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SPOKE OUT€4.00 · SUMMER 2014

Lifestyle magazine published by the Irish Wheelchair Association

RIDE ONRecumbent cycling

with Barry Rice

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MOTORING57 More choice Vehicles likely to appeal to motorists

with disabilities

SPORT61 The beautiful game Why everyone should try powerchair

football

NEWS65 Special delivery CEO Brendan O’Neill on DPD

Ireland’s 25-year relationship with IWA

67 Fundraising news Fundraising news and upcoming

events69 Regional news IWA events around the country

REGULARS70 Crossword Crossword No 24 by Gordius71 Letters Letters to the editor72 Small ads Sell on items or pick up a bargain

COVER STORY5 Ride on Barry Rice on living with

Friedreich’s Ataxia and his passion for recumbent cycling

PRODUCTS10 Wheelchair Solutions

celebrates fi rst year IWA’s Wheelchair Solutions’

successful fi rst year in business12 Low cost living aids Handy aids for under €20

FEATURES17 A path worth taking Cavan staff member Bridget Boyle

on adjusting to life in a wheelchair22 Annual Conference 2014 Coverage of IWA’s AGM & Annual

Conference25 Volunteer Awards 2014 Outstanding volunteers celebrated

at IWA Volunteer of the Year awards

29 Flying with Falcons Kevin Wright’s dramatic air-to-air

photography mission

ContentsEDUCATION & CAREERS33 A way in Three members get work

experience with job shadowing initiative

TRAVEL39 A place where I belong Regular Cuisle visitor Noeleen

Flanagan on building confi dence43 Holidaying at Home Accessible holiday accommodation

in Ireland45 Soaking up the sun Cartoons by Johnny Connaughton46 Accessible España Jenny Kerr praises a truly

accessible sun resort

LIVING49 A taste of summer Kevin Dundon shares two of his

favourite recipes53 A garden legacy Inspiration from the redeveloped

Airfi eld House

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Editor’s intro

Welcome to the summer issue. Our cover features recumbent trike

enthusiast Barry Rice. On p5 Barry talks about his recent diagnosis with Friedreich’s Ataxia, and how he is using his passion for ‘triking’ to raise funds for research and support services.

On p17, staff member Bridget Boyle from Cavan reflects on her experience of adjusting to life in a wheelchair over 30 years ago, the people who inspired her, and why she feels a responsibility to help others in the same position.

On p33 Susan Dennehy talks to three young readers who recently took part in a job shadowing initiative; on p29 Clare-based photographer Kevin Wright writes about his recent air-to-air photography mission; and on p61 Youth Media Group member Rachel Creevey meets members of the Irish Power football team.

We also bring you coverage of IWA’s recent IWA AGM & Annual Conference (p22), as well as the winners of the IWA Volunteer Awards (p25).

Enjoy!

Joanna Marsden, Editor

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MEET SOME OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS...

Kiara LynchKiara Lynch continues to live the good life on her family’s farm in Co Longford. She’s been enjoying the longer evenings, when she likes to sit back and watch the growing

lambs chasing each other. She helped her Dad read up on which vegetables to sow in his vegetable garden, and when she’s not trying to make her baby nephew laugh, she’s busy researching summer music festivals.

Kevin WrightFirst-time SpokeOut contributor Kevin Wright is from Ipswich in England but lives near Kilkee in Co Clare, where he runs a wedding photography business. An above-

knee amputee, Kevin fulfilled a long-held ambition when he took part in an incredible air-to-air photography expedition in Belgium last autumn. Now well and truly hooked, Kevin will be taking part in several other air-to-air photography missions this year, including a flight to commemorate the D-Day landings.

Rachel CreeveyRegular SpokeOut contributor Rachel Creevey spends her time doing advocacy- and media-based voluntary work for IWA and Greater Dublin Independent Living,

whilst always keeping her eye out for other interesting projects. Like many 20-somethings, she is still trying to work out exactly what she wants to be when she ‘grows up’, and she’s hoping her voluntary work will help her find the answer. In her free time, Rachel’s passions are reading and regular visits to New York, where she likes to shop till she drops!

Jenny KerrJenny Kerr is from Kells in Co Meath and says living in a rural area with a disability has its ups and down (partly due to the actual hills!). Since getting involved with

IWA, her confidence has grown and she recently went on holiday to Westport with her local youth IWA youth group, as well as enjoying a family break in Lanzarote. Jenny has developed her writing skills through her membership of IWA’s Youth Media Group, and this is her second article for SpokeOut.

SUBSCRIBE NOWPlease send your name, the name of your organisation (if applicable), address and telephone number, with a cheque or postal order for €15.00 (payable to IWA) to: SpokeOut subscriptions, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3

SPOKEOUT ON CD AND TAPESpokeOut is now available on both CD and tape. Please contact Colette Molloy on 01 818 6485 or [email protected]

EDITORJoanna Marsden

EDITORAL ASSISTANCEKiara LynchColette Molloy Anita MatthewsMairead Farquharson

REGIONAL NEWSColette Molloy

DESIGNDiarmuid O’Connor

COVER PHOTOPaul Sherwood

DISTRIBUTIONShanahan Direct Marketing Ltd

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES TO:The Editor, SpokeOut, Irish Wheelchair Association. Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3.Tel: (00 353) 1 818 6455Email: [email protected]

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO:Philip McGaley, Tower Media Ltd, Tel: 087 266 6568 / 01 2011052Email: [email protected]

The copyright rests with IWA and no material may be reproduced without the permission of IWA. The views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent the views of IWA.

SpokeOut is distributed quarterly by post to approx 20,000 IWA members and to Government bodies and other disability interest groups.

ISSN NO: 1393-8517

When you have finished withthis magazine please recycle it.

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SPOKEOUT

RIDE ONAfter living with symptoms for over 15 years, Dubliner Barry Rice was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia in 2013. He talks to Joanna Marsden about coming to terms with the condition, adapting the family business to his disability, and his new-found passion for recumbent cycling

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COVER STORY

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John Mangan was born in 1940 in Coventry, England in the early days of WWII. “My father was from Roscommon

and my mother from Co Donegal, but they’d gone over to England to work.” The modest life his pare

“The trike had three wheels and a bucket seat so I

thought, ‘Yes, I can do that!’”

Barry on his recumbent trike on the cycle path near Dollymount Strand

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I feel lucky to be so able,” says 33-year-old Barry Rice from Ayrfield in North Dublin. “The last year has been such a rollercoaster but I’ve realised that I am fortunate to have a good degree of mobility, and that’s why I’m

keen to do everything I can to raise awareness and funds for research that could change the future for people like me.”

Barry discovered he had Friedreich’s Ataxia, a genetically inherited neuro-muscular condition that causes progressive damage to the nervous system, in January 2013. “I received a letter one Friday morning saying that the blood test for Friedreich’s was positive. Naturally the first thing I did was go on the internet and start googling. It was scary. Wikipedia doesn’t sugar-coat anything. I read that the average life expectancy was 35, and I was already 32. With a month until my next hospital appointment and no one to advise me, I felt a complete sense of panic, and my wife Claire was up the walls.”

On Monday morning, Barry went to the offices of Ataxia Ireland and asked for help. “I just said, ‘I got this letter – can I talk about it?’ By that stage my primary concern was our baby daughter Ellen because I’d read that Friedreich’s was genetic. Thankfully, the lady there was able to tell me that it was unlikely that Ellen would have it, because for that to happen Claire would have to be a carrier too. She also told me not to believe everything I read because no two cases of Friedreich’s were the same. Just that weekend she said she’d been at the 70th birthday party of a friend of hers who had Friedreich’s. It was such a relief to hear those words and to realise that the situation wasn’t as bleak as it initially seemed.”

Since then, Barry has had time to adjust to life with Friedreich’s. “I now have a walker, which I need to walk any significant distance, and a wheelchair, which I use if there is going to be a lot of walking involved, like if I go in to the city centre for the day. Getting into a wheelchair for the first time was a big step psychologically, but I’m still relatively mobile and I don’t need to use it that often.”

Barry and Claire have also confirmed that Claire is not a carrier of the gene that can lead to Friedreich’s Ataxia, so their daughter Ellen, and any other children they may have, will not be at risk of the condition. While this has been reassuring, Barry still feels upset that he wasn’t diagnosed sooner. “It’s hard to pinpoint the exact time when symptoms began, but when I look back, I think I was around 14 or 15 years of age. I first went to a neurologist when I was 25, and despite being referred on to two further neurologists and being admitted to hospital for a whole battery of tests on two occasions, I failed to get a proper diagnosis. For years I struggled along, worrying about issues like why I was so clumsy and why my speech was starting to slur.”

It was only when Barry was trawling the internet for explanations for his symptoms in late 2012 that he came across Friedreich’s Ataxia and asked his neurologist whether it could be a possible cause. “The test was my idea as I was aware that Friedreich’s was one of the most common forms of genetic ataxia. Looking back, I really feel this simple blood test should have been offered to me earlier. Not everyone who gets the condition has a known family history and that’s one of the reasons I think raising awareness is so important.”

On a practical level, Barry has taken steps to adapt his personal and professional life to his disability, including moving from an apartment in Raheny to the house next- door to his parents in Ayrfield. “The house was in need of some work when we bought it, but obviously it’s great to have my parents next door, and we have the space to build a downstairs bedroom if we need it in the future. Friends and family were great in helping us get the place in shape so we could move in and my uncle Eamon Kearney even organised a Golf Classic to help fund the renovations.”

Barry, who has a degree in Architectural Technology, has worked with his father and sister in the family business,

“Barry with his wife Claire and daughter Ellen


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COVER FEATURE

ShutterCo, for over ten years. “It has been a challenging time for the company, because we’ve had to adapt both to the recession and to my disability.” He explains, “When I started our main business was providing PVC fascia and rainwater goods to large construction contractors, but the recession wiped out that sector overnight. So we had to re-invent ourselves and we went into the provision of plantation-style shutters, which are principally aimed at the domestic market.”

Barry adds, “When you run a business you have to be adaptable and look to the future. Changing the nature of the business was one of the ways in which we did this, but over the past year we’ve also looked at the way we run the business and at what kind of work I can do. Last year we made the decision to source the product abroad because I simply wasn’t able to manage a factory-type facility. I now have an office at the end of my garden and I take care of the admin and the bills, while my sister does the sales end. Sometimes I work 10 hours, but other days I may only be able to work three, and that flexibility is essential when you are coping with a disability.”

Over the past year, Barry has also focused on getting fit. “Friedreich’s can sometimes cause heart problems so I decided early on to be as proactive as possible by getting myself into shape. I started by going to the IWA gym in Clontarf and using an exercise bike at home, but I found myself craving outdoor sport. I was a keen cyclist in

my early 20s but I gave up because of my poor balance, so I was very excited when I saw a YouTube video of an American guy with Friedreich’s called Kyle Bryant using a recumbent tricycle. The trike had three wheels and a bucket seat so I thought, ‘Yes, I can do that!’”

Barry searched DoneDeal and found a second-hand trike for sale in Cork. “It was a very basic model, more akin to a BMX than a proper road bike, but it was only a few hundred euro (whereas new trikes cost anything from €1,500 to €5,000) and I figured it would give me the opportunity to try the sport, so I drove down to collect it.”

Since then, he hasn’t looked back. “I loved the trike from the word go. I brought it down to the coast road where there is a cycle track and after doing two miles I was completely knackered. But I started coming back every day, and every day I would get further along the cycle track, until eventually I was making it from St Anne’s Park to Howth Head and back.

“It felt great for my heart, my general health, and my head. Instead of being stuck in my box room on the exercise bike, I was in the fresh air. And there was a great sense of freedom. I mean of course I could get in my car and drive to Howth Head, but to get there using the power of my own legs was different.”

Barry’s regular training regime means that he has become a familiar sight to the many walkers, cyclists and motorists who pass by each day. Last autumn,

Barry at his desk in his home office


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he successfully completed a number of charity cycles including the Dublin Marathon, the Leinster Loop, and Ride Ataxia in Orlando (an annual cycle organised by FARA, an international association which supports research into Friedreich’s Ataxia). “The 25-mile cycle in Orlando was a very special event because a lot of friends and family came with me to Orlando. But going to Orlando every year would be too costly, so this year I’ve decided to copy the event in Ireland by organising a similar event called ‘Cycle Ataxia’, which will be sponsored by my family business ShutterCo.”

Barry explains that Cycle Ataxia is a 12, 44 or 100km cycle, which will take place on 10th August, with the funds raised going to principally to Ataxia Ireland, but also to FARA, and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA).

The week before Cycle Ataxia, IWA will be holding its ‘Wheelz to the West’ cycle, and several other charities will be hosting cycling events over the summer. “The great thing is that all these charity cycles complement each other because there are a lot of committed cyclists who are looking for an event every weekend over the summer.

UPCOMING CYCLING EVENTS:

IWA 36th Annual Cork to Carlow CycleIWA’s ‘36th Annual Cork to Carlow Cycle’ will take place on the 13th, 14th and 15th June 2014. For further information and registration, contact Jack Doyle 087 055 6965 or email [email protected]. Registration for the cycle is free but sponsorship is required.

Wheelz to the WestIWA’s ‘Wheelz to the West’ 2014 cycle will take place on Saturday 2nd August (Bank Holiday weekend). The cycle takes in 215km from the Phoenix Park, Dublin to Eyre Square, Galway and is Ireland’s only fully inclusive cycle, with people of all abilities welcome to register.

For further information see: www.iwasport.com/cycle or contact Ciaran Tighe at [email protected]

Cycle Ataxia‘Cycle Ataxia’ is a Charity Cycle organised by Barry Rice and sponsored by ShutterCo in aid of Ataxia Ireland, FARA and the Irish Wheelchair Association. The event takes place on 10th August 2014 in Ashbourne, Co Meath. For further information see: www.cycleataxia.ie or https://www.facebook.com/cycleataxia or contact Barry on: [email protected]

For further cycling events visit www.cyclingireland.ie

Barry training on his trike


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• Phoenix Park, Dublin to Eyre Square, Galway• Open to cyclists of all abilities

• Accommodation option available• Enquiries to [email protected]

• Register online

YTH0514 WTTW Qtr SP Ad_WTTW 28/05/2014 17:02 Page 1

“I’m a member of Clontarf Cycling Club and there is a great social network amongst the cyclists who do these events. Members use the Cycling Ireland website to build up an itinerary of events and while individuals don’t necessarily seek sponsorship for every event, at the very least they are paying the participation fees to the organising charities.”

Barry now cycles a new ‘Catrike’ which he was awarded last autumn. “I got the trike through a FARA scheme called the ‘Ataxian Athlete Initiative’ which each year awards trikes or hand-cycles to fi ve or six individuals who are really committed to the sport. It was fantastic because I was given the award while I was at Ride Ataxia in Orlando and we actually got the opportunity to go out to the nearby Catrike factory, where we were given a tour of the facility and I was presented with the trike.

