To mark UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Real Life Connections group from the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies presented President Michael D. Higgins with the Real Life Connections Guide in Áras an Uachtaráin on Friday 2nd December 2011. Photographs from the event are uploaded at end of this article so to view please scroll to bottom of page.
In his inaugural speech President Higgins eloquently articulated his vision of a radically inclusive citizenship where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and is an active, contributing participant in society - a 'people first' society where every person's abilities and talents are acknowledged as included citizens. Heartened by this empowering vision for a 21st Century Ireland the National Federation wanted to contribute in its own small way to its realisation through its work on Real Life Connections - supporting people with intellectual disabilities to have real lives in their own local community.
The Real Life Connections group is made up of people with intellectual disabilities and staff from services. The aim of the guidance document is to carefully consider how each person who avails of intellectual disability services can be supported to connect with their own community and have positive valued social roles within their community. Brian O'Donnell, Chief Executive of the National Federation said: "President Higgins is a staunch defender of human rights and a strong advocate of the rights of persons with disabilities to be included as equal citizens and we are honoured to present him with this guide towards inclusive citizenship." The guidance document is accompanied by a DVD, where a young woman shares her courageous and life-affirming journey from residential living to living and engaging as an active citizen in her own community.
In developing this guidance document the group considered the essential elements to a good life that lead to a sense of belonging for all of us: family; friends and relationships; people you can rely on; valued social roles; education: paid employment; hobbies and interests; respect and dignity; health and wellbeing; a home of your own, and; a chance to contribute to the world you live in. Great care and attention focused on fostering good community connections and the importance of real meaningful relationships in people's lives. Intellectual disability services were encouraged to focus on the resources and assets in their own local community in supporting people who avail of their services to have ordinary, everyday lives. The group agreed that to be truly included in your community, it is not just enough to be physically present; you need to be actively engaged and contributing to your community. Your community should be a place where you feel you truly belong and where you can fully flourish.
For further information on Real Life Connections, please contact: Maria Walls, Director of Research & Policy Development, National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway, Tel: 091-792316, Email: maria.walls@fedvol.ie mailto:maria.walls@fedvol.ie