relating to people in receipt of disability payments” access to Intreo, the cost of disability, the continued delays in publishing the National Disability Strategy, and the lack of mention of the NDS in Ireland”s Update.
DFI continues to engage in a range of activities focusing on the issues arising at different stages in the life cycle.
DFI contributed concrete examples of areas of activity where we and our organisations contribute to the wellbeing of older people to the Ageing Well Network contribution to the National Positive Ageing Strategy.

International News

DFI was the partner organisation in hosting the very successful European Disability Forum Board Meeting on the 23rd and 24th February 2013. The event was attended by over 70 delegates from around Europe representing people with disabilities. It incorporated a joint EDF / NDA seminar on the Accessibility of Public Websites attended by Pat Rabitte T.D., Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. DFI assisted in the organisation of this seminar. In addition, DFI hosted a special night of traditional entertainment in the venue Clasac and each delegate was presented with a gift of a CD. The evening celebrated and remembered renowned Irish Tin Whistle player Donncha O'Briain, (1960 to 1990) who was also a wheelchair user http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIJnafX5ubw DFI also made a presentation to the Board meeting on the situation of people with disabilities in Ireland in the context of the NDS. Through the EDF, and also through the EASPD, we are working to influence the European wide understanding of the crisis as not alone being a banking and fiscal crisis but that it is a serious social crisis that requires the EU to reconfigure how it will provide a comprehensive social infrastructure to support and complement economic development. The underlining concern being that it will continue to have such an ambition. To this we also bring our message that disability is a broad social issue.

Further European Engagement

DFI Contributed to the EAPN (European Anti-Poverty Network) and EASPD (European Association of Disability Service Providers) submissions as follows:
EAPN Submission to the European Central Bank, International Monitory Fund and European Council “Troika” on the Quarterly Review of Ireland”s Programme for Financial Support “Reversing the rise in poverty, overcoming poverty traps and making activation work for people”
EAPN Ireland Proposal for Irish Country Specific Recommendations 2013
EASPD Submission on European Country Specific Recommendations 2013 from an Irish perspective.

NATIONAL DISABILITY STRATEGY / TOWARDS 2016

Universal Design

DFI participated in an NDA led discussion on the development of National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) standards on “Universal Design for Customer Engagement in Tourism Services", ensuring that all communications with customers is accessible.

Review of Social Protection Employment Support Schemes

DFI attended the Minister for Social Protection”s review of social protection employment support schemes in February hosted by the Minister. DFI emphasised that Intreo is open only to those on jobseekers payments and not to people on disability payments. The Disability Activation programmes, Supported Employment and Community Services programme were not included in this review.

HOUSING

Policy Paper Submitted to Dublin City”s Strategic Planning Committee

DFI submitted a policy paper to the implementation monitoring group of the National Housing Strategy as well as a paper on assessing need for social housing to the Dublin City”s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) on Housing. The submission pressed for a wider definition of housing inadequacy for people with disability in the context of applications for social housing.
A second meeting of DFI's housing consultative group, the Housing Reference Group was organised for early March, with the housing officials driving implementation of the Housing Strategy attending. In the HSE committee work on congregated settings, DFI has underlined the importance of developing inclusive communities to realise mainstreaming in practice. Efforts continued to engage with national local authority committees to bring disability issues, especially regarding housing, to their attention.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (Cosc) Awareness Raising Grant Scheme 2013

Cosc Awareness Raising Grant Scheme 2013 Relating to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence including a New Stream of Funding to Raise Awareness Among People with Disabilities
Cosc is pleased to let you know that a call for funding under the Cosc Awareness Raising Grant Scheme 2013 relating to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence has been announced. The Application Form and Guidance Manual for Grant Applicants 2013 are available on the awareness raising page of there website www.cosc.ie
Cosc in conjunction with the Disability Policy Division in the Department of Justice and Equality, are providing in 2013 a separate stream of funding for projects that will develop and deliver appropriate and targeted communication to raise awareness and increase recognition of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence among people with disabilities. Those people with disabilities considered most vulnerable or at risk would be a particularly important target group. I would be much obliged if you would please pass on this information to any member organisations or other agencies you feel this may be of relevance to.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Friday 26th April 2013. It is expected that decisions will be made on applications received and most eligible organisations paid grant money by mid June 2012.
The Guidance Manual for Grant Applicants 2013 makes reference to both the Guiding Principles for Public Awareness Raising Activities Relating to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence and the Communications Paper on Approaches to Promoting and Developing an Understanding of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. If your organisation is developing a new public awareness raising campaign relating to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, it is suggested that you take both of these papers into account.
For further information please contact :
Caroline Fitzpatrick
Cosc - The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Department of Justice and Equality
Floor 2
Montague Court
Montague Street
Dublin 2
Ph:00-353-(0)1-4768680
Visit the website at www.cosc.ie