“I passed my old trike on to a 16-year-old girl with Friedreich’s in Kilkenny and I hoped it would bring her as much happiness as it had brought me. All I asked in return was that if she ever stopped using it she would pass it on to another person with Friedreich’s who wanted to try the sport, or give it to Ataxia Ireland as they might know of a deserving recipient.”

As awareness of the sport increases in Ireland, Barry says he is sometimes approached by other people with disabilities who are interested in trying the sport. “I certainly encourage them as much as I can. Just last week, a friend of mine who works in IWA, Ken Caulfi eld, came out to meet me and try out the trike. He was just blown away and he is now looking for a second-hand one so he can get stuck in.”

Barry adds, “What can be better than doing something that is great fun and great exercise, while at the same time raising money for support charities and for research? Like many people with Friedreich’s I’m trying to live with the condition and get the most out of life. In terms of treatment, at the moment all I can really do is take high doses of CQ 10 (which studies show may decrease the chances of cardiomyopathy) but I’m hopeful that one day there will be better treatment or even a cure. Just recently there have been a couple of signifi cant breakthroughs – for example, they managed to reverse cardiomyopathy in a mouse. These stories give me hope, and hope is extremely important to me, because as they say, if you haven’t got hope, what have you got?”


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Wheelchair Solutions celebrates first year As Wheelchair Solutions celebrates its first year in business, Anita Matthews met with Clive Hough, Manager of the division, to discuss some of the highlights since launching in April 2013

PRODUCTS

One year, 32 counties, 250 wheelchair repairs and more than 600 rentals – that’s the amazing 12-month feat of Wheelchair Solutions, a division of IWA. The division celebrated its first

birthday in April, reflecting on a year of growth and success which saw Wheelchair Solutions firmly establish itself as one of the leading suppliers of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, aids and appliances in Ireland.

Wheelchair Solutions was officially launched in April 2013 and now employs six full-time employees, providing essential services including wheelchair repairs and rentals to people with disabilities and other mobility impairments throughout Ireland. As it heads into its second year the business, which is located in Clontarf, has several concrete successes on which to build.

Clive Hough, Manager of Wheelchair Solutions, explained some of the accomplishments achieved over the past year, “Wheelchair Solutions, as a division of IWA, is now the largest supplier of wheelchair rentals in Ireland, covering all 32 counties. We provide an affordable line of products that are functional and designed to assist people with

daily activities within the home such as cooking, and with outdoor activities such as gardening and shopping. We are also the only Irish suppliers of the exciting all-terrain mountain trike.”

Customers can expect an all-inclusive service with specialist advice on their individual requirements and needs from the team at Wheelchair Solutions. The range of products available includes aids and appliances designed to assist those with mobility and dexterity issues. Customers can browse the range of products in a modern, purpose-built, fully accessible store. Products can also be bought online from www.wheelchairsolutions.ie

The Wheelchair Solutions team is highly experienced and expert in the area of assisted living requirements, clamping equipment and wheelchair supplies. The Dublin-based store also includes a workshop where repair specialists can assist individuals with general wheelchair repairs and parts replacements. For further information or enquiries, please visit www.wheelchairsolutions.ie or contact the Wheelchair Solutions team directly on tel 01 818 6453 or email [email protected]

The Wheelchair Solutions Team based in Clontarf can be directly contacted on 01 818 6453 or [email protected]


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Low cost LIVING AIDSThese simple, inexpensive products – all retailing for under €20 – will make your life easier without breaking the bank, writes Kiara Lynch

HANDY SEALThe compact Handy Seal creates an airtight seal on anything from freezer bags to crisp and nut bags. You can seal a bag in seconds, helping you to reduce waste and store away food to enjoy again later.Available at €7.19 excl. p&p from JML Direct. Tel: 041 978 0001. Web: www.jmldirect.com

CAN KEYA practical and patented opener for all cans with a ring-pull opening device. Just place the tip of the Can Key under the ring and pull the handle, and the lid is removed safely and without trouble. Due to the controlled pulling you can avoid spilling the contents of the can. It’s also dishwasher safe.Available at €5.80 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie

MIGHTY MUGOnce you put this mug down on a table you can knock it, push it and hit it and it will always stay upright. The smart grip creates an air-lock which is incredibly hard to break. Yet, when you want to have a drink, all you have to do is lift and it will come straight up off the table. Available in three different colours from €11.99 excl. p&p from JML Direct. Tel: 041 978 0001. Web: www.jmldirect.com

CARVING KNIFEThis knife has a comfortable, contoured handle with a non-slip ‘soft-feel’ finish, giving a firm grip in either hand. The handle is angled at 90 degrees to maintain the hand and wrist in a natural, stress-free position. It’s also dishwasher safe.Available at €15 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie


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PRODUCTS

JAR POP KEYThis jar opener fits all traditional preserving jars. It’s placed against the lid of the jar, and with a slight lift, the vacuum is released, and the lid can be easily unscrewed. The Jar Pop Key has no sharp edges or points, no removable parts, and is dishwasher safe. Available at €5.80 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie

GOOD GRIPS CUTLERYThis cutlery has a soft cushion grip that keeps the utensil in the hand. The built-up handles are made of soft latex with flexible ribbing that’s comfortable and adapts to any grip. Each stainless steel utensil has a special twist built into the metal shaft that allows the spoons and forks to bend to any angle. They can be used for either left-or right-handed use. The rocker knife requires only minimal arm strength for cutting. This cutlery range is dishwasher safe.Each piece of the cutlery set is available at €11 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie

LONG-HANDLED SPONGEThese long-handled sponges and pads are mounted on plastic-coated wire to allow the legs, feet and back to be reached. The wire is flexible enough to bend to any shape to make reaching easier.Available in two lengths at €11.17 excl. p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696. Web: www.murrays.ie

SCOOP DISHThis plastic dish has a broad rim and raised side on one half of the dish which makes it easier to place food on a fork or spoon. Available at €12 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie


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PRODUCTS

Y PEELERThe Y Peeler horizontal blade swivels and requires minimal range of motion of the wrist or elbow. This peeler has a stainless steel blade, an oversized hole for hanging, and is dishwasher safe. Available at €10.99 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www wheelchairsolutions.ie

These are just ideas! SpokeOut does not endorse any specific products or suppliers. We advise readers to shop around and, if appropriate, check with an OT to ensure a product is suitable for individual needs.

SCOOP DISH GIVE-AWAYAs the leading specialists in wheelchair supplies and rentals in Ireland, IWA Wheelchair Solutions provides a range of aids and appliances as well as a selection of high quality manual and power wheelchairs from its Wheelchair Solutions store in Clontarf and online shop www.wheelchairsolutions.ie. IWA Wheelchair Solutions has kindly given us three Scoop Dishes to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, send your name, address and contact number to: Dish Competition, SpokeOut, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf. All entries will be entered in to a draw that will take place on Friday 25th July.

ANABOX SEVEN-DAY PILL ORGANISERThis seven-day single pill box is designed for easy handling and to contain a full week’s supply of medication with easy identification of days of the week. The ergonomic shape means it is easy to handle and the lids are designed to be easy to open without falling undone in pockets or handbags. It features seven compartments, one for each day of the week, and is manufactured from high quality material. It’s durable, long-lasting and dishwasher safe.Available at €9.13 excl. p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696. Web: www.murrays.ie

PEDAL EXERCISER WINNERThe winner of the Pedal Exerciser is Robert Byrne, Ballymun, Dublin 11.


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SPOKEOUT

A PATH WORTH TAKINGBridget Boyle has been Service Coordinator at IWA’s Cavan Centre since 1998 but is currently on a year’s secondment to IWA’s Access Support Service. She tells Joanna Marsden about her own experience of adjusting to life in a wheelchair over 30 years ago, and why she now feels a responsibility to do everything she can to help others in the same position

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“I am a great believer that if I can just get in the door for an interview, I have a

good chance!”


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Looking back, I was very lucky to have the right support when I had my accident,” says Bridget Boyle. “I’m talking about things like a family with the right attitude, loyal friends, a job to go back to,

driving lessons, and the money to buy a car.“I’m conscious that many people don’t have these things

when they first face life in a wheelchair, and that makes the whole process so much harder. Sometimes the support you have can be the difference between being able to get your life back on track within a couple of years or struggling to come to terms with your situation for decades.”

Bridget, who is from Cootehill in Co Cavan, was 19-years-old and working in the Revenue Department of the Civil Service in Dublin when in 1975 a road traffic accident left her with a spinal injury. She was sent to the NRH in Dun Laoghaire for her rehabilitation. “These days we tend to want to launch people back into life as quickly as possible, but in those days rehabilitation was a lengthy process. I had my accident in November and it was March before I was allowed to get out of bed. Different approaches work for different people, but slowness isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it gives you time to process what has happened to you, before you get absorbed into the physical side of rehabilitation.”

During those first few months, Bridget was visited by her Civil Service HR officer. “He told me, ‘When you are ready to come back, your job will be waiting for you, but take as much time as you need’. That kind of attitude was ahead of its time, so I was incredibly fortunate. Having an obvious

career path ahead of me, a goal to aim for, was the driving force that got me through that difficult period. My colleagues were also wonderful at coming to the NRH to see me, and I remember my father, who was a very positive person, saying, ‘Look at what you’ve got waiting for you! Look at what you can do!”

While confined to bed, Bridget was also visited by an Irish Wheelchair Association driving instructor, Willie Lawrence. “‘What do you think, would you like to learn to drive?’ he asked me. My first reaction was that this guy was totally off his head. I couldn’t even get out of bed and he was talking about me driving a car!”

But in the weeks that followed Bridget observed some

of the other patients and her idea of what it meant to be a wheelchair user began to change. “In particular I remember the athlete Michael Cunningham, who’d had an accident several years earlier and must have been back in the NRH for some follow-up treatment. He was flying around the place, doing wheelies in his chair and I thought to myself, ‘I want to be like that’.”

Bridget opened her mind to the idea that driving might not be nonsense after all and as soon as she was able to get out of bed, she started weekly driving lessons. “By the time I left the NRH, a year after my accident, I had the basics of driving along with the other skills I needed to get around the place.”

Bridget adds, “When you are in rehabilitation it feels like boot camp. You are pushed so much that it’s pretty horrendous at times. It’s only later that you realise how

Bridget Boyle believes it’s important to offer peer support to people who are coming to terms with a disability

“

“ ‘What do you think, would you like to learn to drive?’ he asked

me. My first reaction was that this guy was totally off his head.

I couldn’t even get out of bed and he was talking about me

driving a car!”


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much you needed that push, and you start to appreciate what the staff have done for you.”

Prior to her accident, Bridget says she had no awareness of disability. “I’d never heard of the Irish Wheelchair Association or even met a person in a wheelchair. Although I do remember my mother had a friend with some kind of disability, who used to come and visit us sometimes. This lady drove a three-wheeled car, which fascinated us as children. She would pull up in front of our house and my mother would talk to her through the car window, or get in the passenger seat beside her. As a young child it didn’t really register that the reason for this ritual was that the lady couldn’t actually get out of the car and into our awkward little house.”

Inaccessible as the family’s house in Cootehill was, it was to there that Bridget returned on her discharge from the NRH. “I didn’t feel ready to return to work so I went home and shared a bedroom with my younger sister. The bedroom was up a couple of steps from the kitchen so I had to wait for my sister to get home from school before I could come down. My mum was nervous about handling the wheelchair at first, not to mention busy minding my younger siblings and taking care of the animals on our small farm.”

Back in Cootehill the reality of what Bridget couldn’t do began to set in. “The NRH had been all about showing me what I could do, but now I was back in the real world. Thankfully, my parents were encouraging and pragmatic, and I had some fantastic friends who made sure I got out. My friends were prepared to take risks as they loaded me into their cars and carried me up and down stairs into various places. Some people go home from the NRH to a very isolated, lonely life – through no fault of their own – so again I was lucky.”

Her father applied for a bank loan so that he could buy Bridget a car. “He knew I was going to need a car in order to get back to work. The reality is that a car is nearly as important as a wheelchair. It’s your gateway to education, work and a social life.”

Bridget adds, “To this day, driving is one of the things I feel most strongly about. Anyone who can drive, should be given that opportunity. But what do you do if you don’t have the funds to buy a car so you can get started? Many young people have said this to me over the years and I wish Government would see this predicament and introduce a car loan scheme that people could pay back when they find employment.”

After a year with her parents, Bridget had the confidence to return to her job in Dublin. “I was back in the same office with the same people, so there was a wonderful sense of

continuity. They had even installed an accessible bathroom for me.”

Life in Dublin went well for Bridget, but she continued to return home every weekend, and four years later she decided to move home permanently. “I’d always dreamt of running a boutique, so against my father’s advice – ‘You don’t throw away a good pensionable job,’ he said – I rented premises in Cootehill. It went well for a few years but in 1986 the economic down turn hit and I had to close – ‘Didn’t I tell you!’ said my dad.”

After undertaking a one-year course in business management in Dundalk, Bridget successfully applied for a job as an office manager in a plant hire company in Carrickmacross, a role she stayed in for 12 years. “I am a great believer that if I can just get in the door for an interview, I have a good chance!”

As a result of Bridget’s disability, her boss in the plant hire company, Francis Cassidy, developed an interest in access issues and volunteered his time to help Bridget campaign. “His best friend was the then Minister for Health,

Rory O’Hanlon, and this connection helped us get some good PR for access issues. First we started up an access committee in Carrickmacross and then we went around the country helping set up other local committees. At that time there was no legislation around access, so when people were

building it was seen as an add-on rather than a priority. I think in some small way the work we did helped put access on the national agenda.”

Bridget also became a volunteer with her local IWA branch. “At first it was mainly organising social events, holidays and home visits, and later I became involved in peer counselling. The aim was to combat people’s sense of isolation and give them access to support.”

In 1998, Bridget left her job in the plant hire firm to work for IWA as their first Community Development Officer in Cavan. “I came on board to establish a day service. We started out offering three days-a-week from an adapted bungalow, but since then we have moved twice and we now have purpose-built premises in Corlurgan Business Park and offer services five days-a-week, to people of all ages.”

Bridget says she has a particular empathy for younger service users. “I look at young people struggling and I really feel for them because employment is so hard to find. There are great educational opportunities, but you can’t stay in education for ever. Only a job will give you financial security, a sense of being valued in society, and a reason to get up in the morning.”

In January this year, Bridget took a one-year secondment

“I look at young people struggling and I really feel for them because employment is

so hard to find. There are great educational opportunities, but you can’t stay in education for ever.”


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from her role in Cavan Resource Centre to work in another area close to her heart, IWA’s Access Support Service. “I’m working with housing officer Dolores Murphy and OT Vijoy Chakraborty on the third edition of IWA’s Best Practice Access Guidelines, and on a new set of leaflets which will highlight key information from the guidelines. We’re also setting up IWA’s Access Auditing Team, so we can offer access audits to private customers.”

