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SPOKE OUT€4.00 · SPRING 2014

Lifestyle magazine published by the Irish Wheelchair Association

KEEPING IT REALAntrim Rose Jean Daly

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MOTORING57 Choice models Vehicles likely to appeal to

motorists with disabilities

SPORT61 A great game Up and coming table tennis player

Colin Judge

NEWS64 Fundraising news Fundraising news and upcoming

events67 Q Mark awarded to ALS service New accreditation for IWA’s ALS

Service68 Regional news IWA events around the country

REGULARS71 Crossword Crossword No 23 by Gordius71 Letters Letters to the editor72 Small ads Sell on items or pick up a bargain

INTRODUCTION5 Message from the CEO Update from IWA CEO Kathleen

McLoughlin

COVER STORY7 Keeping it real Antrim Rose Jean Daly tells

her story

PRODUCTS12 Maximum independence Get organised and in shape

FEATURE21 The simple things… Donegal member John Mangan

reminisces

ACCESS25 Out for the laugh Student James Cawley’s take on

socialising28 Emergency access Evacuation plans improve access

at TCD

Contents31 Accessible toilets? Yes please! New leafl et uses humour to raise

awareness33 People with disabilities top

housing list Dramatic 200 percent increase on

council housing lists

TRAVEL40 Outdoor adventures Challenging outdoor activities at

the Calvert Trust43 Holidaying at home Accessible holiday accommodation

in Ireland45 Chasing the Northern Lights Kiara Lynch celebrates her 30th in

wintery style

LIVING49 Spring spirit Kevin Dundon shares two of his

favourite recipes54 The humble hedge Planting effective hedging, and

seasonal gardening advice

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Editor’s intro

Our cover this issue features Antrim Rose Jean Daly, who last year became the first

wheelchair user to be selected as a ‘Rose’. On p7, Jean talks about the challenges she’s faced in her own life, how perceptions of people with disabilities are changing, and why she believes realistic role models are needed.

We have personal stories from IWA members of all ages, from 18-year-old Colin Judge (p61), who is starting out on a table tennis career, to 73-year old Letterkenny member John Mangan (p21), whose extraordinary memories include the Coventry Blitz and being painted by Derek Hill.

Access issues feature prominently, from student James Cawley’s views on how access impacts his social life (p25), to a new leaflet campaign (p31) which aims to promote good toilet design and highlight that people with disabilities need “2P2”!

We also bring you travel ideas (including Kiara Lynch’s latest adventure), motor reviews, recipes from Kevin Dundon, plus information on IWA’s new Volunteering Awards and upcoming Annual Conference.

Enjoy!

Joanna Marsden, Editor

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MEET SOME OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS....

Kiara LynchKiara recently celebrated her 30th birthday with a trip to the Northern Lights. She is slowly coming to terms with being “so old”, as her four-year-old niece keeps

reminding her! At the moment, Kiara’s working hard to get through a block of physiotherapy, and – more enjoyably – she’s been spending time cuddling up to her new nephew, as well as helping her Dad make jam before the madness of lambing season arrives.

Tom CaulfieldMotor enthusiast Tom Caulfield from Athlone is undertaking a TEFL course and has just returned from Poland, where he taught his first English language classes.

His trip was a rewarding experience, filled with amazing people, and while there he also got the opportunity to try out a 260BHP Audi S2. The car impressed him with its incredible levels of power and grip, and he hopes to return next winter to test out the vehicle in snow. Meanwhile, he has a trip to the Canary Islands planned for next month.

Rachel CreeveyRegular SpokeOut contributor Rachel Creevey completed her degree in Social Science in UCD last December and is now trying to break into the world

of journalism/disability activism. She likes to keep busy so has also started a Diploma in Event Management by Distance Learning. In her spare time, Rachel likes LEGO, but she has reached the stage where she has created all the sets she likes, so she is now giving knitting a try!

James CawleyJames Cawley is currently a final year Geography and Business undergraduate student at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Study aside, the

Longford man loves to socalise and get involved in both the student and local communities. James is currently exploring employment possibilities, including the idea of getting J1 work experience in America this summer.

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 tape and CD. Please contact Colette Molloy on 01 818 6485 or [email protected]

EDITORJoanna Marsden

EDITORAL ASSISTANCEKiara LynchColette Molloy Anita Matthews

REGIONAL NEWSColette Molloy

DESIGNDiarmuid O’Connor

COVER PHOTODarren Kidd, Press Eye

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: 1393-8517When you have finished withthis magazine please recycle it.

recycle

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Message from the CEOKathleen McLoughlin, CEO of IWA, reflects on the importance of strong governance standards, and invites all members to participate in the forthcoming Annual Conference

INTRODUCTION

Recent controversy in relation to charities has changed the environment in which IWA operates considerably – and for ever, in my view. As an Association, we are happy that over the past

number of years we have done a lot of work to ensure we operate to the highest standards in terms of governance, transparency and accountability. We have also developed quality systems at every level of our operations. This work is now crucial in protecting the good reputation that our staff, volunteers and members have worked so hard to build. We also hope that over time, it will help strengthen our standing as one of the leading organisations in the sector. We particularly welcome the decision of government to appoint a Charity Regulator.

This month, we published ‘Ten Quick Facts about IWA’ (available through all centres), which highlights information about the Association and the principles by which it is run, including how we elect our Board, how we pay staff, how we publish financial information, and where our fundraising income is spent.

Of course one of the fundamental tenets of the Association has always been that it is wholly owned by its

20,000 members – people with disabilities, as well as family members, friends and volunteers. As members you are warmly invited to attend our Annual Conference and AGM, which this year takes place on Saturday 17th May in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo. Being at the AGM will give you an opportunity to vote on key issues like Board membership, and remember that a postal vote system is available to anyone who cannot attend.

Our Annual Conference theme this year is ‘Volunteers – The Priceless Difference’ and the occasion will provide an opportunity to celebrate the role played by volunteers, and to announce the winners of our Volunteer Awards, which this year include new categories designed to reflect the diversity of our volunteers (see p16 for details). I look forward to this event because there is nothing as inspirational as learning about the work carried out by our volunteers, many of whom (like 73-year-old Donegal man John Mangan, whose interview on p21 of this issue I encourage you to read) have modestly and quietly devoted a large portion of their lives to helping people with disabilities in their local communities.

Follow the three steps below...Request a Registration Form in writing by Wednesday 16th April 2014 from the CompanySecretary, I.W.A. Limited, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3 or by calling Tel: 01 818 6470

Complete the form and return it to the Company Secretary by 5.00pm Wednesday 30th April, 2014

Upon approval by the Company Secretary, you willreceive a voting paper. This voting paper, to beeffective, must be returned to the Company Secretarynot later than 5.00pm on Wednesday 14th May, 2014

REGISTER FOR YOUR POSTAL VOTE

Annual General Meeting of I.W.A. Limited 2014Saturday 17th May 2014 | The Radisson Blu, Hotel & Spa, Co. Sligo.