Portrayal of People with Disabilities in the Media

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and the NDA have brought media representatives and disability representatives together to look at how to improve the portrayal, representation and prevalence of people with disabilities in Irish Broadcasting. The Steering committee is considering how best to encourage positive portrayal and inclusion of people with disabilities on all broadcast media via voluntary Codes. It is anticipated that the work of the committee will conclude by the end of this year. If you or your organisation has an experience or recommendation that you would like to bring to the attention of the committee, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The disability representatives are as follows:
Shari McDaid Mental Health Reform, Niamh Connolly NCBI, Julianne Gillen Deafhear, Joan O”Donnell DFI, Sorcha Lowry See Change & Headline, and Sinead Burke Little People of Ireland.
Joan O”Donnell can be contacted on 01 4250122 or by email joanodonnell@disaiblity-federation.ie

Workshop on Smart Homes Technology: Maximising Independent Living

Are you interested in learning about the latest environmental control and smart home technology options for people with disabilities? If so, Enable Ireland invites you to come to their April 11th workshop: Smart Homes Technology: Maximising Independent Living, in DTIAungier Street.
Pre-Booking is essential and to reserve your place please email sdeakin@enableireland.ie or Tel: (01) 8714000. More information can be found on the website http://www.enableireland.ie/smart-homes-workshop

Coming Soon! ISL Everywhere

A new and exciting Irish Sign Language (ISL) mobile website and smartphone app.
Free, easy to use and easy to access ISL Everywhere has many unique features including; over 1,000 signs and phrases, focusing on the everyday vocabulary of a young child's life; a simple but very effective word association feature, which helps parents expand their child's vocabulary and their understanding of the world around them; Bedtime stories; Printable resource materials and rainy day activities.
Have a look at the promo for ISL everywhere https://vimeo.com/61763999
ISL Everywhere is a collaborative project between Sharing the Journey, the Irish Deaf Society and the Centre for Deaf Studies.

Horticultural Therapy Workshop April 5th & 6th 2013

Using social and therapeutic horticulture as a complementary therapy with those who have learning disabilities
This two day course will give you the necessary information, skills, techniques and confidence to use social and therapeutic horticulture in your work with people who have learning disabilities.
As a participant you will learn more about how social and therapeutic horticulture can be of benefit to people who have learning disabilities and you will gain the confidence and skills to implement your own horticulture programme.

All course materials and hand-outs are included in the course fee of €200.00
Registration and coffee is at 9.30am with the course starting at 10.00am and running until 4.00pm.
Booking Form available on website http://sonairte.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Booking-Form-sonairte.pdf
Venue: Sonairte, The Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath
Tel: Veronica on 041 9827572 | Email: horttherapy@sonairte.ie

European Headache Alliance Survey

The European Headache Alliance (EHA) has designed a survey entitled 'Access To Care' and all migraine and headache sufferers throughout Europe are being asked to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZCMVN22
On behalf of the MAI please complete this survey - the overall results will be presented by Professor Cristina Tassorelli (project coordinator and EHA Vice President) at the National Migraine Conference on Sunday 12th May. This takes place in Dublin under the Irish Presidency of the European Union to mark European Month of the Brain.
If they get over 100 responses to the survey from Ireland the MAI will receive €200 which we will put to excellent use. As it is a European wide survey not all questions may be relevant to us in Ireland so please just answer as best you can.
For furthe information please contact Jenny Costello Communications and Information Officer. E-mail jenny@migraine.ie

3rd International Public Health & Palliative Care Conference: 25th to the 27th April 2013

A public health approach to palliative care places the community at the centre of supporting those affected by death, dying, loss and care.
Milford Care Centre & the University of Limerick heartily invite you to Limerick, Ireland for this conference.
Death, dying, loss and care are everyone's business:

• If these matter to you
• If you are working with an organisation or community group and dealing with death, dying, loss and care
• If you are uncertain about “Health Promoting Palliative Care” and want to find out more
• If you are interested in developing a Public Health approach to death, dying, loss and care
• If you are working in partnership to support communities, groups and individuals to enhance their capacity to deal with the experiences of death, dying, loss and care
• If you are curious and questioning.

For more information see: www.publichealthpallativecare.org .