Bridget says she values the opportunity to work with other people with disabilities, and to tackle issues like access and employment. “When I got the chance to work in IWA, it felt like a natural progression. I related to disability, I understood it, but I also considered that I had been lucky in having the right support after my accident. I felt a responsibility to do what I could to make sure that other people had the same options.”

It might sound strange,” adds Bridget, “To keep going on about how lucky I am. But I’ve had such a good life. My disability has bought me to places and into the company of people whom I would never have met otherwise. I have no regrets. The only thing I miss is dancing, because I used to love to dance, but if someone could wave a magic wand and make me walk again, I don’t know whether I’d want that. That might sound crazy, but as the years have gone by I have become so

accepting of myself as a wheelchair user that it feels like part of me.”

Any time that Bridget has felt low, she says she has been inspired by other wheelchair users she has met along the way. “For example, I’ll always remember the girl in the bed beside me in NRH. She already had four children at the time of her accident, and she never complained about a thing. She just lay back in her bed and sang! When she was discharged from the NRH she went back to her husband’s family farm in an isolated location on the Cavan/Leitrim border, where she had to push through a field to get to the house. Years later, I heard she’d had four more kids and then emigrated to Boston with them all!

“And the greatest role model of all is IWA founder member Oliver Murphy. He is such an upbeat, positive person, but at the same time he tells it how it is. He is so sensitive to how others might be feeling and always lends an ear when it’s needed. I try to follow his example by making time to listen to younger people who are coming to terms with a disability, because there is nothing like the support of someone who has been there. When young people ask me what my life has been like, I can tell them honestly that learning to live with a disability is not easy, but it’s a path well worth taking.”

Bridget and her sister Marrion singing together at a local dinner dance, taken when Bridget was on weekend release from the NRH in 1976. This is a special photo for Bridget because Marrion, who sadly died at the age of 37, was very supportive and inspiring following Bridget’s accident


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On 17th May over 300 members, staff, volunteers and supporters travelled to Co Sligo to attend the AGM & Annual Conference 2014, where there was a firm focus on volunteering, corporate governance, quality and standards. Anita Matthews reflects on IWA’s largest event of the year

People with physical disabilities and other mobility impairments, their families, friends, supporters and IWA branches came together in the wild and beautiful countryside of Rosses Point, Co Sligo to

listen to nationally recognised speakers and panellists at the Irish Wheelchair Association’s Annual Conference which took place on Saturday, 17th May 2014.

Members had the opportunity to exercise their voting rights and influence the running of the organisation for the coming year as 17 motions in total were discussed and balloted during the AGM and morning session. The AGM also saw two IWA members elected to the Board of Directors and the launch of the Annual Report 2013 which highlighted the achievements of the Association over the previous twelve months in particular, including the fact that IWA carried a surplus into 2014 despite five years of funding reductions.

Expert speaker Dr Owen Keenan, Former CEO of Barnardo’s Children’s Charity, and Ciara Herity, Volunteer Ireland, joined CEO of IWA Kathleen McLoughlin, President of IWA Eileen O’Mahony, and IWA Corporate Partnership Development Officer John Fulham for a panel discussion in the afternoon, which saw a lot of input from the audience on relevant issues. In his keynote address, Dr Keenan reflected on the importance of strong governance and standards, while recognising the significant role played by volunteers within the charity sector.

The theme of IWA’s conference, Volunteers – The Priceless Difference, provided an opportunity to celebrate the role played by volunteers, and the event was an ideal platform to announce the winners of the IWA Volunteer Awards 2014, which were presented by broadcaster and radio presenter Anton Savage, with the assistance of Minister of Small Business John Perry TD (full coverage of the Volunteer Awards follows on p25-27).

Annual Conference 2014

Ann-Marie Jordan, Service Support Officer at Tuam Resource and Outreach Centre

Juliette Gallagher, Berni Leonard and Sandra Henry, IWA Sligo


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An accessible walkway on to a local beach

Michael Hickey, IWA Board of Directors, casts his vote during the motions

Broadcaster and radio presenter Anton Savage with IWA CEO

Kathleen McLoughlin

Michael Lyons, IWA Carlow Volunteer, participates in the open forum

Back Row (l – r) CEO Kathleen McLoughlin, Anton Savage and Mary Williams (IWA Sligo). Front: Eamonn Carney, Mary Gilmartin and Dot Little from IWA’s Sligo Resource and Outreach Centre.

Donal O’Boyle participating in the nominations for the Board of IWA

Mossy Forde with Natasha Spremo as she puts forward her question to the panel


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SPOKEOUT

Volunteer Awards 2014

The theme of IWA’s AGM & Annual Conference, Volunteers – The Priceless Difference, provided an opportunity to celebrate the role played by volunteers and to announce the

winners of the IWA Volunteer Awards 2014. Anita Matthews reports

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Aine McDonnell (right) on her work placement with Anita Matthews, IWA’s Public Relations, Communications & Marketing Co-Ordinator

IWA is fortunate enough to have over 2,000 registered volunteers, who are a critical life-force within the Association. In 2013, IWA launched its first ever ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award programme. This

provided IWA members, volunteers, staff, friends and family with the opportunity to nominate volunteers they believed deserved recognition for their voluntary contribution within the Association.

Following on from the success of the IWA Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013, the programme was developed and extended in 2014 to include a number of new categories.

Over 140 nominations were received online and through SpokeOut from members, volunteers and staff nationwide, representing the diversity and magnitude of volunteering across the Association. An independent judging panel,

Pictured at the IWA Volunteer Awards 2014 are (back row): Jack Doyle, Rose Coyle, Frank Earl, Jack Lawler and (front row) Anton

Savage, CEO of IWA Kathleen McLoughlin, Andrew Reid, Muriel Casserly and Minister of Small Business, John Perry TD


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which included two members of the IWA Board of Directors and a representative from Volunteer Ireland, had the difficult task of selecting the winners of the relevant categories.

The AGM & Annual Conference proved an ideal setting to announce the winners of the IWA Volunteer of the Year Awards, and was timely given the date of the event fell in National Volunteering Week. Broadcaster and Radio Presenter Anton Savage kindly hosted the awards ceremony,

and was assisted by local Minister, John Perry TD. The winners are:• IWA Branch of the Year - Athlone branch• IWA Service Volunteer of the Year - Jack Lawler• IWA Young Volunteer of the Year - Andrew Reid• IWA Staff Volunteer of the Year - Rose Coyle• IWA Corporate Volunteer of the Year - DPD Ireland• Overall IWA Volunteer of the Year - Jack Lawler

Muriel Casserly accepts the award on behalf of DPD Ireland from Minister John Perry and Anton Savage

Rose Coyle from Belmullet Resource and Outreach Centre, Co Mayo, receives the award for ‘IWA Staff Volunteer of the Year’ from Minister John Perry and Anton Savage

Andrew Reid being presented with the ‘IWA Young Volunteer of the Year’ award by Minister John Perry and Anton Savage

Frank Earl, Treasurer of the Athlone Branch, accepts the award on behalf of the volunteer branch from Minister John Perry and Anton Savage


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Message from the CEO One of the highlights of this year’s AGM & Annual Conference was the presentation of the IWA Volunteer Awards, writes Kathleen McLoughlin, CEO of IWA

Watching as the winners of IWA’s Volunteer Awards were presented with their certifi cates and Kilkenny Crystal prizes was a moving experience because I know the extraordinary effort each one of those winners has made to support IWA’s members.

Jack Lawler, winner of ‘IWA Service Volunteer of the Year’ as well as overall winner, is well-known to IWA people in Carlow because for many years he has been willing to help out with any local event or activity that benefi ts members. With his considerable carpentry skills, Jack is an example of a talented retired person who believes in giving back and supporting others in his local community.

‘IWA Young Volunteer of the Year’, 28-year-old Andrew Reid from Raheny, has been volunteering with IWA’s Youth Club in Clontarf for over fi ve years. His commitment means a lot to everyone in the North Dublin Youth Service and his tasks include DJing at the regular disco and helping organise nights out.

In Belmullet, ‘IWA Staff Volunteer of the Year’ Rose Coyle, exemplifi es the commitment to members that many of our staff demonstrate. Rose has been

Service Co-ordinator in Belmullet for 19 years, but she sees her role as more than just a job, working countless extra hours to support out-of-hours activities and holidays, and constantly fundraising to make services better.

‘IWA Branch of the Year’ Athlone is one of IWA’s 32 voluntary branches around the country, and has been going strong since 1988. With 45 wonderful volunteers, they are always on hand to provide support to the local Clonbrusk Resource & Outreach Centre, organising day trips, an annual holiday, and fundraising events.

The awards also acknowledged the important contribution of DPD Ireland, ‘IWA Corporate Volunteer of the Year’, who have quietly supported IWA’s work for over 25 years, be in through delivering wheelchairs or distributing ‘Angels’ for our Angel Campaign.

These award winners – together with our many other wonderful volunteers (who we hope to see acknowledged in future IWA Volunteer of the Year Awards) – do what they do because they understand the difference it makes to the individual lives of our members around the country. Their spirit of giving without measure epitomises the ethos of IWA, and reminds us all what can be achieved with commitment, hard work and generosity.

Jack Lawler from Carlow, the winner of the ‘IWA Service Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Overall IWA Volunteer of the Year’ receives his awards from Minister John Perry and Anton Savage

Kathleen McLoughlin


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SPOKEOUT

FLYING WITH FALCONS

Kevin Wright from Kilkee has two main passions in life, photography and aeroplanes, and he recently got the opportunity to combine these on an

exhilarating air-to-air photography mission in Belgium

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A Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64 Apache silently closes-up behind the ‘photo-ship’


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Flying is often a source of frustration for disabled travellers. But for me aviation has been a lifelong passion. Since I was a child, I have never happier than when around aeroplanes – watching, flying

in, talking about, and most of all, photographing them. I have been lucky enough in recent years to travel a lot in pursuit of those interests, including fantastic trips to Poland, Germany, Russia, China, Japan and North Korea. Until recently, it had been a long held ambition to do some ‘air-to-air’ photography, but I had pretty much given up on it. To persuade major air forces to let you do this requires requests years in advance. Then once most find you have a disability you are quickly side-lined. They’ll make the right noises but the excuses soon come. It is the old story of someone else deciding what you can’t do, without ever asking you what you are capable of.

I heard of an organisation called ‘Air-to-Air Academy’ in 2012. Based in Belgium, the Academy is the brainchild of Eric Cockleberghs, who has a passion for air-to air photography that he loves to share with other people. He and his small team then worked with fellow Belgian, Tony de Bryun, to use his Shorts Skyvan cargo aircraft as a ‘photoship’. It has a rear loading door just over six feet six inches wide and the same high making it ideal to take pictures from. He then convinced a number of historic aircraft owners to formation fly their planes close to the

Skyvan so the photographers could click happily away. It worked so well for everyone that they did it again in 2011 and 2012.

There are many excellent photographers, including professional ones, who want to fly with Air-to-Air Academy, for this ‘ultimate challenge’ in aviation photography. It isn’t an activity for the casually interested or novice photographer. Applications are highly competitive and there are many more rejections than acceptances. I knew my aviation knowledge was solid and hoped I was a good enough photographer too. However, I expected the usual rejection, especially having a disability. But to my great pleasure Eric accepted me and I couldn’t wait for September 2013.

The base for the expedition was a small flying club at Sanicole in Belgium and participants came from countries including Ireland, US, UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, China, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, Lithuania, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary and Poland. A day of presentations on unique factors in air-to-air work, followed by trying the special double safety harnesses, and then it was off to the aircraft.

Safety is paramount, everything on the cameras and you that could come loose has to be secured or taped down. Positioning in the rear of the aircraft is crucial if everyone is to stand a good chance of taking pictures.

A beautiful World War 2 ‘Avenger’ from Switzerland A Dutch F-16 fighter low over the Belgian countryside

A Netherlands Air Force F-16 ‘Fighting Falcon’ in close formation The historic Hunter jet fighter, the epitome of elegant design


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Three people, including the Flight Director (in charge of the photographers) sit cross legged on the very edge of the aircraft, to prevent their legs dangling out over the open ramp, two more sit cross-legged tightly behind them, and three more in special small seats secured to the aircraft floor, with the final two/three standing behind them. Everyone is heavily strapped in so movement is minimal except for those standing. It is the equivalent of putting 11 people in the same space as a six foot by six foot garden shed!

After the engine starts, we taxi and take off. All the time that open door is just a few feet away and part of the thrill. Noise levels inside the aircraft are incredible, with air rushing past and engines working hard. Communication is only possible by hand signals. We climb to around 3,000 feet and start flying a racetrack pattern. It soon gets quite cold and the odd bit of rain is sucked in as we pass through low cloud edges. Then, with no warning, and absolutely silently, a Second World War vintage T-6 ‘Texan’ training aircraft slides into view behind us. Although a safe distance away, it feels incredibly large and very close. I know it’s a noisy aircraft, but we can hear nothing of it in the Skyvan. The Flight Director gestures to pilot, Hanno Westdorp, to move up and down, left and right so that we can get a full range of pictures. All too soon his few minutes behind us are done, he slips away and one after another, five more aircraft briefly take his place. Flying at anything between 65-150 knots our pilot constantly adjusts airspeed to match the different aircraft behind us. All too soon, it’s home for a beer! After the engines stop we remove the harnesses and are all even more excited than before we took off, wearing broad smiles.

I was told that it is an addictive ‘hobby’ but that doesn’t cover it. After one flight I was totally hooked. Over the next few days there were two more flights for me. First to take pictures of a Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 ‘Fighting Falcon’ jet fighter. Then several minutes with a Royal Netherlands Air Force Apache helicopter in special,

colourful markings, which was waiting to do its air display rehearsal. A final flight gave me the opportunity to see a historic and extremely graceful Hunter jet. If our first flight was amazing, the chance to be able to take air-to-air pictures of military jets and a helicopter was just beyond dreams. It made flying home via Dublin on the Ryanair a bit flat!

Well, I am now truly addicted. In June, I hope to be taking part in a historic event over England to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. Then, the following month, another very special series of flights on the continent. For certain I will be taking my leg off next time so I can sit on the edge of that ramp! I can only say a huge thank you to Eric, the A2A team, flight crews and other photographers for making such a long term ambition come true. The smile from that trip is only just wearing off, and another smile is already creeping in as I start to anticipate my next adventure!

MORE ABOUT KEVINKevin Wright is from Ipswich in England and has lived near Kilkee in Co Clare for the last 11 years with his wife Sue and son Stefan. An above-knee amputee, until recently he regularly travelled between home and the UK, working as a part-time university lecturer in security studies.

He is currently co-authoring a book about Cold War covert intelligence gathering in Berlin, which is due out next year. He says it only dawned on him recently that this book is another way of combining his two favourite topics: aircraft and photography!