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AGM2014

Memorandum and Articles of Association of I.W.A. Limited

Article 35: A member with limited mobility is entitled to a postal vote for general

meetings of the Company.

Article 36: Members may register for the postal vote at any time of the year.

When the registration is approved by the Company Secretary a

member may vote by post (but not in person) at all general and

extraordinary general meetings of the company for a period of twelve

months. The minimum time for registration is sixteen (16) days prior

to the meeting at which the member intends to use the postal vote.

The ballot paper must be received by the Company Secretary two (2)

full days before the relevant meeting.

Article 37: When such a member receives a ballot paper they will also receive a

declaration of identity form. This form must be signed by the member

and witnessed by a person who is known to them. The witness should

not be aware of how the member has voted.

Volunteers The Priceless Difference

ADM1213-P2 Spokeout AGM 2014 Postal Vote_Layout 1 04/03/2014 10:32 Page 1


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COVER STORY

Jean at Titanic in Belfast

Keeping it real

In May 2013 Jean Daly was proud to become the first wheelchair user to be

crowned a ‘Rose’. The Antrim Rose talks to Joanna Marsden about being a Rose, the challenges she has faced in the ten

years since her accident, and why she believes people with disabilities need

realistic role models

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Jean’s parents encouraged her to go straight back into sixth year and finish her Leaving Certificate. “It was a hard time, getting back to a daily routine and dealing with all the access issues, as well as getting used to how other people viewed me now I was in a chair. My whole identity had been so caught up with horses, and while I wasn’t ready to let that go altogether, I started to ask myself the question, what am I going to do after my Leaving Certificate?”

Lacking direction, Jean wondered whether she should take a year out. “Fortunately I got a call from John Bennett in UCD disability services and he encouraged me to come to UCD straightaway. ‘I’ll sort you out and you’ll have a ball,’ he said. It was the best advice I ever got.”

That September, Jean remembers packing everything into her Micra and driving from Cork to UCD to start her degree in Psychology. “I had accommodation on campus so there was a brilliant sense of freedom, but it was hard because I had to start from scratch when it came to making friends. In Cork I’d been surrounded by people who had known me before my accident; now I was meeting people whose first impression of me was as a ‘disabled person’. And because I had to sit on the balcony at the back of the lecture theatre, it was hard to mingle at the beginning.”

A turning point came at UCD’s Disability Awareness Week. “They had wheelchair basketball going on and I ended up meeting Mark Barry from IWA Sports. Through

I was very proud to be chosen as the Antrim Rose because I knew it was not tokenism,” says Jean Daly. “I believe I was selected on other grounds, and that’s how it should be. I think it’s important for people with

disabilities to step forward and participate in all aspects of mainstream society, including cultural events like the Rose of Tralee, and to set an example to younger people coming up behind us.”

Jean adds, “Being the Antrim Rose over the past year has been a great honour, but often I find myself emphasising to people that although I have a great life, both personally and professionally, I am very ordinary. There is certainly nothing heroic about what I have achieved. The things I enjoy, like travelling, doing voluntary work with local schools, or just spending time at home with my partner Stafford – these are all day-to-day things of a type that everybody with a disability can realistically aspire to.”

Jean believes The Paralympics were massively significant in showcasing the ability of people with disabilities, but sometimes worries that society has ended up with “two extremes” in terms of how people with disabilities are viewed. “Either we are seen as victims and charity cases or we are superhuman! For most of us, the truth lies somewhere in between. I’m not a hero but I don’t need to be pitied either. I think it’s important to focus on developing awareness of that middle ground, and that’s something I’ve tried to highlight through my role as Antrim Rose.”

Jean, who is originally from Carrigaline in Co Cork, has been a wheelchair user since 2004 when she was injured (aged 17) in a riding accident at a horse show in Co Down. She says that from the early days of her recovery until today, it has always been a case of “focusing on what I can do rather than what I can’t and moving forwards, step by step”.

“I was lucky that I never had a moment when I felt my world was ending. I remember being told three days after my accident that I was permanently paralysed (apparently I had been told before, but I don’t remember that – perhaps I wasn’t ready to hear it). It may sound strange but I turned to my friend, Sue, and started talking about dressage. Up until then my life had revolved around horses and my only thought was how to get back to my old life.”

It took Jean only two and half months to be discharged from the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH). “I was one of the quickest patients to move through that whole process at that time. I seemed to adapt quite well, and because it was so fast, I managed to hold on to some of the fitness and strength I had built up before my accident.”

When Jean arrived back at her family home in Cork, her parents had done everything possible to help her adjust to daily life. “My dad had a car waiting for me so I could learn to drive, and a lesson booked every day, and my mum had arranged for me to go to riding for the disabled in Cork. It was hugely important for me to have horses back in my life, and I was happy to spend my weekends mucking out stables and helping out in any way I could.”

“

Jean in the Titanic Quarter in the heart of Belfast’s historic waterfront


9SPOKEOUT

Mark I started playing tennis and basketball, and I got involved in setting up the UCD mixed basketball team. I was still doing my horsey things at weekends and in holidays, but I started to realise there were other sports apart from riding!”

Jean was soon involved in both mainstream and wheelchair basketball and tennis clubs, and started travelling to tournaments abroad. “Up until then, I hadn’t known any other people with disabilities, but sport turned out not only to be a huge fitness thing, but a way of meeting others in similar situations, who taught me valuable lessons about how to adapt to my disability and build a healthy lifestyle.”

After completing her BA, Jean enrolled in a part-time Masters programme in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, and also accepted a position as a Sports Development Officer with IWA Sport in Munster. “When I first had my accident, there wasn’t much sport going on for disabled people in Cork, so it was a good opportunity to go back and change that.”

Jean was involved in setting up a basketball and rugby club, as well as the ‘Rebel Wheelers’ under 18s sports club – all of which are still going strong. “I’m particularly proud of the Rebel Wheelers. That started out with some parents ringing me because they were keen to get their kids playing sport, and I just said, ‘Bring the kids down and I’ll do my best!’ I ended up in a sports hall with a 3-year-old, a 7-year-old and a 14-year-old, and I had to ask myself, what

do I do now? But the club grew quickly and the kids and parents turned out to be absolutely brilliant, and those kids have gone on to lead the way in inclusive sports in their local areas.”

It was around this time that Jean met her boyfriend Stafford Lynn, who also has a spinal injury and is a champion tennis player. “Stafford is based in Antrim so between my work, my masters in UCD and going to see him, I found myself doing 1,000 km a week. I was travelling day and night and it just wasn’t a productive use of my time, so I decided to make the move to the North.”

