UNCRPD in Ireland – begging for change
Over the years, many extraordinary, inspiring people with disabilities have shown how they have rocked the world in their unique way. What the likes of Trump might regard as incompetence, I have seen extremely able, courageous people who have raised the bar not only for themselves but for others as well. They are living proof that having a disability is not the end of the road. There is, in fact, a whole world ahead of you. It might be good to remember these strong words from Michelle Obama, “When they go low, we go high.”
Disability rights in Ireland, 3 years later
"What’s even more bizarre, in November 2012, Ireland successfully campaigned for election to the Human Rights Council, yet it is still to ratify a convention that states that the rights of people with disabilities must be upheld. As a result, human rights are good for some in Ireland, but not for all. Oh, the irony of a health minister talking about inclusion."
MS News: August 2014
August 2014 has been a great month for people with neurological illnesses, as they finally saw their type of illness broadcast, and indeed, doused by ALS ice bucket challenges. To quickly place ALS amongst other neurological illnesses, perhaps the most famous person with ALS is Stephen Hawking, a personal hero of mine since my teenage years. ALS, also called MND (Motor Neurone Disease and Lou Gehrig’s Disease), is similar to multiple sclerosis and has several causes. A lot of money has gone to charitable organisations supporting ALS as well as other neurological illnesses.
Being active online
It’s two days after travelling 230km west for MS Ireland’s National Meeting Day in Galway, Ireland. It was a fantastic day, and I learned a lot, but it was just as great being able to share information on how to be interactive when you have a mountain of free time when you’re stuck at home. “Panel Discussion: This session looked at practical ways people with MS keep active in employment (Grace O’Sullivan), through the internet (myself), physical activity (Anne-Marie McDaid, Olympic Gold Paralympic medalist) and through MS Ireland’s work and activities (Mark Mitchell). Trevis Gleason, chef, blogger and MS advocate facilitated this session. For the benefit of others living with multiple sclerosis, and to use the long list of how to be interactive I had written beforehand, I will add some of…