Kevin has regularly had images published in magazines and he recently started his own wedding and general photographic business ‘Your Special Day Photography’ (www.yourspecialdayphotography.net).

Kevin says his current ambitions are to photograph some of Ireland’s beauty from the air (if he can find someone to fly him!) and to find a way to persuade the Air Corps to help him pursue his new hobby!

Kevin with his camera

“Then, with no warning, and absolutely silently, a Second World

War vintage T-6 ‘Texan’ training aircraft slides into view behind us.”

The vintage ‘T6’ Texan

Phot

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Alp

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SPOKEOUT

A WAY INOn the 14th April 2014, IWA members Luke Sinclair, Frances Ryan and Áine McDonnell took part in an initiative called Job Shadow Day, a day when people with disabilities get to experience the world of work and employers get to see the valuable contribution they can make. Susan Dennehy reports

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EDUCATION & CAREERS



Áine McDonnell (right) on her work placement with Anita Matthews, IWA’s Public Relations, Communications & Marketing Co-Ordinator


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Finding work can be really difficult, especially in these straitened times, and for people with disabilities the prospect of working can seem even more remote. Often, the most difficult hurdle is the first one, finding

a way in, and then having the confidence to pursue your chosen career path.

Rahim Nazarali is Liaison Officer with the Rehabilitative Training Unit (RTU) at the IWA. His job is to prepare clients for the workplace. “It can take up to ten years for a person to become ‘job ready’,” says Rahim. “It varies from person to person; some want to work but don’t realise the steps involved. It is important to identify realistic goals.”

Always on the look-out for opportunities for his students, Rahim first contacted The Irish Association of Supported Employment (ISAE) about job shadowing almost seven years ago. “Job shadowing gives people an opportunity to work alongside a staff member. I thought it would be good for some of the students here to see first-hand what working is all about, and to see how people carry out tasks in the workplace. It has taken some time, but it came to fruition for IWA this year, with a number of students being matched to workplaces.”

One of these students was 26-year-old Luke Sinclair. Luke was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as ‘Brittle Bones’ and he uses a power chair full-time. Despite completing several courses and a number of work experience placements, Luke has yet to experience paid employment. He signed up for the RTU training

course because he sees it as a stepping stone to getting work.

Rahim was the first person to mention job shadowing to Luke. An opportunity had come up in the Revenue Offices in Dublin City Centre. Much of the work was computer-

Luke Sinclair with his job shadowing colleague in Revenue, Martin Guinnane

Rahim Nazarali, Liaison Officer with IWA’s Rehabilitative Training Unit


35SPOKEOUT

EDUCATION & CAREERS

based and this appealed to Luke, who has an interest in IT. On the night before his Job Shadow Day, Luke was

nervous. He made sure his powerchair was fully charged, booked his taxi and laid out his clothes. Generally, Luke dresses quite casually but he had gone out and bought himself some new shirts for the occasion. One of his biggest concerns was that he might have a migraine when he woke up, as this often happens. Thankfully when his alarm went off the next morning, Luke felt fine. He was ready and in the taxi by 8.10am, although he didn’t have to be there until 9.30am.

When Luke first saw the Revenue Office, the worry set in again. It was quite a historical building and that is often an indicator that he will have difficulties with access. As it turns out, there was a step at the entrance – but luckily the wheels on his powerchair can climb a step if it’s not too high. Inside there were lots of heavy doors but according to Luke, the problems he encountered were all quickly averted because he had so much assistance.

Luke was assigned to Martin Guinnane who works in the post room. Martin made sure Luke got to see various departments in Revenue throughout the day. Although Luke was very interested in all he observed, the highlight of the experience was the interaction with the staff. “They were very funny and cracked me up with their jokes and banter. They don’t take life too seriously. They also seemed really happy with me which makes me feel better about my prospects of finding employment.” As it turns out the staff

at Revenue recommended that Luke apply for a summer student placement which is like a 10-week internship with an evaluation at the end. Luke says he would love to do this if his health allows it.

Another student who Rahim placed on Job Shadowing Day was Frances Ryan. Frances is 28 years old and lives near Ashbourne with her mother. Frances had a series of

tumours when she was a child, and although she has been stable since she was 15, the tumours and the subsequent operations have had a significant impact on her abilities, including her balance and – something she finds especially challenging – her short term memory.

When Frances left school in 2006 she did a number of courses in subjects from horticulture to office skills. Typically, Frances finds that the courses she has tried move at too fast a pace for her. Frances started at IWA’s Rehabilitative Training Unit in spring 2013 and Rahim mentioned the job shadow programme to her almost

“On the night before his Job Shadow Day, Luke was nervous. He made sure his powerchair was fully charged, booked his taxi and laid out his clothes.”

Áine and Anita staff an IWA information stand during Áine’s work placement


36

EDUCATION & CAREERS

immediately. Although she was initially unsure because she had never heard about it before, she decided she would “give it a bash”. “Rahim picked Revenue Warehousing for me because he thought that Mary Donnelly, who worked there, would be great at explaining things.”

On the day, Frances met Rahim and they got the Luas to the Docks together. “He introduced me to Mary and from then on the day went really fast. I was enjoying myself, learning something different. My biggest challenge was remembering what was happening, I found that quite tiring. The best part was just talking to Mary. I got to ask questions and get answers. She went at my pace – that’s the main thing for me and it is great when it happens. Mary was brilliant.”

Frances would like to do job shadowing again, and Rahim is aiming to find placements for all 15 students currently attending the Training Unit next time round. Rahim also points out that job shadowing is not just open to people taking part in IWA courses; it is open to anybody with a disability, and not just those living in Dublin either.

Áine McDonnell is almost 38 years of age and she lives in Belmullett, County Mayo. Áine has spina bifida, is a wheelchair user and has a visual impairment. Despite availing of as many training and employment opportunities as possible, Áine finds that she can get bored because where she lives is quite isolated.

Áine knew about job shadowing as she had done it previously in a hotel in Belmullet. This time, however, she wanted to do it in a field that she was really interested in – communications. Through her involvement in the media group set up by IWA, Áine met Anita Matthews (Public Relations, Communications & Marketing Co-ordinator at the Irish Wheelchair Association). “I saw Anita working and I just knew I wanted to do the kind of work she does. So I contacted Colette Corless, the Job Employment Facilitator in Mayo and she helped me organise the placement.”

Unlike most job shadow placements which last a day, it was agreed that Áine was to shadow Anita for one working week. It was also arranged that she would stay at IWA’s Carmel Fallon Holiday Centre just across the path from IWA’s head office in Dublin where Anita is based.

Áine was a little nervous to start but felt reassured when the first morning began with a meeting with Anita where they made a plan and agreed what would happen during the week. In addition to watching how things were done, Áine was given really interesting tasks like updating the website and drafting press releases. “It made me happy to think I was doing work that was valued. I felt like a colleague and I had never had that experience before. I was buzzing with adrenaline for the whole week. I learned so much and feel very indebted to Anita – she really made it for me. The best part was that I got the impression that she had faith in me.” Áine thinks job shadowing definitely makes you more ready for employment but, she adds, “It is all down to the person you shadow, and if they see your ability rather than your disability it can be very empowering.”

Job shadowing participant Frances Ryan

Luke Sinclair presents Revenue’s Martin Guinnane and Tom Staines with a plaque in recognition of their participation in Job Shadaow Day


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SPOKEOUT

A place where I belong

Noeleen Flanagan is a bubbly, sociable person, but growing up with cerebral palsy she often felt isolated and undervalued. She tells Joanna Marsden about her

struggle to build her confidence and communication skills, and why Cuisle Holiday Centre has always been a place where she can be herself

39

TRAVEL

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A Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64 Apache silently closes-up behind the ‘photo-ship’

Noeleen Flanagan in the beautiful grounds at Cuisle during her May visit to the centre


40

When I was growing up I spent a lot of time in the corner of the classroom, away from all the activity,” recalls Noeleen Flanagan. “I think one of the things I’ve always loved

about Cuisle is that when I’m there I feel like I’m at the centre of things, like everybody knows me and cares about me, like I really belong.”

Noeleen, who is now 32-years-old, tells me more about her difficult experiences at school. “There were no special needs teachers in those days so most of the time I was just given a colouring book or a ball of Play-Doh while the other students worked. As a result I struggled with basic tasks like reading and was labelled as a slow learner.

“Looking back, I don’t really blame the teachers because they had a class of 35 students. They didn’t have the resources to give me the support I needed, but at the time I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of frustration.”

It took the friendship of a neighbouring boy called Peter to help bring Noeleen out of her shell. “When I first met Peter, I was a wheelchair user and I couldn’t walk at all, but he took the time to chat to me and get to know me. He helped me learn how to read and he even encouraged me to start walking with a walker, which I have been using ever since.”

To this day, Noeleen and Peter remain close friends. “He is such an important person in my life – an incredible support. Sometimes I joke that I don’t need to look for a partner in life because I already have someone who is always there for me.”

At the age of 13, Noeleen was sent to a special needs school in Tullamore. “That turned out to a very positive step because the teachers there were fantastic. One teacher in particular, Mrs Lambe, held me back every Friday for two hours of extra support. She kept telling me that I wasn’t a slow learner, I just needed to catch up. That was a turning point in my life because it was the first time a teacher had believed in me.”

Noeleen adds, “When someone has a disability, it takes time to get to know them and to appreciate their abilities, and I’m very grateful for the people in my life who have taken that time.”

After a couple of years in the special needs school, Noeleen returned to a mainstream secondary school where she took her Junior Cert – “I didn’t do brilliantly because I was still quite behind educationally.”

When Noeleen left school, she began attending her local IWA Resource Centre every day. This led to her first trip to IWA’s Cuisle Holiday Centre in Roscommon. “Being at Cuisle gave me an immediate sense of freedom. There was live music most nights and in the day we went bowling and shopping. It was so stimulating and I hit it off straightaway with the staff.”

Since then, Noeleen has visited Cuisle approximately three times each year and she says her stays there have helped her develop as a person. “I get more out of Cuisle than I could get out of a five star hotel because I can go there on my own, knowing that I have support if I need it. If I have a problem, I know I can go to any staff

Noeleen enjoys tea and scones at Cuisle with staff member Ailish Kinsella (left) and manager Jean Coleman

“


41SPOKEOUT

TRAVEL

member and they will handle the issue with sensitivity and confidentiality.”

Noeleen recommends Cuisle to any member who is nervous about travelling on their own. “You won’t be lonely when you are there because the staff are friendly and they also try to introduce the different guests to each other. They are there if you need them, but don’t get me wrong, if they see you have hit it off with someone, they are sensitive enough not to interrupt you!”

Several couples that Noeleen knows met at Cuisle, and Noeleen also finds it a good way to catch up with IWA friends she has met through Cuisle or through the IWA Annual Conference, which she attends every year. “The Kerry group is my favourite group,” says Noeleen, “I’m over the moon if I find out they are staying at Cuisle at the same time! They seem to have the same type of personality as me – being very outgoing and always up for the laugh!”

Noeleen’s favourite pastime at Cuisle is going to the bingo hall in Roscommon. “One of the staff members, Kate, comes with me and we have great craic playing

bingo and cards.” As Noeleen suffers with muscle pain, she also looks forward to having a therapeutic massage in Cuisle’s Therapy Room. “For 15 euro I get a massage that I’d pay 70 euro for at home!”

In October 2012, Noeleen attended Cuisle’s Gala Charity Ball. “That was a wonderful night because all the staff and guests who love Cuisle had an opportunity to take a night off and socialise together. I felt like we were all friends together, raising money for a place we love.”

Noeleen lives with her mum in Offaly, and says that her regular trips to Cuisle help her maintain a sense of independence. “My mum is brilliant, but like all families, over the years we’ve faced difficult situations, and I have been touched at times when staff from Cuisle have rung me to find out how I’m getting on.”

In recent years, Noeleen has gone back into education. “There came a point in my mid 20s when I realised that I had to take control of my life. I had been going to my local IWA centre for several years and although there were lots of lovely people there, most of them were much older than me, and I said to myself, is this what I want for the rest of my life?”

Since then Noeleen has completed a number of courses including a course in English and Communication at Laois Offaly Education Training Board and the ‘Fresh Start’ course at the National Learning Network. “This Fresh Start course was all about talking in groups, confidence-building,

and developing the social skills to have a better and more rewarding life. It also taught me that I don’t have to put up with the nonsense of being treated like I don’t exist and being talked down to.”

Last year Noeleen successfully got her Junior Cert English and this year she is planning to take Maths. “These are all steps towards going to college. My dream is to become a counsellor one day. I worry that my speech difficulties might be a barrier, but I’d love to work with people who become disabled. I feel that having lived with a disability all my life, I can understand the issues they face.”

While Noeleen’s educational commitments keep her busy, she says she would love a more active social life. “Living in a rural area, I don’t get out as much as I would like. I still go to my local IWA centre once a week, and recently I have also enjoyed being involved in IWA’s social evening programme, but most of all I find myself looking forward to my trips to Cuisle. In particular I really want Cuisle to open for Christmas this year. I’ve spent two Christmases there in the past and they were the best Christmases of my life. Winter can be very isolating and there are no words to express how wonderful it is to have friends around you at Christmas.”

Before my interview with Noeleen, one of the staff members at Cuisle, Ailish Kinsella, had told me how sensitive and caring Noeleen can be with other guests, and I mention this to Noeleen. “It’s very nice that Ailish would say that. I do remember a few years ago at Cuisle I noticed a deaf guy who seemed to be on his own a lot. I decided to go over to him and introduce myself, and it turned out he had broken his hearing aid. I ended up spending the evening teaching him how to text quickly on his mobile phone and we had fun communicating via text from then on.”

After thinking for a minute, Noeleen adds, “My life is much better these days, but I try to be sensitive to how others might be feeling because I will always remember what it’s like to be left in the corner and how good it feels when someone reaches out to you.”

Cuisle Holiday Centre, Donamon, Co Roscommon

“I get more out of Cuisle than I could get out of a five star hotel

because I can go there on my own, knowing that I have support

if I need it.”


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43SPOKEOUT

Holidaying at homeWhen the warmer weather arrives, it’s natural to want to make the most of it by taking a holiday. Kiara Lynch researches two accessible accommodation options

TRAVEL

FIND OUT MORE: For more access information on these hotels, visit the new ‘Holidaying at home’ section on IWA’s website www.iwa.ie Although IWA does its best to ensure the information provided is accurate,

we always advise you to contact the hotel directly before booking to ensure facilities meet your requirements.HOIST HIRE: Need to hire a hoist? In the east, contact JS Dobbs, Baldoyle, Dublin 13.