Jean wasn’t prepared for how challenging it would be to find a job in the North. “The recession had just kicked in. I sent out hundreds of applications and heard nothing back. What was particularly tough was getting rejected for voluntary positions. I just didn’t understand.”

In the end Jean decided to do a second Masters at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown.” When you are in a situation where you can’t get work, there’s no point waiting around. You have to keep pushing yourself to find good uses of your time, to build up your skills and hope that it will pay off in the long run.”

While she was doing her Masters, Jean eventually obtained a number of voluntary placements. “I became volunteer researcher for the NI Association for Mental Health, a volunteer on Childline and a teaching assistant for the Cedar Foundation, who provide services for people with disabilities.

COVER STORY

Jean near her home in Antrim

“Either we are seen as victims and charity cases or we are superhuman!

For most of us, the truth lies somewhere in between. I’m not a hero but I don’t need to be

pitied either.”


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Jean’s education and voluntary commitments paid off when in 2012 she successfully applied for a part-time job as a researcher in the Cedar Foundation on a new project. “It’s an EU-funded project called ‘BackHome’, and it’s about developing brain computer interfaces (BCIs) that are easy to use within a person’s own home.” Jean explains that BCIs are computer systems operated solely by brainwaves without the need for any muscle activity (users sit in front of a computer, wearing a cap which contains electrodes). “In Cedar, we are currently evaluating the system and will soon start testing the final prototype in people’s homes. The idea is that users will be able to do everything from going on facebook or twitter to using environmental controls. It can also support therapeutic situations where a person needs to communicate regularly with a health professional, and should ease the transition from hospital to home.”

While current trials within Cedar are specifically focused on making the system more user-friendly for users with acquired brain injury, Jean is excited about the potential of this type of technology to improve life for people with all types of disability. “It’s a really cool area to work in. I get to do lots of travelling to our project partners across Europe and I can see we are close to a point where this kind of communication technology will be widely available and will completely change the way someone with say locked-in syndrome, interacts with the world.”

Jean points out the tendency for new technology to start out as niche and expensive, but rapidly become mainstream and more affordable. “For example, the gaming

Jean proudly wears her Antrim Rose sash

On their road trip to the Rose of Tralee Festival, Jean and Stafford in their PT Cruiser convertible in front of the Falls Hotel and Spa in Ennistymon, Co Clare


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industry has driven the development of BCI technology because they see the potential application for their industry, so that will help make it mainstream.”

Jean adds, “If you were to identify a single factor that has helped transform life for disabled people in recent decades, it would probably be sport. But looking forward, I think technology will be the ‘enabler’ that allows us to take the next step.”

Jean juggles her work on the BackHome project with various voluntary projects, as well as part-time lecturing at UCD and the University of Ulster, and she is also on the board of the Dublin-based charity Kanchi, which works to promote the value of disabled people as employees, consumers, and members of society. “After experiencing first-hand how challenging it can be to find work, this issue is close to my heart.”

As Antrim Rose, Jean was invited to open the inaugural spinal games in the NRH last summer, and more recently, she and Stafford organised a fundraising ball for the Cedar Foundation. She also organised the ‘Breakdown Barriers Project’, a schools disability awareness programme. “I visited schools and asked children to write a poem or a short story, or paint a picture, about how they visualised an inclusive future. The imaginative way the children approached the project was very inspiring and I ended up partnering with ASDA to exhibit the works in three supermarkets in December.”

She says being a Rose has been “like being part of a big family for a year”. “Although I didn’t get selected for the festival in Tralee, I was still excited to attend the main event in August and support the other girls I’d met along the way. Stafford and I turned our road trip from Antrim to Tralee into a bit of an adventure by getting this really cool PT Cruiser convertible, and because I’m an ‘ambassador’ for RGK Wheelchairs, I also got a great new wheelchair to road test.”

Jean says this was an example of the way she likes “to make little projects of everything, and to use every opportunity to its maximum potential. It’s good to have a goal and a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. I think it helps create good mental health.”

On the way to Tralee, Jean and Stafford stayed in six hotels over seven nights, stopping off in Bundoran, Westport, Galway, Enistymon and Killarney. “It turned out to be the best trip ever. It was raining that first day, but as we crossed the border into Donegal, the sun suddenly came out and I’ll never forget the incredible feeling as we let the roof down.”

Jean blogged every night of the road trip. “I wanted to report on access for tourists who might want to follow in our footsteps, and also to show what you can do if you are enthusiastic about life. Sometimes people see photos of us travelling and they think we have an amazing life, but everyone with a disability can be doing what we’re doing. Going on holidays and getting the most out of life should be the norm.”

Of course Jean and Stafford face the same practical challenges as other wheelchair users when they travel. “There is the ongoing issue of tracking down access information, such as where to find an accessible bathroom, and on the Tralee trip we had a bit of a drama when Stafford got a puncture in his cushion – but we were able to solve this along the way. The important thing is not to let these practicalities and ‘what if’s’ put you off.”

Jean recently gave a ‘motivational talk’, which she called ‘How to eat an elephant’. “Basically the concept was that sometimes in life you have this huge task in front of you (the elephant). This can feel overwhelming and you just don’t know how to get through it all. But if you take little bites, dealing with one small piece at a time, you will slowly chip away at the big ‘animal’ in front of you. It’s all about setting yourself little goals along the way. For example, after my accident, the first major task I faced was returning home, but to do this I had to first learn to get dressed, to get in and out of my chair and to move around again. I’ve got to grips with lots of ‘elephants’ over the past ten years and I believe it’s important to celebrate each victory. My advice is every time you achieve a goal, no matter how big or small, allow yourself to enjoy the feeling of success before you move on to the next thing.”

Jean adds, “I’m not saying coming to terms with my accident wasn’t hard, but sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if it hadn’t happened. I’d probably be a professional eventer, still absorbed in the world of horses! But do you know what, my life has ended up being so much more diverse in terms of the people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had – in many ways it has just been much better and I certainly wouldn’t want to change it!”

