Introduction
In June 2012 a number of organisations came together to discuss cuts affecting people with a disabilities, particularly young adults leaving school. Several meetings followed at which the following organisations were represented:Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland, National Parents Alliance, Special Needs Parents Association, Irish Autism Action, and Autism Rights & Equality Alliance, and Disability Activist Suzy Byrne.
Structure
The name Disability Rights Coalition is the collective name for the group of organisations.Two main streams of governance – a steering group and supporting organisations. The supporting organisations will kept up to date with any developments and can opt to sign their name onto press statements as they agree them.
Aims
- Build a strong coalition of rights based organisations and individuals representing people with a disability and their families.
- Build networks and share information.
- Promote a rights based agenda
- Promote empowerment of people with a disability rather than conforming to typical charity model.
How – goals for initial phase (to January 2013)
Create a key chain of contacts within each organisationShare ideas and information via:
- Regular meetings
Collaborate on press statements and campaigns as required
Responsibilities of each organisation
The steering group will meet every two months, but more regularly if needed. In the period to December 2012, meetings will take place every three weeks.Every organisation will nominate ONE person as a liaison for the Coalition – this person will sign off on any press statements and distribute information to their organisation within an agreed timeframe as required.
Steering Group
Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland, National Parents Alliance, Special Needs Parents Association, Irish autism Action, Seasamh and Disability Activist Suzy Byrne.Supporting Organisations
Inclusion Ireland
Down Syndrome Ireland
National Parents Alliance
Special Needs Parents Association
Irish Autism Action
Autism Rights & Equality Alliance
Midlands Regional Forum of People with Disabilities
Leader’s Alliance
Munster Parents and Guardians of Children/Adults with Intellectual Disability
Autism Support Louth
Clare Federation for People with Special Needs
ConnectAbilities (Clare)
Airc (Mayo)
Hope 4 Disability
Parents & Friends of People with Special Needs, Fermoy
EVA ~ Ennis Voices for Autism
Galway Autism Partnership
Sunbeam House Parents and Friends Forum
Sunbeam House Self-Advocates Forum
LOFFA – Laois Offaly Families for Autism
Laois Down’s Syndrome Assoc
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