Tel: 01 839 1071 or visit: www.jsdobbs.ie In the north/north-west, try Evolution Healthcare, Co Tyrone. Tel: 028 8772 7855 www.evolutionhealthcare.co.uk

SOMEWHERE TO RECOMMEND? If you have visited a good hotel, or perhaps are a hotel owner interested in having your hotel featured, email: [email protected]

‘HOME FROM HOME’ SELF-CATERING APTTraleeCo Kerry Tel: 01 201 8400www.tridentholidayhomes.ieThis self-catering holiday home in Tralee is within walking distance of the heart of Tralee Town, and sleeps six people with one double room and two twin rooms. There is an on-site toddler’s play area and the Tralee Aquadome is nearby. The town also has floodlit astro-turf tennis courts, a bowling alley, and a cinema. There is also a choice of sandy beaches within a 30km radius. This part of the Kerry coast is increasingly popular with surfers and there are a number of surf schools within easy reach. The front door has level access, and outside the front door there is one parking space. There is one twin wheelchair-accessible bedroom downstairs. The room has a wooden floor and space to fit a hoist under the beds. The en suite has a high toilet with surrounding grab rails, and a roll-in shower with a fixed shower seat and surrounding grab rails. The house is a ten-minute drive from Tralee bus and train station, and a two-hour drive from Shannon Airport.

ABSOLUTE HOTELSir Harry’s MallLimerickTel: 061 463 600www.absolutehotel.comIn the medieval quarter of Limerick City, the Absolute Hotel is only minutes’ walk away from classic landmarks such as King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum, Limerick Milk Market, Thomond Park and many other Limerick attractions. The hotel is a five-minute scenic walk along the quays to the thriving retail core of Limerick city centre. There is a ramp at the main entrance and there are four designated parking spaces located in the underground car park. There are five wheelchair accessible bedrooms on the second, third and fourth floor. Each accessible room has low pile carpet and space to fit a hoist under the beds. Each en suite has a high toilet with surrounding grab rails, and a roll-in shower with a moveable shower seat and surrounding grab rails. The bar and restaurant are fully wheelchair-accessible. The hotel is a ten-minute drive from Limerick’s bus and train station, and a half-hour drive from Shannon Airport.


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A truly magnificent 5 bed property located in a highly sought after area in the historical town of Naas County Kildare. 2 mins walk to scenic lakes with many swans and signets and various wild life. Also 4 mins walk to VISTA PRIMARY CARE (Pharmacists, Dentists, Eye specialist, Cardio, K Doc on 24 hour call and all specialist needs). 10 Mins walk to Naas General Hospital. The property has been modified for wheelchair accessibility and has ramps to the front and back of the house. A stair-lift has also been installed. The downstairs living accommodation benefits from a large downstairs bedroom with en-suite and wheelchair accessible shower room.Location is everything and this house is a prime area to suit persons with disabilities, older persons and also a family.

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PAGE 44.indd 1 04/06/2014 16:40

SPOKEOUT

TRAVEL

Soaking up the sunThere is nothing like a holiday where you don’t have to think about access and can just soak up the sun like everyone else…

45

Cartoons by Johnny Connaughton with inspiration from Kiara Lynch


46

Several readers have contacted SpokeOut recently to let us know about their experiences at the ‘Nautilus Lanzarote’ accessible holiday apartment complex near Puerto Del Carmen in Spain. Rarely do we hear so much positive feedback, so we asked regular visitor Jenny Kerr to tell us more!

For many people living with a disability, going on holiday with their family or friends can be a very frustrating experience. Especially if their dream holiday destination does not always accommodate

their physical needs. This can leave a person with a disability feeling excluded and as a result that person may not enjoy their holiday as much as their able-bodied travel companions. I know this because I myself have been on holiday with my family to different places over the years, and have felt exactly like that. However, that all changed in 2012 when an accessible holiday resort in Lanzarote, Spain, was recommended to us by our travel agent.

‘Nautilus Lanzarote’ is an accessible holiday apartment complex situated in Matagorda, just a 20 minute drive from Lanzarote Airport. It is the first fully accessible resort on the island. There are approximately 70 apartments within the complex, 40 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom, with a total of 45 apartments adapted for people with disabilities. Each adapted apartment is equipped with fully accessible wheelchair facilities and there is plenty of space

for a wheelchair to move around. In addition, adapted equipment and appliances (hoists, chairs etc.) can be hired on request from a local company known as Mobility Aids Lanzarote.

A one-bedroom adapted apartment in Nautilus Lanzarote is approximately €78 per night during peak times (€60 off-peak) with a two-bedroom adapted apartment €108 per night during peak (€97 off-peak). This, on top of the cost of flights to the island of Lanzarote, may seem expensive – however, speaking as a person who has holidayed there twice, I would say that the level of accessibility at Nautilus Lanzarote makes it well worth the money.

The complex itself is mainly based on the ground floor, but there is a lift which will bring you to the well-stocked on-site grocery store, laundrette and computer room complete with internet access, all of which are situated in the basement of the reception building. Nautilus has two swimming pools: one shallow kids’ style pool and a larger pool which is equipped with a hydraulic chair so that a person with a disability can get in and out of the pool with

Accessible España

Jenny relaxes on a lounger


SPOKEOUT 47

TRAVEL



Member and SpokeOut motoring correspondent Tom Caulfield discovered Nautilus this spring and wanted to add his comments to Jenny’s...

When booking a holiday as a disabled person there are a lot of potential issues which an able-bodied person just doesn’t have to think about. A basic level of access

to the accommodation is the minimum requirement, but I also want to know whether activities like sports and the pool are going to be accessible to me. Nautilus in Matagorda, Lanzarote, is a little gem because it solves all these issues in one go!

All the apartments have access to common areas through an accessible path, with no stairs or obstacles for wheelchairs. The pool’s hydraulic chair can carry a weight up to 130 kg and there’s even a hand-cycle which can be used free-of-charge and can be altered in the nearby bike shop to suit you.

Interestingly, one of the apartments has been specifically designed for artists, and is known as ‘Casa del Artista’ (Artist´s home). Nautilus even has its own supermarket within the complex.

Although there are cheaper places to stay nearby, you really do get what you pay for and you won’t be disappointed.

ease. The main reception can also organise a wheelchair- accessible taxi from a local company for airport transfers, excursions or to take you wherever you wish to go on the island.

Although Nautilus Lanzarote does not provide many activities within the complex, there is plenty to see and do in Matagorda. The village of Matagorda, situated in the suburbs of Puerto Del Carmen, has a large pedestrianised area with a long (mainly flat) promenade. There are lots of bars in the village, including Irish and Sports bars, for those of us who miss out on the results of our favourite sports when we are away from home. For those who prefer a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere with great food, fantastic entertainment and an incredible view of the ocean and the town, there are many amazing restaurants including Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Spanish and Italian. There are also plenty of shops in the main town of Puerto Del Carmen, which is a ten-minute drive away, if you want to buy your loved ones souvenirs from your holiday abroad. There are also a number magnificent beaches situated within walking distance of the village.

If you would like to find out more information about Nautilus Lanzarote and the events held in the area, visit: www.nautilus-lanzarote.com; www.facebook.com/NautilusLanzarote; www.nautiluslanzarote.wordpress.com

An accessible walkway on to a local beach

The spectacular pool at Nautilus

“Nautilus has two swimming pools: one shallow kids’ style pool and a larger pool which is equipped with a hydraulic chair so that a person with a disability can get in and out of

the pool with ease.”


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SPOKEOUT

LIVING

A TASTE OF SUMMERSummer is Kevin Dundon’s favourite time of the year, with an abundance of vegetables growing in the garden at Dunbrody House. He shares two recipes which epitomise the season for him: Lemon Zest Crusted Cod – delicious served with broad beans and cherry tomatoes – and a simple yet exquisite Strawberry Pavlova

49

MORE MODERN IRISH FOODKevin’s modern twist on more delicious recipes can be found in his latest book, Modern Irish Food, which accompanies the recent RTE series of the same name (published by Mitchell Beazley, available from all good booksellers). While he mostly uses traditional ingredients, Kevin also draws on his travels, taking culinary traditions from all around the world and combining them with his main passion, quality Irish food.

MODERN IRISH FOOD

Modern Irish Food, which accompanies the recent RTE series of the same name (published

mostly uses traditional ingredients,

LEMON ZEST CRUSTED CODServed with cherry vine tomatoes and broad beansYou can substitute salmon, hake or haddock for the cod if you prefer.

Serves 44 portions of cod fi llet (6ozs/150g each)200g/7ozs breadcrumbs100g/3 ½ ozs butter2 tbsp of chopped fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, oregano)3 lemons (1 zest, 2 juiced, 1 sliced)Salt & pepperA couple of sprigs of thyme12 cherry tomatoes on the vine400g fresh unskinned broad beans 450g/1 lb potatoes, washed, scrubbed and peeled 60ml/2 fl oz cream350g/12 fl oz butter

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.To prepare the crust for the fi sh, melt 100g of butter in a saucepan and stir in the breadcrumbs, grated lemon zest, parmesan cheese, chopped herbs and seasoning. Stir to combine all the ingredients then remove from the heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.

Place the portions of fi sh on a roasting tray. Season the fi sh with a little salt and freshly milled black pepper. Divide the breadcrumb topping between the fi sh and press onto the top of the fi sh.

Arrange the lemons, cherry tomatoes around the fi sh.Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the topping has

become nice and crunchy.In the meantime, cover the potatoes with water and

bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked, then strain to remove the excess water. Place the potatoes through a potato ricer to remove any lumps, then add

TIP: This dish really is therapy for the soul! To enjoy the benefi ts without too much hard work, I recommend that you have your fi sh fi llets prepared by your fi shmonger. Shop-bought breadcrumbs can also save time and effort, but if you do have some stale bread at home then pop large pieces into a food processor and blitz away. If you fi nd it diffi cult to chop herbs for the breadcrumb crust, then pop them into the food processor too.

the cream, 100g butter, and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm until required.

Place a pan of water over a high heat, and on the side have a bowl of iced water ready. Once the pot of water has reached boiling point, add the broad beans, blanch for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain, transfer the broad beans into the iced water. This will stop the cooking process. Remove the skin from the broad beans.

Now to prepare the butter sauce, pour the lemon juice into a small pan and heat the liquid over a gentle heat. Remove from the heat, then add 150g of butter in small cubes a little at a time, stirring continuously with a small whisk.

Melt 20g of butter in a small pan and add the broad beans, sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

To serve: In a shallow dish, pipe some mash potato and place the fi sh on top. Drizzle some lemon butter over the fi sh and add the cherry tomatoes and broad beans around. Some fresh herbs can be added on top of the fi sh.


50

LIVING

STRAWBERRY PAVLOVAUse any variation of fresh summer berries i.e. raspberries, blueberries, loganberries or blackberries.

Serves 6

Pavlova6 egg whites350g/12ozs caster sugar½ teaspoon of cornflour½ teaspoon of vanilla essence½ teaspoon of white wine vinegar

Garnish240ml/8 fl oz pouring cream, very softly whipped16-20 Wexford strawberries, cut into quarters

Preheat oven to 120C/240F/Gas mark ½.

Put the egg whites into a spotlessly clean mixing bowl and beat on full speed until quite stiffly beaten.

Turn the speed of the mixer down and slowly add the sugar-adding just a little at a time.

When all the sugar has been incorporated, add the vanilla essence, cornflour and vinegar and give one final whisk on high speed.

When ready, the mixture should be glossy and when the bowl is turned upside down the mixture should remain stationary in the bowl.

Meanwhile prepare your tin.Line an oblong baking tray (13 x 9 inches) with

parchment paper.You can either spread all the mixture out on the

baking sheet or using a piping bag you can pipe the mixture out into attractive individual shapes (meringue nests).

Bake in the oven for 1 hour until the meringue mixture is very firm to touch but still soft on the middle. I normally leave mine to cool in the oven with the door ajar.

When the Pavlova base is cold, transfer to a serving platter and spoon over the softly whipped cream. Add the strawberry quarters on top of the cream and serve immediately!

Note: If not serving immediately, do not place the cream or strawberries on top of the meringue base as it will absorb any moisture and will not have the crisp exterior that we love!

TIP:If you decide to make my Strawberry Pavlova, use an electric hand mixer for the egg whites, and then again for the cream. Whisking egg whites with an old-fashioned manual whisk may achieve the perfect peaks but it can leave your arm exhausted! I have topped this Pavlova with some chopped strawberries, but you could quite easily use raspberries and blueberries instead, which require nothing further than being placed on top of the bed of whipped cream.


Motability Ireland

*

* Finance relates to MINI Cooper D model. On the road price including exemption; €20,634. Deposit €2,500. Amount of credit; €17,901. 24 monthly payments of €299. Optional Final Payment; €14,560 plus€75 doc fee. Total contract kilometres; 30,000 (excess mileage €0.05 cent per km). Typical APR 10.9%. Applies to vehicles ordered and registered between 1st July and 30th Sept 2014 (subject to availability).

Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of the agreement. On the road cash price is based on the manufacturers recommended retail price and includes MINI DealerWarranty and BMWEmergencyService. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice. This offer applies to customers who qualify for exemption only. All finance is subject to status and available toover 18’s in Ireland only. Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made. Finance is provided by BMW Financial Services (Ireland) Ltd, Swift Square, Santry Demense, Dublin 9.

MINI ACCESSThe Disabled Drivers Scheme Exclusivelyat Frank Keane.

To take advantage of this unique programme, talk to Tony CaseyMINI ACCESSProgramme Manager at Frank Keane MINI. Call Tony on 086 027 2740 or email [email protected]

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Ferrybank Motors - Mobility Experts.Our expert staff can assist you with all your VAT and VRT relief schemes, grants & mobility allowance queries. Our experience in organising and advising your choice of vehicle to suit your needs is second to none.Choose from any of the following adaptations:

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Ferrybank Motors 1-2.indd 1 04/06/2014 16:28

PAGE 51.indd 1 04/06/2014 16:43

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House and Home 13.indd 1 09/09/2013 17:01:14

HAFELE A4.indd 1 02/06/2014 16:22

53SPOKEOUT

LIVING

A garden legacyOn a visit to Airfield House in Dundrum, Helen Rock is pleased to find that the redevelopment of this historic estate has preserved and enhanced many of the garden’s special features, while at the same time providing comfort and ease of access

For more than a hundred years the Overend family lived, farmed and gardened at Airfield, an idyllic fifty-acre estate on the outskirts of Dundrum village, with one foot on the edge of the city beside the

old Harcourt Street railway line and the other at the base of the Dublin Mountains looking out over a breathtaking panorama of soft, undulating valleys and hills.

The last of the Overend family, Letitia and her younger sister Naomi, were famously progressive and pioneering. Although immensely rich, they became car mechanics to maintain their own fleet of enormous old Rolls Royces, which they blithely drove in the middle of the road and famously parked where they fancied. They took their farm animals to agricultural shows and kept a prizewinning herd of Jersey cows, each one named after a character in the operettas of Gilbert & Sullivan.