Jean and Stafford at the fundraising ball they organised for the Cedar Foundation in February

COVER STORY


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Maximum independenceThese clever products, chosen by Kiara Lynch, will help you get organised and in shape this spring, ensuring you stay as independent as possible in the year ahead

DYNA-GEL THERAPY BALLThese therapy balls are colour coded to provide variable resistance training for hands, fingers and forearms. The balls are pleasant to touch and return back to their original shape after each squeeze.Available at €3.99 excl. p&p from the Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie

ACTIV CYCLE ACTIVE/PASSIVE PEDAL EXERCISERWith the Activ Cycle Active/Passive Pedal Exerciser you can exercise while you are sitting. It can be positioned on the floor for lower extremity exercise or on a table top for upper extremity exercise. The cycle can be used in active or passive mode. In passive mode, the motor will turn the pedals, giving the benefit of exercise to the muscle; in active mode with the motor switched off, the Activ Cycle provides resistance for a more challenging workout. The Activ Cycle is supplied assembled and ready to use. The motor is quiet, and a non-slip mat is provided to avoid slipping on very smooth surfaces.Available at €244.99 with free p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696. Web: www.murrays.ie

INVACARE LEO MOBILITY SCOOTER The Invacare Leo is a 4-wheel scooter which aims to give users the freedom and confidence to enjoy their essential daily outings and leisure excursions. With exactingly high standards of design and safety engineering, the Leo is safe, solid and secure.The Leo is currently on special offer at a price of €1,495 (RRP €1,995) from the Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453 Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie

ROLYAN ENERGISING EXERCISE BANDRolyan Energising Exercise Bands are progressive

resistive bands that improve strength, range of motion and co-ordination. They are useful for home

or clinic use, are supplied in a 5.5 metre roll and are available in five

colour-coded resistance levels. Available at €11.50

excl. p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696.

Web: www.murrays.ie


13SPOKEOUT

PRODUCTS

TALKING WATCH WITH BRACELET STRAPThis Talking Watch speaks the time and date in a clear voice with radio controlled accuracy. It automatically adjusts between summer and winter time and has an automatic setting function by seeking the time signal in countries where available including UK, Germany, USA and Japan. It can also be manually set for countries with no signal. It also includes an option of an alarm and hourly time announcement.Available at €118.32 with free p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696. Web: www.murrays.ie

SOESI ELASTIC LACES These Soesi Elastic Laces look like normal shoe laces with crimped ends, but are elasticated and effectively convert lace-up shoes into slip-on shoes, for those who have trouble reaching or tying shoe laces. They are available in black or brown. Available from €6.06 excl. p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696. Web: www.murrays.ie

NSC CLASSIC POWERBALL HAND EXERCISERRecommended by chiropractors and physiotherapists, the

NSC Classic Power Ball Hand Exerciser is a product that takes your wrist through the actual ranges of its motion

while simultaneously adding resistance. It gently stresses damaged areas in a perfectly smooth and balanced

manner which cannot be replicated by traditional exercise routines or therapy. It works every muscle in the forearm

in every direction, and the smooth rolling motion also improves flexibility and blood flow in the wrist but with zero

impact on the joints. Available at €32.13 excl. p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696. Web: www.murrays.ie

PEDAL EXERCISERThis manual Pedal Exerciser helps restore muscle strength, circulation and coordination to the lower and upper extremities. It has non-slip feet, an adjustable resistance knob, a durable steel frame, chrome finish, non-slip tips, and is lightweight for easy portability. It’s simple to setup, can be used while sitting, and can be used for upper and lower body exercise – just “pedal” with your hands and feet. Available at €36.99 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie


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PRODUCTS

DRESSING STICKThis wooden Dressing Stick has a rubber tip at one end, and special double wire hook at the other. It is used to pull on or push off garments that cannot be reached easily e.g. socks. Available at €14.55 excl. p&p from Murray’s Medical. Tel: 01 855 5696. Web: www.murrays.ie

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

PEDAL EXERCISER 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 store in Clontarf and online shop www.wheelchairsolutions.ie. IWA Wheelchair Solutions has kindly given us a Pedal Exerciser to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, send your name, address and contact number to: Exerciser Give-Away, SpokeOut, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf. All entries will be entered in to a draw that will take place on Friday 2nd May.

WHEELS ON FIRE SPOKE REFLECTORS WINNERThe winner of our Winter issue give-away for a set of Wheels on Fire spoke refl ectors is: Mick McCarthy, Kerrypike, Co Cork.

WHEELS ON FIRE SPOKE REFLECTORS WINNERThe winner of our Winter issue give-away for a set of Wheels on Fire spoke refl ectors is: Mick McCarthy, Kerrypike, Co Cork.

HANDYBARThe Handybar has a soft grip and non-slip handle for extra comfort and a super-strong forged steel shaft, creating a solid support handle where it is needed. The Handybar fi ts the majority of vehicles with the “U” shaped striker. The Handybar also incorporates a seat-belt cutter and glass-breaker to help you leave a vehicle quickly and easily in the event of an accident. Available at €31 excl. p&p from the Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop. Tel: 01 818 6453. Web: www.wheelchairsolutions.ie


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PAGE 15.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:07

Volunteer Awards

IRIS

H W

HEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION

2014

Volunteer Awards 2014

Following�on�from�the�success�of�the�Volunteer�of�the�Year�Award�in�2013,�IWA�is�delighted�to�announce�that�theaward�programme�has�been�developed�and�extended�in�2014�to�include�a�number�of�new�categories�as�outlinedbelow.�At�this�year’s�AGM�and�Conference�Volunteers - The Priceless Difference,�IWA�will�celebrate�the�diversityand�dedication�of�volunteers�that�continue�to�support�the�work�of�the�Association.�IWA�is�now�calling�fornominations�in�the�following�five�categories:

Please�complete�the�nomination�form�available�in�the�Spring�edition�of�SpokeOut�or�nominate�online�by�visiting�www.iwa.ie/awards.��Further�information,�terms�and�conditions�are�also�available�online.�Closing�date�for�nominations�is�5pm,�Thursday�17th�April,�2014

Nominations can be submitted by IWA members, service users, staff, volunteers, friends and family members

ABOUT THE AWARDS:Award presentations will be made at the IWA AGM & Conference which will be held in the Radisson Blu,Sligo on Saturday 17th May 2014. Category winners will be informed in advance and the overall IWAVolunteer of the Year will be announced on the day.

1 IWA BRANCH of the YearThe�Association�has�32�volunteer�branches�nationwide�which�make�a�significant�contribution�to�local�IWA�Members�and�Services.�

2 IWA SERVICE Volunteer of the YearThe�majority�of�IWA�volunteers�work�alongside�a�particular�service�such�as�the�Resource�and�Outreach�Service,Holiday�Services�or�Motoring�Services,�Administration�and�Fundraising�etc.�

3 IWA YOUNG Volunteer of the YearIWA�is�supported�by�young�people�from�local�communities�throughout�Ireland.�IWA�wishes�to�acknowledge�thecontribution�of�young�people,�aged�18�-30�and�their�role�in�the�Association.�

4 IWA STAFF Volunteer of the YearIWA�has�2,300�staff�members�throughout�Ireland�who�on�a�regular�basis�volunteer�their�own�free�time�to�supportevents,�trips�or�programmes.�

5 IWA CORPORATE Volunteer of the YearIWA�is�supported�locally�and�nationally�by�organisations�and�businesses�of�all�sizes�that�volunteer�their�staff,�timeor�benefit�in�kind.�(Please�note�this�is�not�an�award�for�financial�donations).�

IWA Volunteer of the Year 2014The�judging�panel�will�select�the�overall�IWA�Volunteer�of�the�Year�from�categories�2�–�4�above.