Fifth International Dementia Care Conference RDS, 16th & 17th April, 2013 Conference Programme + Free events

Join this year”s Sonas apc International Conference and learn about new developments and innovations in dementia care. With 21 speakers from Ireland and abroad, we have a wide range of presentations and sessions.
The 2-day event provides a platform to network with your peers, see new products and get expert updates on dementia.
To view the full 2 day programme, click here.
To book on line, click here
Special events for people with dementia and family carers seats are limited, so booking is essential.
Film Screening - Click here to book online
Living with dementia - A space to talk. Click here to book online

For more information please go to www.sonasapc.ie/conference or call Marie at (01) 260 8138 (Email: conference@sonasapc.ie )

Neurological Alliance of Ireland European Month of the calendar of events

“In May 2013, Ireland will host the European Month of the Brain as part of its EU presidency. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) and its members are using the month to promote awareness of challenges facing the over 700,000 people in Ireland who live with a neurological condition. You can find out more and view the full calendar of events on the Neurological Alliance of Ireland”s website, www.nai.ie

NEWSLETTERS

For information please contact the relevant organisation directly

Ability - Newsletter of the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Tel: 01 4572329, E-mail: info@iasbah.ie

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Newsletter, Tel 01 2804164 email: cbrack@abiireland.ie

http://www.abiireland.ie/docs/ABII_Newsletter_Spring_2010.pdf

Arthritis Ireland - Newsletter—Tel: 01 661 8188

E-mail: info@arthritisireland.ie

Aspire - Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland. 01-8780027/9, E-mail:admin@aspire-irl.org

Asthma Society News - Tel: 01-8788511,

E-mail: office@asthmasociety.ie

Brainstorm - Migraine Association of Ireland, Tel: 01-8064121,

E-mail: info@migraine.ie

Brainwave - Quarterly Newsletter, Tel: 01 4557500, E-mail: info@epilepsy.ie

Care Alliance Ireland - E-mail: ndo@carealliance.ie

Clar na nÓg - National Youth Council of Ireland Tel: 01-4784122 E-mail: info@nyci.ie

Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland - www.cleft.ie/newsletter/index.htm, Tel: (01) 2848227, E-mail: georginawade@cleft.ie

Community Exchange Newsletter, E-mail: info@activelink.ie Tel: +1 667 7326

Connect - Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association. E-mail: info@imnda.ie Freefone 1800 403 403

Community Workers” Co-operative – Community Work News. E-mail: info@cwc.ie Tel: +353 (0) 91 779 030

Cornerstone - Homeless Agency -http://www.homelessagency.ie/research/cornerstone.asp, Tel: 01 7036100 , E-mail: homeless@dublincity.ie

Cumhacht - People with Disabilities in Ireland http://www.pwdi.ie/news_events/newsletter/index.htm, E-mail: info@pwdi.ie Tel: 01-8721744

Debra Ireland Newsletter, Tel: 01 678 5044, E-mail: info@debraireland.org

Down Syndrome Ireland - Tel: 01-8730999, E-mail: info@downsyndrome.ie

Enable Ireland - Newsletter—Tel: 1850 204 304 E-mail: communications@enableireland.ie

Equality News - Tel: 01-4173333, E-mail:: info@equality.ie

E-Info Deaf Source— E-mail:: info@irishdeafsociety.ie Tel: +353 1860 1878

Féach - Support to parents of blind and visually impaired children. Tel: 01 493 1896, E-mail: info@feach.ie

Fighting Blindness - Tel: 01 7093050, E-mail: avril.daly@fightingblindness.ie

Frontline of Learning Disability -Tel: 01-2862649. E-mail: frontline@indigo.ie

GROWing - Information on Mental Health, Tel: 1890 474 474, E-mail: info@grow.ie

Guidelines - Irish Guide Dogs Association. Tel: 021 4878200 E-mail: info@guidedogs.ie

Headway Ireland - National Association for Acquired Brain Injury -“Making Headway”, Tel: 01-8102066, E-mail: info@headway.ie

Heart News: - Newsletter of Irish Heart Foundation. Tel: 01 668 5001 E-mail: info@irishheart.ie

Heartstrings - Newsletter of Heart Children Ireland, published quarterly, Tel: 1850 217017 E-mail: heartchildren@eircom.net

Heatwave - Irish Raynauds Scleroderma Society, E-mail: info@irishraynauds.com Tel: 01 2020184

HOPE - Huntington”s Disease Association of Ireland. Tel: 01-872 1303, E-mail: hdai@indigo.ie

Inclusion Ireland - Tel: 01 8559891, E-mail: info@inclusionireland.ie

Irish Deaf News - Irish Deaf Society. Minicom: 01-8601910; 01-8601878; E-mail: info@irishdeafsociety.ie

Irish Wheelchair Association - “Spokeout”, Tel: 01-8186 400, E-mail: Joanna.marsden@iwa.ie

Kerry Network of People with Disabilities - Network News 066-7180611, E-mail: kerrypwdi@eircom.net

MS News—Newsletter of MS Ireland. Tel: 01 6781600, E-mail: info@ms-society.ie

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland - MDI News Update Tel: 01-6236414, or 01- 6236415E-mail: info@mdi.ie

DeafHear.ie - Link Magazine - Tel: 01 8723800, E-mail: info@deafhear.ie Minicom: (01) 817 5777

NCBI News - Newsletter of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Tel: 01 8307033, E-mail: press@ncbi.ie visit www.ncbi.ie