But most of all, the sisters were enthusiastic gardeners

and improvers of the land. They believed firmly in education for the common good and set up a charitable trust to ensure that their large fortune would be used, in perpetuity, to preserve Airfield intact – the house, gardens, farm, meadows and fields – and to run the entire estate as an educational facility, to teach people of all ages organic agricultural skills, organic gardening and some arts and crafts.

In the intervening 20 years, some things have stayed the same at Airfield and much has changed, not least the once spectacular views of mountains and valleys, which are now largely blocked out by a long slab of very high and ugly apartments on what was Overend land before being sold by the trust for much needed funds to ensure Airfield’s survival. Then, a few years ago, Airfield announced that it was closing for a major redevelopment and staff were let go. Chelsea gold-winning designer, Arabella Lennox

Wide paths through the magnificent gardens at Airfield House


54

Boyd, was chosen by tender to redesign many areas of the gardens, and this has been done very well on the whole, with many carefully planted and intriguing new areas that should be a pleasure to watch as they grow up and mature. The new entrance, which has a whole bay for disabled parking and wide wheelchair friendly turnstiles, is uncompromisingly modern, with a seaside beach feel to the landscaping, with its pale stone, sea pebble and sparse plantings of sea cabbage (Crambe maritime) and pale pink sea thrift. It felt like arriving at the seaside for a holiday.

Inside, the wide stone paths and conveniently placed sloping stone ramps made it a pleasure to walk around the whole 50 acres with my friend and her daughter, who uses a heavy chair. I was glad to see that much of what was special about the gardens has been kept and enhanced while comfort and ease of access to everything and every place was carefully considered and executed. They have kept the long box hedging, the stately Irish yew walk, the old Irish apple and pear trees trained against the stone of the redesigned walled garden, the orchard is there and, out past the giant redwood tree, the lovely tranquil semi-wild woodland walk was better than ever, with its bluebells, ferns, perennial sweet pea, columbines, stray tulips and graveyard for pets.

This woodland walk is just one of the many good ideas that you could try at home. Once you’ve made your paths and ensured that you can progress around the garden – or at least make a u-turn if you use a wheelchair – it’s only a question of working on the semi-wild planting, which you could copy from Airfield. Remember, all planting begins with the biggest things, usually trees, and then moves on to shrubs, then herbaceous, finishing with bulbs.

Another idea that could be adapted for the smaller garden is to recreate a version of the central paved area in the walled garden, which is surrounded by scented leafed, mound-forming plants such as santolina, nepeta and lavender. To make this idea into a complete and satisfying garden of its own, you’d need to add a central piece, perhaps an iron bird bath on a pedestal, or a nice round garden table with a good plant on it for each season.

Another idea you could take home and try in your own garden is a version of the bee garden at the edge of the old orchard, which has pretty painted wooden hives (Irish made I believe) surrounded by nectar plants, all set against a backdrop of apple blossom trained on the old stone wall. If you didn’t want to keep bees, the little hives could be used for storage or even light composting, at a pinch. Another nice touch in all the cafes at Airfield is the way they pick lots of the garden flowers and put them on so many tables and windowsills, so that you can see the plants up close.

The house at Airfield has been turned into a very accessible though rather sparse interactive museum and there are new barns, sheds, craft workshops, new interesting sounding cafes, a big new herb and soft fruit area, a series of raised beds for the rotation of crops, a new maze made of old Irish varieties of apple, new meadows and hedgerows, sheep with their little lambs, cows with their calves, hens in a large run dotted with pretty painted hen houses. It is an intriguing place and though the new plantings are very small and young, it is well worth a look. I for one am looking forward to going back later in the year to see how the garden grows.

For further information visit: www.airfield.com

Handsome benches in the walled garden at Airfield

Alliums this spring in the gardens at Airfield House


55

BANNER

SPOKEOUT

IN THE GARDENRaspberries, strawberries and blackcurrants should all be ready for picking from June onwards.

If you want to guarantee wallfl owers in your own choice of colour next year, rather than take pot luck with the mixed bunches you fi nd on sale, sow seed outside around June-July.

After heavy rain is a good time to catch up on your mulching and conserve moisture during dry spells. It is also a good time to divide congested primroses and primulas and replant them, with a crown apiece, in new ground refreshed with some new compost or other soil improver.

Raspberries should now be ready for picking

WHAT’S ONSat 7th June, 10am-4pm: Flower & Plant Sale at Killruddery, Bray, Co Wicklow. www.killruddery.comFri-Sun, 13th-15th June: Dublin Garden Festival. Extravagant displays of fl oral arrangements, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin 8. www.dublingardenfestival.ie 14th-29th June: West Cork Garden Trail. Brochures available from www.discoverireland.ie and www.westcorkgardentrail.com Thurs-Sun, 19th-22th June: Mallow Garden Festival at Cork Racecourse. www.exhibitionsireland.ieWed 25th June, 11am-12noon: Guided Walk of the Rose Festival at Powerscourt, Co Wicklow. Cost included in garden entry fee. Book on www.powerscourt.com or phone 01 204 6000.Fri-Sun, 4th-6th July: Midlands Home & Garden Festival, Belvedere, near Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Phone 044 934 9060. www.belvedere-house.ie

Sat & Sun, 5th & 6th July: Claregalway Garden Festival, Claregalway Castle. Speakers include Brendan Sayers and Tanguy de Toelgoet. www.galwaygardenfestival.com Sat 12th July: Blarney in Bloom. Summer garden fair at Blarney Castle, Co Cork. www.blarneycastle.ieSat & Sun, 19th & 20th July: RHSI Sweet Pea Show. National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Sat & Sun, 19th & 20th July: Rose Festival, St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin.25th July-4th August: Carlow Garden Festival. Various venues around the county. Plantswoman and tv gardener Carol Klein will open the festival and an impressive array of experts will be on hand to give talks and garden advice. Phone 059 913 0411. www.carlowgardentrail.comSat 30th August: Spring Bulb Master Class, 11am-12noon in the Pavilion at Powerscourt in Co Wicklow. Adm free. www.powerscourt.com/events

Pretty painted wooden beehives in Airfi eld’s bee garden

LIVING


Cuddihy Mobility Ltd. Brittas, Tullaroan, Co KilkennyTel: 056 7769121 • Fax: 056 7769318 • Mobile: 086 2528675email: [email protected] • Web: www.cuddihymobility.ie

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ADAPTIONS AND CONVERSIONSProviding Mobility and Accessibility Solutions for Adults andChildren to vehicles such as Cars, Jeeps, MPV’s, Motorbikes,Commercial Tractors and adaptions within buildings. These solutions include supply and fitting the following:STAIRLIFTSn Brooks, Bison 80, Acorn n Swivel Seats n Servo Clutch Systemsn Electric Clutch Systems n Infra Red Remote Controls n Child’s Swivel Seat n Power Hand Controls n Personal Hoists n Steering Gripsn Harnesses n Wheelchair Hire n Hydraulic Lifts n Scooters n Stair Lifts(Straight & Curved) n Wheelchair Tie Downs and Seat Belts n WheelchairTracking n Conversions of vans for wheelchairs n Wheelchairs (manual andelectric) n Lifts from Ground Floor to First Floor

For further information contact John or Amanda on 056 - 7769 121

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Car adaptions for the disabled

Located in Galway, “Ken Carroll Adaptations” adapts most makes of cars and vans for drivers or passengers with physical

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T: 091 798 098 • M: 087 250 2923E: [email protected]

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KEN CARROLL 1-4.indd 1 04/06/2014 16:32

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BMW SelectThe Ultimate

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Joe DuffyExit 5 M50, North Road, Dublin 11. Tel: 01 864 7758 www.JoeDuffybmw.ie* Terms and conditions apply. Offer strictly available to holders of valid primary medical certificate only. Example finance is based on a 37 month BMW Select (hire purchase agreement) for a BMW 316d SE Auto 2014MY with a contract mileage of 15,000km per year and an excess mile age charge of €0.06per km. Typical finance example: Cash price €33,826. Customer deposit €10,000. 36 monthly payments of €229.81. Optional Final Payment €19,903.21. Total amount payable €38,326.36 inc Acceptance fee of €75 & Option to Purchase fee €74.99. APR 6.9%. Figures are correct at time of print and are subject to change without notice. All finance is subject to status and available to over 18’s in Ireland only. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Warning you will not own these goods until the final payment is made. Finance is provided by BMW Financial Services, Swift square, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9. Model shown for illustrative purposes only.

INTRODUCING OUR INCREDIBLE 3 SERIES OFFER TO SPOKEOUT READERS.Drive a BMW 316d for just €229 per month with:• 5 years Service Inclusive• 3 Years Warranty• 3 Years Roadside AssistanceContact Garreth Gaffney our DriveAbility Account Manager on 01 864 7758 and quote #316Drive to avail of this Ultimate Offer

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We have years of experience in adapting vehicles for drivers & passengers needs.

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Raheen Rathkeale Sales, Service, Parts Service, Parts, Crash Repair Centre

(061) 225 225 (069) 64300

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(061) 225 225

Brian Geary Motors 1-4.indd 1 04/06/2014 16:43

PAGE 15.indd 1 04/06/2014 21:23

57SPOKEOUT

MOTORING

More choiceWith the second half of the 2014 vehicle registration year about to start, Tom Caulfield reviews three more models likely to appeal to drivers with disabilities

THE SEAT LEONThe model tested was the 1.4l petrol three-door hatchback, which offers smooth performance, though even the 1.2l provides adequate pace. If you prefer diesel there is the option of the 1.6l which offers decent economical performance without having to force the rev counter into the red.

If you are more interested in power than your pocket you may want to opt for the 280bhp 2.0l petrol Cupra or even the 184bhp 2.0l FR diesel which is also effortlessly fast.

Being built on the same chassis as the Audi A3 and the VW Golf makes sure the Leon is pretty good to drive and it feels very well-planted. However the steering could be a lot sharper. The FR and Cupra models do have firmer suspensions and sharper steering, but whichever model you choose the ride is going to be on the firm side.

The diesel models do suffer from road noise even when cruising, a problem made even worse if you upgrade to larger wheels.

The interior of the Leon is comfortable and spacious with plenty of both head- and leg-room, including a generous 380 litres of boot space

An uncluttered dashboard with easy-to-use heating and ventilation controls and a well-positioned touch-screen providing the driver with easy-to-access information without having to divert their vision too far from the road ahead makes driving a pleasure. The use of cheap plastics do let the interior finish down a little.

The Leon comes with no shortage of equipment, with even the entry models including a six-speaker mp3 compatible CD player, air conditioning and Bluetooth. An upgrade to the SE also gives you alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear knob, cruise control and chrome detailing; while the Sporty FR trim includes redesigned bumpers, larger alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, sports front seats, and all around parking sensors.

The four trim options are the S, the SE, the FR, and the Cupra, with pricing from €19,185 for the S entry model 1.2 petrol right up to €37,480 for the 2.0l DSG Cupra Model.

Overall, the Seat Leon is an impressive family car that is practical, stylish and fun to drive.

The Seat Leon


58

THE NISSAN QASHQAIWhen it was first launched back in 2007, the Qashqai received mixed reviews. But Nissan had correctly identified a gap in the market and their SUV crossover turned out to be a huge success with over 1.5 million sold in Europe to-date.

In the years that followed the Qashqai was often the top seller for the brand, and with success comes competition. There are now 14 direct rivals to the Qashqai but it’s still managing to keep ahead of the game. With the development of the new Qashqai, as with any successful vehicle, the question that faced the brand was how to improve the vehicle without losing what made it successful in the first place.

The design team tasked with creating the new look have given the new model a bolder, stronger stance – so even though there are a lot of Qashqais about, this model is still different enough to turn heads. A new grille is the first thing you’ll notice. Wider by 47mm and longer by 26mm. Increased headroom is definitely a plus, but the fact that the driver’s seat is no longer height-adjustable is a noticeable negative.

A lot of the car’s features are operated via a colour touch-screen which will have the capability to link to apps

to create a more interactive experience.Other features include forward emergency braking,

driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, land departure warning and high-beam assist. Nissan’s new ‘Park Assist’ system also steers the car into parking spaces, while its helicopter-view reversing camera system, which uses multiple small cameras around the car, has already generated public interest.

The interior has also been improved with rear leg-room more than sufficient for adult passengers.

In my opinion the 1.5 litre diesel is definitely the one to go for and offers the best combination of power and economy. The Qashqai soaks up the bumps very well and with Nissan’s variable steering system with sports mode, which adds weight to the steering, it equates to a pretty engaging drive.

From day one the Qashqai has been an impressive vehicle; the new stylish design and the addition of up-to-the minute technology has just made it even better.

The new Qashqai is available from just €23,750.If price is an issue, go for the old model; if you like the

new look and like modern technology in a car, go for the new model. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!

The Nissan Qashqai


59

BANNER

SPOKEOUT

THE FORD TOURNEO CONNECTThe Tourneo Connect and the Grand Tourneo Connect form part of Ford’s new generation of versatile Tourneo people movers which range from the compact five-seat Tourneo Courier available in mid-2014 to the eight/nine-seat Tourneo Custom. This new Tourneo line-up sits alongside the ‘MAX’ range of multi-activity vehicles in Ford’s passenger car portfolio.

In Ireland, the model will be available in both the Tourneo Connect (5-seat) and Grand Tourneo Connect (5/7-seat) versions. The two Tourneo Connect models provide smart, stylish and affordable people movers for families and users with active lifestyles, offering best-in-class flexibility from versatile seating, stowage and dual-sliding side doors; outstanding fuel economy from highly efficient powertrains; and class-unique technologies including Active City Stop and Ford SYNC.

The vehicle will be available in three series: Style, Zetec

and Titanium. The premium Titanium model offers dual-zone climate control, panoramic roof and integrated roof rails as standard features.

The full engine line-up includes the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine (five-seat Tourneo Connect only), 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with a choice of 75, 95 and 115 PS versions, and the 150 PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with six-speed automatic transmission.

They are roomy and flexible cars which are kind to the family budget, and offer all the comfort, features and smart technologies which Ford customers have come to expect from these market-leading car models.

The all-new Tourneo Connect and Grand Tourneo Connect are now available to order from Ford dealers around Ireland.

Prices start from €24,100 for the Style, €26,350 for the Zetec and €28,800 for the Titanium.

The Nissan Qashqai

MOTORING

The Ford Tourneo Connect


TML MOBILITY SOLUTIONS LTD

TML Mobility Solutions LtdLiffey Lawns, Clane, Co. Kildare. Ph/Fax: 045868458 • Mob:0862556121 • email: [email protected]

www.tmlms.ie

Don’t compromise!You don’t have to travel in a big van just because you are usinga wheelchair. Wouldn’t it be much more pleasant to be able tosit in the front seat rather than to be placed in the back of avan, seated in your wheelchair? Keep your low emission sedanor estate car and use the Carony Evo to get in and out of it!This unique wheelchair will take you from your home and rightinto your car, without the need for any heavy lifting.