VOL0114-1 Spokeout Volunteer Nom-Form-FINAL_Layout 1 25/02/2014 15:22 Page 1

Volunteer Awards

IRIS

H W

HEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION

2014

4....................................................................................................................................................................................

Full�Name

4......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your�Address

You�are�a:�(please�tick)

4....................................................................................................................................................................................

Your�Telephone�Number

4....................................................................................................................................................................................

Email�Address

YOUR DETAILS

Member

4......................................................................................................................

Your relationship to nominee

Which�of�the�following�award�categories�are�younominating�this�person�/�branch�/�business�for:�

Category

Service User

Volunteer Friend

Staff Member

Family Member

Name�of�person/branch/business�you�are�nominating

Please�detail�the�frequency�of�their�volunteering�(If the nominee volunteered with the Association on a once-off occasion for an event or campaign please specify)

Their�postal�address

4....................................................................................................................................................................................

Their�contact�number

4....................................................................................................................................................................................

How�long�is�this�nominee�volunteering�with�IWA?

Details of the person, branch or business you are nominating

(please tick one only)

Where�does�this�nominee�volunteer�with�IWA?

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Name�of�contact�person�for�branch/business

4..................................................................................................................................................................................

IWA - Branch of the Year

IWA - Service Volunteer of the Yearie.�ROCs,�ALS,�Holiday�Services,�Administration�etc

IWA - Young Volunteer of the Year (18-30�years�of�age)

IWA - Staff Volunteer of the Year

IWA - Corporate Volunteer of the Year

Note:�Frequently�asked�questions�(FAQs)�&�Terms�and�Conditions�are�available�atwww.iwa.ie/awards

!


Please�provide�a�detailed�description�of�the�voluntary�work�undertaken�by�this�nominee:Maximum of 100 words (use extra paper and attach as necessary).

Please�detail�the�benefits�of�this�voluntary�work�to�IWA�and�its�members:Maximum of 100 words. (use extra paper and attach as necessary)

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Why�should�this�nominee�receive�an�award�for�their�voluntary�work�with�IWA?�Maximum of 100 words (use extra paper and attach as necessary).

This�Nomination�Form�can�be�completed�online�at�www.iwa.ie/awards

Jack Doyle, IWA�Volunteer�Coordinator,�Teach�Fáilte,��Kilkenny�Road,�Carlow.Email: [email protected]�Tel: 087�055�6965

OR�PLEASE�RETuRN�THIS�NOMINATION�FORM�ONCE�COMPLETEd�TO:

Closing date for nominations is

5pm, Thursday 17th April, 2014

!


Let us help with your mobility needs!A DIVISION OF IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION

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O.C Mobililty REDESIGN 14.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:08

SPOKEOUT

The simple things…As a child 73-year-old John Mangan survived the Coventry Blitz, polio and tuberculosis. He tells Joanna Marsden how his traumatic childhood taught him there was no point in worrying about illness or disability – instead the only thing to do was get out and live!

21

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 parents had built was shattered in 1940 when they lost their home in the Coventry Blitz. “They had no choice but to return to my mother’s family home in Corderry, Churchill, Co Donegal. I was left at home with my granny while my parents travelled all over the place looking for work. My mother eventually got a job as a housekeeper in Derry and my father worked as a bricklayer wherever he could.”

At the age of seven, in Oct 1947, John was still living with his grandmother when he contracted polio during an epidemic. “I remember having a sore head and not going

to school one Friday. I went to bed and when I awoke my left side was paralysed.

“There was no medicine for anything in those days,” John says. “The doctor just looked at me and sent me to the fever hospital in Letterkenny, where I stayed for a year. Everyone around me had polio and the weaker ones simply died. I was the only one on my ward to survive.”

John was eventually sent home, but just a month or two later, he came down with a severe bout of pneumonia and was rushed back to hospital. “It was very frightening because I remember them telling me I was going to die.” But John survived that episode, as well as a burst appendix the following year. “With all the hospitals and ill health, it felt like I had no time to myself – no time to do all the things that ordinary children do, like exploring and

FEATURE

John at home in March 2014

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22

playing. And it was hard on my parents too – I think they blamed themselves for not being around to look after me, but of course they were only doing what they had to do to survive.”

Life for John continued to be hard throughout his teens, as he underwent several operations and spent lengthy periods in orthopaedic hospitals. “The hospitals were awful places – children like me were treated terribly and there was very little to eat.”

When he returned to Churchill, he could only walk short distances with crutches and was largely housebound until “a kind neighbour devised a homemade three-wheel wheelchair, improvised from bits and pieces he’d found.”

The wheelchair helped John to get around more easily. “It was unusual to see anyone out and about in a wheelchair in those days, but the locals got used to me. The artist Derek Hill was a neighbour and a family friend and in 1961 he asked if he could paint me in that old-fashioned wheelchair, sitting in the field behind our house. You can see my dog Jack beside me and the hills and fields of Churchill behind me.” (This painting is now in the collection of the Hugh Lane Gallery).

John lived with chronic pain in his back and knees (“I couldn’t sleep properly because of it”) and he was eventually given an appointment with a new surgeon at Merlin Park Hospital. “This surgeon was Indian and he

was a kind man. He said he would operate on me, in an attempt to relieve my pain, but he warned me that I could end up losing my capacity to walk with crutches. I decided it was worth the risk – after all I could only walk a few metres so the prospect of ending up in a wheelchair permanently didn’t seem catastrophic.”

John was admitted to Merlin Park Hospital for the operation and he says he still remembers what great people they were there. “It was a turning point in my life. Yes, afterwards I was in a wheelchair permanently, but I never had pain again. When I spoke to the surgeon afterwards, he said, ‘Now let’s focus on getting you the best, most modern wheelchair’.”

John adds, “I won’t say it was easy, realising when I was still a teenager that my whole life was going to be lived as a wheelchair user – I remember feeling terribly different and self-conscious at the beginning, like everyone was looking at me. But I got on with it. I mean I had two choices: stay home and feel sorry for myself, or go out and live, so I went out.”

Then, in 1963, John got sick again. “They discovered I had TB on my left lung. I was in hospital for three months before I was transferred to a TB sanatorium in Killybegs. I was very weak for 14 months, but eventually I was pronounced ‘cured’ in 1964.” However the doctor in charge at Killybegs was reluctant to send John home.