Neuro News - Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland, Tel: 01-8726338, E-mail: nfaireland@eircom.net

People First - Central Remedial Clinic Tel: 01-8057400 E-mail: vmmcutch@crc.ie

Post Polio Support Group - Newsletter, Tel: 071 64791 E-mail: newsletter@ppsg.ie

Poverty Today - Combat Poverty Agency. Tel:01-670 6746

Rehab News -Tel: 01-2057200 E-mail: dara.duffy@rehab.ie

Simon News - Simon Community, Tel: 01-6711606 E-mail: info@simoncommunity.com

Shine News - Schizophrenia Ireland, Tel: (0)1 8601620 E-mail: info@sirl.ie

Social Housing - Irish Council for Social Housing Tel: 01-6618334; E-mail: info@icsh.ie

Sonas aPc – Tel (01) 2608138. www.sonasapc.ie .

Speaking up for Advocacy – Citizens Information Board Newsletter on advocacy. Tel: 01 6059035, E-mail: mairide.woods@ciboard.ie

Volunteer Stroke Scheme News- Tel: 01-4559036. E-mail:: info@strokescheme.i

Wheel E-Bulletin Tel:01- 454 8727, E-mail: info@wheel.ie

SUPPORT OFFICERS

National Office
Fumbally Court Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8
Tel: 01 454 7978 Fax: 01 494 7981 E: info@disability-federation.ie

Dublin Mid-Leinster
Anthony Carrick
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin South East, Wicklow (Dublin Office),
Mobile: 086 8206736
E: anthonycarrick@disability-federation.ie

Louise McCann
Dublin South City, Dublin South West, Dublin West, Kildare, West Wicklow (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 9189750
E: louisemccann@disability-federation.ie

Jacqueline Grogan
Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath (Dublin Office)
Tel: 01 454 7978 Fax: 01 494 7981 E: jacquelinegrogan@disability-federation.ie

Lillian Buchanan
Support Officer – Policy and Research (Dublin Office)
Tel: 01 424 0127
E: lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie

Dermot O”Donnell
Support Officer – Support for Organisations (Dublin Office)
Tel: 01-4250125
E: dermotodonnell@disability-federation.ie

Dublin North-East
Joan O”Donnell
Meath, Louth, Cavan, Monaghan (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 3834587
E: joanodonnell@disability-federation.ie

Martin Naughton
Dublin North Central, Dublin North West, Dublin North
Mobile: 086 8207196
E: martinnaughton@disability-federation.ie

West
Michael Corbett,
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon
C/O DFI, Acres, Newport, Co. Mayo,
Tel: 098 41919,
Mobile: 086 3804750,
Fax: 098 41065,
E: michaelcorbett@disability-federation.ie

North-West
Jennifer Van Aswegen
Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal
Disability Federation of Ireland
Model Niland, The Mall, Sligo
Co Sligo
Mob: 086 3811261
E: jennifervanaswegen@disability-federation.ie

Toni Gleeson,
Limerick, North Tipperary, East Limerick, Clare
DFI, The Forge, Croke St. Thurles, Co Tipperary
Mobile: 086 6004526
E: tonigleeson@disability-federation.ie

South
P.J. Cleere
Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford
DFI, Tinryland, Carlow
Tel: 059 9179431
Mobile: 086 3811064
E: pjcleere@disability-federation.ie

Alison Ryan
Cork, Kerry
101 North Main Street, Cork
Tel: 021 4271752 Mobile 086 3816323
E: a.ryan@disability-federation.ie

ABOUT DFI

The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) represents the interests and the expectations of people with disabilities to be fully included in Irish society. It comprises organisations that represent and support people with disabilities and disabling conditions.
The vision of DFI is that Irish society is fully inclusive of people with disabilities and disabling conditions so that they can exercise their full civil, economic, social and human rights and are enabled to reach their full potential in life. DFI”s mission is to act as an advocate for the full and equal inclusion of people with disabilities and disabling conditions in all aspects of their lives.
There are over 126 organisations within membership, or as associates, of DFI. DFI also works with a growing number of organisations and groups around the country that have a significant disability interest, mainly from the statutory and voluntary sectors. DFI provides:
• Information
• Training and Support
• Networking
• Advocacy and Representation
• Research and Policy Development / Implementation
• Organisation and Management Development
DFI works on the basis that disability is a societal issue and so works with Government, and across the social and economic strands and interests of society.
For further information go to www.disability-federation.ie

Disability Federation of Ireland, Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8
Tel: 01-4547978, Fax: 01-4547981
Email: info@disability-federation.ie web: www.disability-federation.ie
Union of Voluntary Organisations for the handicapped trading as The Disability Federation of Ireland is a company limited by guarantee not having share capital, registered in Dublin. Registered No 140948, CHY No 6177