• Lightweight • Compact • Long Range •

Flat Motor: A highly efficient flat type motor has newly been developed. This flatmotor is compatiblewith a wide range of wheelchairs.

The JWX-1 is an add-on Electric Power Unitfor your wheelchair, it converts your manualchair into an electric mode

w w w . t m l m s . i e

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automobility servicesVehicles adapted for the disabled

n Supply & fit of Push-pull Hand Controls

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Children or People with Restricted Growth

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E: [email protected]

PAGE 60.indd 1 04/06/2014 16:19

SPOKEOUT

The beautiful

This July DCU students Aoife McNicholl and Patrick Flanagan will represent their country in the inaugural European Powerchair Football Nations Cup. Rachel Creevey went to meet Aoife and Patrick to learn more about powerchair football in general, and to discuss their roles in the upcoming tournament

61

SPORT

Phot

os b

y Jo

hn O

wen

s


and my mother from Co Donegal, but they’d gone over to England to work.” The modest life his pareGAME

Aoife McNicholl, Captain of the Irish powerchair football squad for the upcoming EPFA Nations Cup


62

For many readers, powerchair football may not be a sport they’re entirely familiar with; while for others, it’s an integral part of their lives. Powerchair football – or power soccer as it’s also known – came into

existence in the late 1970s but has only been played here in Ireland since 2003. Despite having a large following, national awareness of the sport would have been fairly low, that is until recently when it was announced that Ireland had been chosen to host the 2014 European Powerchair Football Nations Cup.

To learn more about powerchair football I headed to DCU’s Sport Complex to meet with long-term players Aoife McNicholl and Patrick Flanagan, two members of the Irish powerchair football squad for the upcoming EPFA Nations Cup. They were taking part in an informal training session with fellow players Padraic Moran and Keith Hayes (another member of the Irish squad).

Powerchair football is one of the fastest growing disability sports in the world, and it allows people who are power wheelchair users to participate in ‘the beautiful game’. It’s played on basketball-sized courts by two teams of four players (male or female). Each game is divided into halves which are twenty minutes in length. Players use their wheelchairs to push or strike the oversized football around the court, passing and shooting to try and outscore their opponents.

Originally powerchair football was played sporadically at tournaments organised by Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI), who are credited with introducing the game into Ireland. But with support from the FAI’s ‘Football for All’ programme and the setting up of the Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF) in 2009, things began to change. The AIPF provided a national structure in which a solid player base, club teams and official competitions could be established.

There are now six Irish clubs – Kingdom Rebels (for whom Patrick plays), Fingal Flyers, Midlands United (for whom Aoife plays), Belfast Trailblazers, Fingal Flyers, St Joey’s, Shannon Town United and Parkvilla Meath – who take part in national league and cup competitions. At the time of writing, with one round of the AIPF National League 2014 left to play, Midlands United are untouchable at the top of the table and will be victorious for the third year in a row. As winner of last year’s league, Midlands United were the first Irish club team to participate in the European Champions Cup in 2013.

Also on an international level, Ireland was represented for the first time at FIPFA World Cup in Paris in 2011. FIFPA stands for the Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association and it is the global governing body for powerchair football. At the 2011 tournament, Ireland finished in ninth place. Aoife and Patrick played in that tournament and now they have been afforded the opportunity to play for their country again. They joined me during a break in training, along with Donal Byrne, secretary of AIPF. I began by asking Aoife and Patrick them

how long they’ve been involved in powerchair football. “We were both present at the first Irish powerchair football

tournament, which was organised by MDI in the IWA Sports Hall in Clontarf in 2003,” Patrick tells me. “We didn’t have the type of equipment we do now – we used plastic boxes as foot guards and the ‘football’ was one of those exercise balls you use in the gym.”

They both loved the game straight away. For Patrick, “It’s about being able to play sport. It’s not something you, as a person with a rather severe physical disability, expect to be able to do. And if you do, you certainly don’t expect it to be as exciting, or as competitive, or as intense as power football is!”

Aside from the chance to participate in sport, powerchair football gives players the opportunity to get out there and meet others, to be part of a team. “It’s great to get to know people that are in similar situations to yourself, and who will be there to talk things through with if you need them,” says Aoife. Friendships made through power football can even extend globally, as Aoife tells me. “We’ve kept in touch with one of the French players we met during the 2011 World Cup. He visited last August to do a training camp with us and we hope to see him again before the Nations Cup. He’s really nice and friendly and everyone gets on so well with him.”

When I asked whether herself or Patrick where fans of mainstream football, Aoife’s answer was a resounding ‘No’. She prefers GAA or rugby herself, although Patrick is a big Manchester United fan.

Aoife wouldn’t want others who have no interest in soccer to be discouraged from trying powerchair football. “I know girls in particular when they hear the word ‘soccer’ are like, ‘No way, I would have no interest in that at all’. But I encourage people to keep an open mind about power soccer and at least try it before they say, ‘Ah no, I don’t like that!’”

Patrick agrees. “Just come and see it, or better still, come and try it! If you’re reading this and you’ve a friend/relative who uses a powerchair but says they don’t want to try it, my

Patrick Flanagan, member of the Irish powerchair football

squad for the upcoming EPFA Nations Cup


63SPOKEOUT

SPORT

advice is force them out, knock them unconscious and drag them to it if you have to! They’ll thank you in the end!”

I use a powerchair myself and as I watch Aoife and Patrick speed by me towards the ball, I must admit I really want to be out there playing as well! So, what would you need if you wanted to give it a go, I ask Donal. “Well, fi rstly you need to get in contact with the AIPF and from there we’ll try and fi t you in with a club that’s close to you, or if we think there’s a good grounding for getting a new team going, that’s where we come in and help set it up.” At the moment Aoife and Patrick are trying to establish a powerchair football team in DCU and Patrick’s home team, Kingdom Rebels, are trying to establish new teams in Kerry and Cork.

And fi nally we turn to the tournament on all of their minds – the EPFA Nations Cup 2014. The inaugural European Powerchair Football Nations Cup takes place between the 17th-20th July at the University of Limerick Sports Arena. Forty-eight of Europe’s best powerchair players from six

nations – Ireland, England, Denmark, Switzerland, France and Belgium – will compete for the title of European Nations Champions. The top fi ve teams will also qualify for the 2015 FIFPA World Cup in Brazil.

The squad chosen to represent the Irish team are: Aoife McNicholl (named as captain), Patrick Flanagan, Keith Hayes, Emmett Daly, Thomas Donogher, Thomas Winters, Emer O’Sullivan and Neil Sheehan. The four-day tournament promises to be electrifying and will hopefully open the public’s eyes to the skill level of powerchair players.

The tournament is being jointly hosted and organised by the AIPF and the Football Association of Ireland. Donal, the AIPF’s representative, is working alongside Oisin Jordan, the FAI’s Football for All co-ordinator, to ensure a fantastic tournament for all. Donal tells me that he is calling on everyone to, “Come out and support the EPFA Nations Cup, especially on the fi rst night for the big opening ceremony at 6pm. We want as many people as possible to see what powerchair football is all about and to help us to get the powerchair football message out there.”

For more about powerchair football, you can contact Donal at the AIPF by emailing [email protected]

The EPFA Nations Cup 2014 will be streamed online. For information, head to the Irish Powerchair facebook page.

Cuisle Holiday Centre, Donamon, Co Roscommon

Aoife at a recent practice session in DCU

SPORTS DIARYDate Event Location21st June Archery Nationals Drewstwon House, Co Meath28th June Athletics Laois Games Crettyard , Laois5th July Athletics Junior National Championships Santry12th -13th July Athletics DSE Games Sheffi eld17th - 20th July European Powerchair Football Nations Cup Limerick19th July Athletics North East Games Claremont, Navan, Co Meath22nd -24th July IWA Summer Camp IWA Clontarf27th July Athletics Jamie Boyle Memorial Games Templemore 2nd August IWA-Sport Dublin to Galway Fundraising cycle3rd- 8th August IWAS World Junior Games CardiffAugust 7’s Wheelchair Rugby – 6 Nations France4th – 10th August Swimming IPC European Championships Eindhoven15th – 17th August Wheelchair Tennis – Irish Open David Llloyd, Riverview, Dublin18th -23rd August Athletics IPC European Championships Swansea24th August Wheelchair Rugby – Irish league Cork30th August Athletics Munster Games Waterford IT13th September Athletics Cork Games Cork IT6th – 15th September T ITTF Table Tennis World Championships China27th Sept or 4th Oct Athletics Celtic Cup Ireland27th/28th September Wheelchair Rugby – 4 Nations Wales19th October Wheelchair Rugby – Irish league Sligo22nd November Wheelchair Rugby – Rugby Mania Prague13th December Wheelchair Rugby – Irish league Belfast

Donal Byrne, secretary of the Irish Powerchair Football Association (AIPF)


Then come along to The Care & Mobility Show at the RDS, Dublin, open 10am til 6pm on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June.

Helpful talks and advice from Alzheimer’s to Stroke Recovery. A vast range of products and services on display from adapted vehicles to stair-lifts, homecare to tele-care, children’s therapy to incontinence care, wheelchairs to all kinds of mobility aids.

www.careandmobility.ie

IS THIS YOU?Are you concerned about health, independence or mobility, either for yourself or someone you love?

The Care & Mobility Show - It’s all about independence and quality of life.

TICKETS ONLY €5 AT THE DOOR

SPOKEOUT READER OFFER: THIS TICKET ADMITS 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1.PLEASE PRESENT AT DOOR!

✂

CARE & MOBILITY SUMMER 14.indd 2 04/06/2014 21:44

SPOKEOUT

FUNDRAISING

Special deliveryDPD has been supporting the Irish Wheelchair Association for 25 years, delivering wheelchairs & assistive equipment and distributing angels for IWA’s annual Angel Day. Joanna Marsden talks to DPD’s CEO Brendan O’Neill about this long-standing relationship

65

The relationship between DPD and the Irish Wheelchair Association was established in 1989, and in my 16 years with the company, it’s been something I’ve been pleased to continue and

develop,” says DPD Ireland’s CEO Brendan O’Neill. “We very much see IWA as our main charity, and it feels like a good match because, like IWA, DPD has a national spread – with 38 depots and delivery staff working in communities all over Ireland.”

Brendan adds, “We started out transporting wheelchairs for IWA’s wheelchair repair service and then when the Angel Campaign was launched we were delighted to get involved each year by delivering the angel pins all over the country.”

Recently, DPD has also started providing a delivery service for IWA’s new Wheelchair Solutions shop. “IWA’s customers are now increasingly buying their aids and appliances online, and this is a trend that we see reflected in many of the organisations we serve. Internet shopping has become one of the key drivers of our business.”

DPD has been through a number of changes during its relationship with IWA, including being bought by GeoPost (the French post office’s parcel service) in 2000, and re-branding from Interlink to DPD in 2008. “To be honest these changes have had little effect on how we do business,” says Brendan. “Essentially we remain an Irish-run operation, and any fundamental changes in our business have been the result of developments in the market and in technology.”

Brendan continues, “Like any company our primary focus has to be on making a profit, because that is essential if we are to maintain long-term sustainable jobs – and of course that’s something we’ve really had to focus on during the recession. But it’s not just about profit; I also believe that businesses should look to be part of society and should seek to work with charities that are supporting people in the communities in which we operate.”

A recent meeting with IWA’s CEO Kathleen McLoughlin provided Brendan with an opportunity to learn more about how IWA supports its members. “I hadn’t realised how broad IWA’s range of services was and just how many locations there are across the country. I enjoyed finding out more about what IWA does, and I will certainly encourage our staff to do the same so they can appreciate the importance of work we are contributing to.”

Brendan, who lives in Cork, says he feels that “in

“

most communities there is now a much greater general awareness of disability and indeed of all types of difference. My wife is a teacher and it’s great to see so many more children with special needs attending mainstream schools. This is a dramatic change from the way it was when I was a child, when people with disabilities were put in boxes and separated from society.

“Of course these days we also see people with disabilities, like my local MEP Brian Crowley, playing a role in public life, and as business people we are conscious that we need to consider wheelchair access for staff or customers when we open new premises. There is no question that IWA has played a key role in raising awareness and in changing life for people with disabilities in Ireland, and DPD is proud to have played a part in that.”

This interview took place in early May and since then DPD was delighted to be selected as ‘Corporate Volunteer of the Year’ at IWA’s Volunteer Awards 2014.

Brendan O’Neill, CEO of DPD Ireland


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The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S. © 2013-08 All rights reserved Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark.

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The information you provide to us will be used to process your orders and for general administrative and record-keeping purposes. We will only disclose your personal information (including details of the products you have purchased from us) to carefully selected third parties who provide services to us and/or if required by law. By submitting your information to us, you consent to Coloplast using your information in the manner described above and to us contacting you by email and/or telephone and/or post in order to keep you informed of Coloplast products and services that we think may be of inter-est to you. If you would prefer that we do not contact you in these ways, please let us know by ticking the appropriate box(es) below and returning the information to us.

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CPUCC_SCC_Set_Launch_Enduser_Ads_A4 - Spoke Out Ireland.indd 1 30/10/2013 15:49:40A4 COLOPLAST.indd 1 02/06/2014 16:23

SPOKEOUT

FUNDRAISING

67

Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 2014Congratulations and a big thank you to all the ladies who joined the IWA Mini Marathon Team in this year’s Flora Mini Marathon, Ireland’s largest female charity event. This year’s team ambassador, iRadio Presenter Michaela Hayes, was supported by women from all over Ireland who raised funds for the essential services which IWA provides to people with disabilities nationwide. Thanks also to all who generously fundraised, donated or sponsored a participant. The Fundraising Department is now collecting monies raised and all entries have been included in a prize draw for a weekend away for two to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin. The winner will be announced on the IWA website www.iwa.ie

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK ORCHESTRA CONCERT

IWA and the University of Limerick Orchestra hosted an afternoon of classical music to raise funds for the services the Association provides to people with disabilities living in the Ennis and Limerick areas. The event took place on Sunday, 11th May 2014 in Danlann an Cláir, Coláiste Muire, Ennis, where the Orchestra was supported by the Coláiste Muire School Choir for a sell-out performance.

Orchestra manager and conductor Peter Hanley explained the importance of the concert: “University of Limerick Orchestra believes in supporting the community in which we live and those that are in need. Giving back is a huge part of who we are and what we believe in. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the Irish Wheelchair Association and support the range of services that the Association provides to enhance the lives of its members.”

IWA would like to thank the University of Limerick Orchestra, the Coláiste Muire School Choir and all who supported the event.