Derek Hill’s 1961 painting of John at home in Churchill. John sat for the painting for two hours a day for a full week, and remembers feeling very tired. “I didn’t realise that I already had the first symptoms of TB.” Collection: Dublin City Gallery (The Hugh Lane). Kindly reproduced with permission of the Derek Hill Foundation


23SPOKEOUT

FEATURE

“He said there was no point going back to the same old routine. He’d heard about the new rehabilitation services at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) and he said he wanted to get me there so I could ‘learn to help myself’.”

John spent the following 18 months at the NRH and it changed his life. “It was the early days of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and I got involved in the fundraising pools and all the socialising. But most importantly I learnt to look after myself – basic things like washing, cooking and sewing. IWA’s Paddy Saunders even taught me how to drive an adapted car. I was inspired by the example of people around me, like IWA founder members Jack Kerrigan and Fr Leo Close, because I could see they were getting on with their lives.”

After his spell in the NRH, John returned to Churchill, Letterkenny, and in the late ‘60s he met a local girl called Betty, whom he married in 1971. “Betty never saw disability as an issue – she just saw me as a person, and that was very significant for me.” He and Betty had three kids: Gary, Jacqueline and Rosemarie. “I’ve had a very normal life as an adult, not much different to anyone else. It took a long time for me to accept myself, but I got there in the end.”

Sadly Betty passed away in August 2012, after suffering from cancer. “I miss her terribly,” says John. “I’m lucky that I still have a lovely home and a great family, but it is very hard to lose one’s partner in life.”

John finds it helpful to keep busy through his fundraising work. “When I was younger, finding paid employment was near impossible (employers used to tell me they couldn’t hire me because I was an insurance risk), so instead I’ve always put my energies into my voluntary work for IWA – organising dances, selling scratch cards or, more recently, tickets for the IWA Car Draw. It’s something I’ve done every week since my early days in the NRH, and I hope to continue indefinitely.”

He says, “I’m grateful that I still have great power in my arms, and I can comfortably drive myself around the place. It’s great to be able to get out and meet people, while at the same time doing something that helps others.

Everybody in the area knows me through my fundraising and I have the run of my local supermarket!”

A doctor once commented on John’s positive attitude to life. “He said I had a great mind set and never seemed to worry – and it’s true. After being so sick as a child, and seeing death around me every day, I realised there was no point worrying. What’s the point of dwelling on illness and death? What will be will be. I learnt acceptance at a young age, and I also learnt there is no point looking to blame anyone for the things that happen to you in life, because it doesn’t get you anywhere.”

John adds, “Being aware of suffering and illness has always just made me want to live more, and to enjoy every day. I’ve had over 50 good years in a wheelchair. While I feel for younger people who might be coming to terms with life in a wheelchair, I’d like to tell them it’s not the end of the world if you adopt the right frame of mind and get on with life. Often the best approach is to focus on the simple things – for me that might be a local Gaelic match or a trip to Croke Park, or just a pint and a nice chat with another human being.”

John and Betty on their wedding day in 1971 John and Betty with their three children, Rosemarie, Gary and Jacqueline, taken a few years ago

John outside his home in Churchill


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A4 FREEDOM MOBILITY.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:09

SPOKEOUT

ACCESS

OUT FOR THE LAUGH

Being a social animal (and sometimes a party animal) is surprisingly hard work when so many pubs and clubs fail to provide proper wheelchair access, writes James Cawley from Longford

25

I was born with a physical disability called Arthrogryposis which affects my upper and lower limbs and spinal cord, confi ning me to a wheelchair. Disability is not something that tends to set me back; if anything it

drives me to focus on my ability. Growing up in a busy rural household with my parents and eight other siblings, of which I’m the youngest, has defi nitely shaped me into the person I am today. They have always supported and encouraged me to reach for my dreams and goals in life.

Currently, I am in my fi nal year of a Bachelors of Arts degree in Business and Geography at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. University was a big “roll”

forward for me in life as it marked the start of a new journey into the big bad world. At fi rst it was a daunting experience as I was leaving the family home for the time and had to adapt to new surroundings, make new friends and live independently, but overall the past three years of university have been wonderful. NUI Maynooth is very accessible and socially a great university to integrate or “fi t into”. There is a great close knit community of students and the vast majority of clubs and societies are open for everyone to get involved in. Socially, my life is as it is for any 20-year-old social animal – mad, hectic and generally just out for the laugh!

“Going out should be a relaxing activity with little planning or

thought involved”

James in the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse

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However, a recurring problem that I’m sure every wheelchair user faces in social settings is the lack of fully accessible buildings. Going out should be a relaxing activity with little planning or thought involved, but for many wheelchair users it’s very hard to find a pub, and even harder to find a club, that is fully accessible. While many pubs and clubs claim they are “accessible” a lot of them are not. It’s all good and well saying they are wheelchair accessible by displaying an access symbol, but on a practical level they have bathrooms where you’d have to be Spiderman to get in and out. In one pub recently, I drove through the door of the supposedly wheelchair accessible bathroom only to find that once in, I could not turn left or right and therefore could not close the door behind me. To make matters more comical, a sign on the window read, “This toilet is for disabled persons only. Please contact a member of staff for the key.”

Not being able to use toilet facilities is a fundamental problem – enough to ruin any night out. But that’s not the full extent of the challenges wheelchair users like me face in a vast majority of social settings. Other common problems include steps and out of order lifts. These barriers to socialising are problems we as a society need to challenge and change, and to do my bit to highlight this, I will be conducting my final year undergraduate thesis on ‘Geographies of Disability’ – which basically means examining access in the built environment and trying to understand who allows and regulates (or fails to regulate) these “accessible”, or in most cases, “not so accessible” facilities.

By national standards, my home town of Longford seems worse than average in terms of accessibility, with the exception of a couple of pubs that are leading the way (see my ‘top five accessible places to socialise’). Admittedly lots of the buildings in Longford town are quite old, but even in the modern student part of Maynooth, where I live in term time and enjoy largely accessible educational facilities, accommodation and streetscapes, there is only one fully accessible nightclub. Surely having fun and socialising is an important part of life too, and shouldn’t be overlooked? It would be great to see an improvement in access to pubs and clubs across the country, but meanwhile I’m determined that these inaccessible venues won’t hinder my social life!