Conductor Peter Hanley leads the orchestra

Donegal man wins new Ford FocusThe winner of the IWA’s Super Ford Focus Car Draw, Michael McElhinney, from Carndonagh, Co Donegal, collected his brand new Ford Focus in early April from Hegarty’s Auto Services Ltd, Carnamuggagh, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

Michael, who is a member of the Association, purchased the winning €2 ticket from IWA. His name was chosen in the prize draw which took place in late December 2013.

Ford Ireland generously supports the IWA’s Super Ford Focus Car Draw on an annual basis. This initiative is a very important fundraiser for the Association, as it raises essential funds which are immediately invested into the range of services which IWA provides to people with disabilities in their own homes and communities throughout Ireland.

Michael collects his new Ford Focus from Hegarty’s Auto Services Ltd in Co Donegal


Local Property Tax and People with DisabilitiesThe Minister for Finance Michael Noonan TD recently extendedproperty tax relief for properties built / extended to make themaccessible to people with disabilities.

The changes introduced address anomalies and inequities thathad been identified in the previous operation of the LPT. Therelief available has now been extended to properties where nogrant had been paid or no court award received.

• The first relief applies to a property that has been adapted.The relief allows the owner of an adapted property toreduce the chargeable value of the property if theadaptations carried out moves the property into a higherchargeable band and thereby incurring a higher propertytax charge

• The second relief is a full exemption from local property taxfor properties that have been constructed or acquiredbecause of their suitability for a person with a disability i.e.the full property is accessible to the person with a disability.This relief is intended for a person who has a significantimpairment and whose choice of a higher value propertymay be dictated by his/her health needs

The application of this relief is backdated to 2013.

Guidelines on the terms of relief will be published on the LPTsection of the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ieor call LoCall: 1890 200 255 for more information.

LPT

HNG0514-1 Half Page SpokeOut LPT Ad_Layout 1 28/05/2014 17:08 Page 1

www.iwa.ie/rally

SPONSORED BY:

Irish Wheelchair Association and The Disabled Drivers Association will hold its annual Motoring Tour for drivers and passengers with disabilities on 27 Sept 2014. The Tour which is in its �fth

year, will commence and �nish at the Racket Hall in Roscrea, Co Tipperary and during the course of the day participants will travel throughout the magni�cent Tipperary countryside.

The main focus of the day is on enjoyment and also providing the opportunity for people to demonstrate their driving and navigational skills. No previous experience is required. Each

participating car will have a driver and navigator. For further information, please contact Tony Maher or Niall McDonnell at 045 893 094 or [email protected] or see www.iwa.ie/rally

We look forward to seeing you on what promises to be once again, one of the most unique dates on the Irish motoring calendar.

wa.ie/rallye www.iiw

again n, dar.

IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION

RALLY Sat 27th

September2014

WheelchairCarsIreland.comGlasson Village, Athlone • Tel: 090 643 9786 • Mob: 087 840 0403 / 086 247 8629

MOT0514-1 Rally Half Page SpokeOut_Layout 1 30/05/2014 11:31 Page 1


SPOKEOUT

REGIONAL NEWS

Jack’s ‘thank you’

69

A SHARED BIRTHDAYPersonal Assistant Catherine McConway from Co Donegal recently celebrated her 50th Birthday. Catherine’s family hosted her party in The Cush Inn and in lieu of gifts Catherine asked for cash so that she could donate all the money to Irish Wheelchair Association. Everyone enjoyed the party and thought it was a wonderful gesture on Catherine’s part. A total of €820 was raised.

Harriet McCafferty, IWA Service Coordinator; Molly McGlinchey; Majella Grant; Elizabeth Hunter; Frances Lake; and Catherine McConway

Jack Keane, a native of Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co Galway moved to England in 1947 to fi nd work. He met and married his wife Nellie, also a native of Ireland from Ballymore, Co Roscommon, and they had four children. Jack, Nellie and family always returned to Ireland for holidays, meeting up with family and friends, especially Jack’s sister Bina Harris from Corlackin, Creggs.

Over the past few years Jack and his family have holidayed in Cuisle Holiday Centre. Jack recently celebrated his 90th Birthday and requested that instead of receiving gifts a small donation be given to Cuisle in appreciation of all the love, care and kindness he receives during his stays there.

Thomas Murray, grandson of Jack Keane, presenting the donation of €800 to Cuisle Holiday Centre staff Maurina Brennan and Noel Brennan

RAHIMATHON 2014

In June 2014 Rahim Nazarali, who is registered blind, will take to the Grand Canal and walk 132km to raise funds to purchase equipment for the IWA Rehabilitation Training Unit (RTU) in Clontarf, including new kitchen and computer software equipment. Students of the RTU acquire many important life skills through the various programmes the service offers and this is the second year that Rahim has undertaken the 132km route to raise both awareness and funds for his students in Clontarf.

Rahim is calling on your generosity and community spirit to get behind him and help purchase the new equipment for the RTU. Whether it be €10 or €100, each donation will go towards a piece of much needed equipment. You can support Rahim by donating at: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/29594_rahim-s-grand-canal walk

Pictured on his 2013 walk, Rahim with friend, co-walker and guide Norman Caprani


7070

CROSSWORD

CrosswordTo be in with a chance of winning one of two €50 ‘One4all’ gift tokens, which can be used in 4,500 outlets nationwide, simply send your completed crossword along with your name and address to: SpokeOut Crossword, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Correct entries will be entered into a draw on Friday, 25th July 2014 and two winners drawn.

No 24 by Gordius

ACROSS1. Such drugs may be provided

by a Barbie Trust, strangely. (12)

7. Cured pig-meat. (3) 9. Shout. (4) 10. Short snooze - for felines? (6)11. Let it stand - used to nullify a

correction. (4) 14. Bar such as a crowbar. (5) 15. Attain. (5) 16. Beach associated with

Venice. (4) 18. Get more credit for a mobile

that may be given to the little dog. (3,2)

21. Deduce. (5)22. Wireless. (5) 23. Yonder. (5) 24. Adam and Eve’s garden

paradise. (4) 25. City in the UAE, site of the

world’s tallest man-made structure. (5)

26. Proverb, wise saying. (5) 29. Kiln. (4) 33. The warmest season. (6) 34. Early morning girl. (4) 36. Drink in the middle of 27

down. (3) 37. Change a spaniel’s toy - with

great fervour. (12)

DOWN1. Farewell to the cricket extra.

(3)2. Regulation. (4)3. Skin irritation. (4)4. Undo a knot. (5)5. Heedful of a conflict to the

east. (5) 6. Fired a gun. (4)8. The monitor leapt about,

relating to the city. (12)9 & 35d. The title of an IWA

strategic plan 2008 - 2011. (4,4,4,3)

12. Lottery. (6)

13. Map part of the Munich Arts Festival. (5)

14. Metric unit of capacity. (5) 17. Owing money. (2,4) 19. Segment. (5) 20. Haughtiness. (5) 27. Percussion instruments. (5) 28. Cajun stew. (5) 30. A vehicle’s oil reservoir. (4) 31. Acreage. (4) 32. Lied about one’s being lazy.

(4) 35. See 9 down.

CROSSWORD WINNERS FOR SPRING 2014E Ryan, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare; M Sharanda, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

1st Prizest Prize€2,000

2nd Prizend Prize€1,500

3rd Prizerd Prize€500

February 2014

Ann McMahon,Co. Kildare

Kinlough Ladies,Co. Leitrim

Joe Kilroy,Co. Donegal

March 2014

Margaret Burke,Co. Kilkenny

Gwen Meehan,Co. Meath

Breda Joy, Co. Offaly

April 2014

John Fitzsimons,Co. Dublin

Rosaleen Heekin,Co. Donegal

John Condren,Co. Wexford

Friends of IWA - Monthly DrawRecent Winners

Friends of IWAM O N T H LY D R A W

1st Prizest Prize€2,000

2nd Prizend Prize€1,500

3rd Prizerd Prize€500

You could be one of three lucky winners scooping up prizes of €2000, €1000 and €500...EVERY MONTH. PLUS, in August on amazing €10,000 is up for grabs!

Go to www.iwa.ie/win for details.

FR0514-1 Friends SpokeOut Half SUM14_Layout 1 29/05/2014 12:50 Page 1


71SPOKEOUT

Adaptation forms available in IrishDear EditorIt may be of interest to your readers to know that forms DD1 and DD3 (for car adaptations to suit accessibility) are now available as Gaeilge from the Revenue Commissioners together with a full service in the first official language.

Perhaps you would be kind enough to bring that to the attention of readers/service users.

Le dea-mhéinBrian Mac a’ Bhaird, Co Monaghan

YOUR VIEWS Got something to say? Write to us at SpokeOut, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3

The views expressed on this page do not necessarily represent the views of IWA

LETTERS

The inspiration of othersDear EditorI want to congratulate and thank you all at IWA for the always inspiring and encouraging articles and messages in SpokeOut.

Most days I shuffle around the house hardly lifting my feet (due to my arthritis) but when I read what others have done and are doing, I feel motivated to try and at least lift my feet when I walk! I guess age is no excuse either!

God bless all those who have taken the bit between their teeth and got on with life in a positive way.

Yours etc, Oonagh Twomey, Dublin

Access in Longford: action neededDear EditorI am a wheelchair user living in Longford town, and for a number of years access issues have been mentioned, yet nothing has been done.

There are problems accessing some, if not most, of the shops and public buildings, a lack of toilets for wheelchair users, and most footpaths are not designed for wheelchair users/prams/buggies/walking aids. People bring up these issues, they are talked about, but after two days they are forgotten or brushed under the carpet. It is a form of discrimination, as if we don’t matter. At the end of the day it is all about money, and all we want is to be able to live independently.

A car driver should not park and block an entrance, laneway, gateway, loading bay – it is deemed law, yet there is nothing done to help the disabled. I took a few photos at the St Patrick’s Day Parade. I saw very little as I was in the Parade, as a member of the Peter Keenan Branch Longford O.N.E., but there was one photo I had to take. It is of a council van parked on Market Square right in front of a wheelchair ramp on the footpath. My grandson had to go further down (beside Shaws) to get me up a ramp.

What is the point in having ramps, if one can’t use them, or if there a special law for able-bodied people (in this case, council staff) to park where they like? These may be simple things to many people, but to us they mean a lot.

Two weeks ago I was at my granddaughter’s confirmation. We booked lunch in town (around 15 family members), but were early so we went to a bar first. I had a cup of tea as I don’t drink. I needed to use the toilet, but could not get in the door, never mind the toilet. So we decided to move on to our lunch venue so I could use the toilet, but it was to no avail, I could not be manoeuvred into the toilet by my son-in-law. We decided to try other places in Dublin Street, but not one had disabled toilets. Staff in Clarke’s pub explained it was an old pub and not adapted for disabled people, but said I could use the women’s toilet as it was bigger and a member of staff could stand guard at the door. So Clarke’s saved the day with their kindness and understanding, and I was able to rejoin family members and enjoy the rest of my granddaughter’s confirmation.

I’m trying to highlight these issues. I sent a message to the local radio station, but no response, and I’ve written to a local councillor to see if he can do something. Like a dog with a bone, I won’t let go.

People might say wheelchair users want a lot. Well, we don’t. We only want to be recognised and treated as human beings and things made a little easier for us to get around.

Yours, etcJoe Donlon, Longford


7272

Small adsIf you have an item for sale or wanted, a holiday contact or a personal advert, please send approx. 25 words to Small ads, SpokeOut, IWA, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Small ads are free-of-charge to members. Adverts for accessible holiday accommodation and services are €20.00 (cheques or postal orders payable to IWA Ltd).

FOR SALECars and accessories

2006 FIAT DOBLO 1.3L DIESELExcellent condition, 55,000 miles. NCT to 2015. Motorised winch to aid loading and unloading of wheelchair user. Asking €5,500. Tel: 087 256 5730 (Kildare)

2008 RENAULT KANGOOImpeccable condition. Two years NCT and one year’s tax. Only 57,000 miles. €8,800 ono. Tel: 086 309 0674 (Dublin)

RICON WHEELCHAIR LIFTPreviously fi tted to VW Shuttle. Great condition. Cost new €5,000, selling for €999 ono. Tel: 087 778 2054 (Waterford)

MILFORD LIFT AND SLINGWas fi tted to Qashqai. Installation instruction disc included. Cost €3,000, sell €1,500. Tel: 085 160 7006 (Longford)

SWIVEL SEATSuit Ford Focus or other. As new. €150. Tel: 053 925 5609 (Wexford)

2008 FORD FOCUS 1.6Silver automatic saloon, petrol transmission. Fitted with swivel front passenger seat and steering wheel knob. 105,000 kilometres. €7,200. Tel: 087 960 5774 (Galway)

Wheelchairs, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

INVACARE POWER CHAIRBattery operated. Nearly new, very good condition. Approx. two years old. Best offer. Tel: 065 908 3919 (Clare)

PHOENIX PLUS WHEELCHAIRBattery operated. In perfect condition, rarely used. €950 ono. Tel: 087 294 8709 (Clare)

INVACARE SPECTRA PLUS WHEELCHAIRGood condition. €395 (proceeds to St Vincent de Paul Killeavy Conference). Tel: 087 633 2748 (Louth)

INVACARE TWISTER POWER WHEELCHAIRDual controls, can be used by either the user or person accompanying user. Excellent condition, rarely used. Open to offers. Tel: 087 282 1324 (Limerick)

THYSSENKRUPP LEVANT STAIRLIFTSuit right-hand straight stairs. €700. Tel: 087 969 3853 (Mayo)

TI LITE ZRA SERIES 2 WHEELCHAIRAs new. 15.5” wide, 18” deep, 19” high (bucket seat). Cost €5,200, sell €3,500 ono. Tel 087 648 8916 (Cork)

WANTEDWheelchair, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

ROTO REST BEDRoto Rest turning bed (also known as Mark IV Keane Roto Rest bed) wanted to nurse a quadriplegic patient. Tel: 087 412 9979

VOLUNTEER APPEALIrish Wheelchair Association is currently seeking volunteers to support the Association with its annual church gate collections. If you are interested in donating your time to assist with a church gate collection taking place in your community please contact Charlene Hurley, IWA Fundraising Department on 087 260 0802 or email: [email protected]

SMALL ADS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN IWAInterested in working with the Irish Wheelchair Association?If so, make sure to regularly visit our website (www.iwa.ie) for the latest vacancies.IWA is an equal opportunities employer.


VISIT US AT THE

Care and Mobility Show

in the RDS, Dublin.

June 13th and 14th!

A4 DUBLIN BUS.indd 1 02/06/2014 15:07

SO MUCH SPACE.

Comfortably seats seven adults plus luggage

2 litre turbo diesel engine 155 PS

Flexibile, versatile, adaptable interior

Dealers nationwide. Find your local dealer at www.ssangyong.ie

*Price ex. VAT ex. VRT: €20,874+ VAT: €4,801

+ VRT: €11,320

Price inc. VAT + VRT= €36,995

€20,874*

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