James’ top five accessible places to socialiseFortunately there are some venues that have done the work and deserve our business. Here are five of my favourites:l Mantra – Located in the middle of Maynooth, Co Kildare,

Mantra nightclub is fully wheelchair accessible with an elevator to the back of the building which allows you to enter the club. The club itself inside is fully on the flat including the main dance floor. The club has very obliging staff and an accessible bathroom.

l The O2 Arena – The 02 in North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, has an inviting atmosphere with excellent big elevators near to all allocated seating areas and close to facilities including the accessible toilets and the bar.

l Guinness Storehouse – The Guinness Storehouse bar in St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, which includes the

James chatting with friends in the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse


27SPOKEOUT

ACCESS

spectacular rooftop Gravity Bar, has a separate wheelchair accessible entrance, staff that are happy to assist, and great accessible elevators and bathrooms.

l MB Coys, Co Longford – Situated in the heart of the midlands, this spacious pub has numerous low tables which suit wheelchair users and a wheelchair accessible bathroom to the rear of the building.

l Kelleher’s bar and bistro – Situated on Longford Main Street, the first floor premises has an elevator which allows people of all abilities to comfortably access the bar and bistro.

While these venues suit James’ requirements, individual needs vary, so it is always advisable to contact a venue directly to discuss your specific access queries.

Blogger commentJames Cawley is not the only reader who wants to highlight which venues are getting it right when comes to access. Dubliner Dee Hoey recently contacted us to ask us to let other readers know about her new blog: wheeloutandabout.wordpress.com

Dee lives in Bohernabreena, near Tallaght, and has been a wheelchair user since 2005, following an operation for a brain tumour. Dee says that as a young person, she loves to get out as often as possible – “sometimes with my husband Gary, and sometimes with friends”– but since becoming a wheelchair user, she has found it very difficult to find accessible venues.

“I decided to start this blog because I wanted to share my own experiences to help others in similar situations, and take some of the hassle out of deciding where to go when they are out and about.” The blog includes brief access reviews of many restaurants, pubs, hotels, and shopping venues. Dee adds, “The blog has had well over 500 visits already. It is aimed at wheelchair users, but can be useful to people with buggies, walking frame users, people on crutches, or anyone generally less-able on their feet!”

Dee’s blog identifies lots of venues with reasonable access, but she says, “There are a couple of venues that really stand out. Lemongrass, Citywest, Dublin 24, is a really hassle-free restaurant – with parking, toilets and tables that are all easily accessible. And when it comes to shopping, IKEA in Ballymun has really got it right – everything from parking and toilets to staff awareness, and of course when you’ve finished shopping you can enjoy the restaurant!”

Dee also praises the Shopmobility service available in some shopping centres. “Shopmobility is located in most larger shopping centres. They hire out wheelchairs and mobility scooters, which is very handy.”

Blog: wheeloutandabout.wordpress.com Facebook: Wheelout

Of course, readers should bear in mind that Dee’s reviews reflect her opinions, and do not constitute an impartial access audit, so the usual disclaimers apply and it’s always wise to ring a venue first and run through your individual access requirements!

Dee Hoey


BANNER

28

Trinity’s website and the staff at the disability service convinced me that the campus could be relatively accessible,” says mature student Bernard Healy. Bernard is in his second year of a four-year

course in Irish Studies. Bernard uses a wheelchair full-time following a spinal injury that he acquired playing rugby in 1980. When he retired from his job in a bank four years ago for medical reasons, Bernard applied for his course through the CAO. He knew he wanted to do Irish Studies because he loves history and culture. He was less sure about which campus would be best and says that he chose Trinity ‘because if its history and its central location. I use the train mostly and that was part of the reason. I commute from Skerries to Pearse Station.”

Currently, out of 18,000 students attending Trinity College, there are ten who use wheelchairs or scooters. According to Disability Officer Declan Reilly, “Students with physical and sensory disabilities are underrepresented in higher education. The College Disability Service is working to change that.”

Declan distinguishes between “accessibility and usability” and argues that while getting into a building is

one thing, “unless a student can get out of a building in an emergency, then it is not truly accessible at all”. For example, if the building has no fire-safe lift, then everyone who is able-bodied can get out but the wheelchair user could be stranded.

The new Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) currently in operation at Trinity came on the radar when the Disability Officers at Trinity attended a conference called ‘Safe Evacuation for All’ held in the Crown Plaza in Santry in 2009. It was organised by the NDA and was timely considering the deadline within the Disability Act that states that all public buildings have to be made accessible by 2015.

For two years after the conference, the college ran a pilot programme. They developed a plan initially for the arts building only. They installed manual and powered evacuation equipment. The powered platforms accommodate manual and most powered chairs and can take a wheelchair and its user up or down stairs. They are located in allocated refuge areas (often a stairwell protected by fire doors ) which, very importantly, have a communications system in place.

They also devised the first of the PEEPS for students. It became apparent very quickly that it didn’t make sense to

Emergency accessTrinity College Dublin is operating new Emergency Evacuation Plans for students with disabilities, as part of a drive to make the campus truly accessible. Susan Dennehy talks with Disability Officer Declan Reilly and student Bernard Healy about the need for the plans and how they work

“

Bernard outside the Museum building at Trinity College


29SPOKEOUT

ACCESS

have a PEEP in place for just one building when students move around so much.

What the pilot did teach them, however, was that evacuating someone with a disability takes much longer than anticipated. They also learned that the system relies on people and training, which is also hugely time consuming.

In summer 2012, the College began to roll out a general evacuation plan. They purchased 14 new evacuation chairs as well as additional powered equipment for the sports centre, where the swimming pool is located in the basement. Staff were trained and a leaflet entitled ‘Personal Emergency Evacuation Procedure’ was produced to be given to each student requiring a PEEP. The leaflet, which folds neatly into a wallet, tells you where the evacuation equipment and fire-safe lifts are located. It also explains what to do, in four simple steps, in case of an emergency evacuation, and it also lists the relevant emergency numbers.

Bernard explains that when he began his studies in Trinity, “Declan contacted me about evacuation procedures and I signed up for the PEEPs system. I then had some training from Declan.” Every student who needs a plan is invited to meet the disability officer to devise a tailored plan. The student is shown the refuge areas, evacuation equipment and brought through the evacuation procedure. Support staff, class mates and building staff are trained in the use of evacuation equipment; in Bernard’s case two of his classmates volunteered as evacuation supports.

Once the individual plan is agreed, it is produced and given to all stakeholders. A review of the PEEP occurs annually or if requested by the student. According to Declan, “Individuals are quite varied in how they buy into the PEEPs system. Some people don’t immediately see a need for such a plan and take a while to engage with it and others admit never really giving much thought to emergency evacuation. But generally, most people are

happy to attend the training once they understand what it is all about.”

Bernard, who is based upstairs about half of the time he is in college, always carries his PEEPs leaflet with him. He says, “You don’t tend to think about it most of the time and fortunately I haven’t had the need to test the plan in a real emergency, but it does makes me feel better knowing exactly what I am supposed to do.”

TIPS ON FIRE EGRESS from IWA’s Housing and Access Officer, Dolores Murphy

• Make contact with the building owner or manager as fire evacuation is their responsibility and not the responsibility of the fire service. Ask what plans and procedures are in place. All public buildings should have evacuation plans in place.• If the plan is not adequate to your needs, ask if it can be adapted. For example, lifts that are not fire- proofed can be upgraded, a communication system can be put in a refuge area or a personal alarm might be considered.• The best scenario is to know and understand the building and the various safety provisions and procedures that are in place. Useful websites• IWA (for detailed Access Guidelines): www.iwa.ie• TCD (details of its PEEPs system in ‘Disability’ section): www.tcd.ie• National Disability Authority (access guidance and legal requirements): www.nda.ie

Bernard inside the Berkeley Library

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SPOKEOUT

ACCESS

Accessible toilets? Yes please!Finding a proper accessible bathroom shouldn’t be such a challenge! A new information leaflet, titled ‘People with disabilities need 2P2’, uses cartoons and humour to highlight serious points about what makes a proper accessible loo. John Graham reports

31

Asimple thing such as going to the loo is taken for granted by most people, but for a person with a disability it can mean embarrassment, inconvenience or even the ruination of a good day

out. Poor facilities can decide whether that person will go to a social event, the cinema, catch a train, get on a plane, or just go to their local for a few beers with friends.

Okay, to be fair, many establishments do have accessible toilets. But the problem is they seem to be saving them for special occasions by keeping them locked, using them for storage, making them too small for a wheelchair to fit into, not providing a lift up or down to the ‘dis-loo’, and putting paper holders and light switches beyond reach. Just claiming a toilet is accessible is not enough – it has to be done right!

Frustrated by lack of genuinely accessible public toilets, Dublin City Council’s Disability Focus Group has published a new leaflet, titled ‘People with disabilities need 2P2’ (if you don’t get it immediately, think for second!). The leaflet uses cartoons, designed by regular SpokeOut cartoonist Johnny Connaughton, to humorously draw attention to the situations people with disabilities often find themselves in on the hunt for that illusive accessible loo. The leaflet also provides a simple list of eight good practice points for accessible WCs.

Copies of the leaflet are available from Dublin City Council’s Disability Focus Group. Tel: 01 222 2855 Email: [email protected]

GOOD PRACTICE POINTS FOR ACCESSIBLE WCS1. Recommended best practice size of Accessible

WC cubicle for independent use is 1800 x 2500mm with the door opening out or 1800 x 2800mm if door opens in. When the door opens inwards it has to be located on the short wall.

2. Keep the transfer space between the opposite wall and the WC bowl clear — this is not a storage location for bins.

3. Height of WC bowl to be between 460-480mm.4. Grab Rails to be located as indicated in Irish

Wheelchair Association Best Practice Access Guidelines. www.iwa.ie

5. Manage the WC cubicle – keep clean, no bins in transfer space, no storage of equipment within the accessible WC.

6. Colour contrasting between walls and toilet, sink, handrails and other fittings is useful for people who have a visual impairment.

7. Keep the WC unlocked. 8. Keep baby changing facility within another

location — best not within the accessible WC cubicle.

Cartoons by Johnny Connaughton


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33SPOKEOUT

People with disabilities TOP HOUSING LISTRecently published Government statistics show a dramatic 200 percent increase in the number of people with disabilities on local council housing lists. This increase is a direct consequence of IWA’s Operation Sign Up awareness campaign, writes Anita Matthews, IWA Communications Coordinator

ACCESS

People with disabilities are now the single largest group of people with specific accommodation requirements on social housing lists in Ireland, according to the results of the Department of

Environment’s Housing Needs Assessment, announced by Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan in early 2014.

Results of the Assessment show that there are more people with disabilities on social housing lists than people who are homeless, travellers and older persons.

Nationally, there are now 3,919 persons with disabilities recorded as having a social housing requirement. This figure is an increase of 200 percent on previous figures; the numbers have jumped from 1,315 people with disabilities on the 2011 Housing Lists to the present 3,919 people with disabilities recorded in the 2013 needs assessment.

IWA Housing Officer Dolores Murphy believes this dramatic increase reflects the effectiveness of IWA’s ongoing Operation Sign Up campaign. “Operation Sign Up is about encouraging and supporting people with disabilities who wish to live in their own homes, but cannot afford to do so from their own resources, to register on their local council housing list. In doing this, people are not only joining the ‘queue’, they are ensuring their requirements will be borne in mind when future housing developments are planned.”

The Operation Sign Up campaign was originally launched in 2011 and a second phase was rolled out during 2013. IWA promoted Operation Sign Up using a variety of channels including: national events in partnership with local councils, local and national media outlets, viral email, through community and youth groups and in SpokeOut.

IWA continues to encourage individuals who are interested in applying for social housing to log onto the Operation Sign Up website www.iwa.ie/house where they will find all the necessary and relevant information about the various housing options available to people with

disabilities and also explanations about the process of applying for social housing.

IWA’s Housing Support Service provides information on housing options and assistance to individuals to support them in achieving their desired living situation, be it independent living, adapted housing, home purchase or residential accommodation. This service was established in response to the difficulties encountered by many people with a disability in finding appropriate accessible and affordable accommodation.

For further information about Operation Sign Up or to learn more about the various housing options available to people with disabilities please contact IWA to discuss your specific requirements. Tel: 01 818 6400. Web: www.iwa.ie/house Email: [email protected]


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AGENDA SATURDAY 17th May 20149.00am Registration for AGM and Annual Conference. Tea/coffee available before AGM

10.00am ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

12.00pm Official Opening of Annual Conference - Volunteers The Priceless DifferenceMotions and Open Forum

1.00pm Light lunch

2.00pm Motions and Open Forum (Continued)

3.00pm Keynote Speakers

4.30pm Volunteers Awards Ceremony

5.15pm Conference adjourns for evening

Tea & Coffee will be served during afternoon session

SUNDAY 18th May 201410.30am Mass and Sunday Services

Notice of Annual General Meeting of I.W.A. Limited and Annual Conference 2014

Saturday 17th May, 2014 at 10.00am in The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa,Ballincar, Rosses Point Road, Sligo

IWA members are invited to submit :

4Motions for the AGM & Conference.Please forward Motions using the motionspage (next page) and return to the CompanySecretary by 5.00pm on Wednesday 16thApril 2014.

4Nominations for election of directors to the Board of I.W.A. Limited. Please forward nominations for the Board ofI.W.A. Limited using the Nomination form (next page) and returnto the Company Secretary, I.W.A. Limited, Blackheath Drive,Clontarf, Dublin 3 by 5.00pm on Friday 2nd May, 2014. Theelection will take place at the AGM on Saturday 17th May, 2014.

DIRECTIONSAs you approach Sligo town takethe N4 Sligo Inner Relief Road.

Continue over Hughes Bridge.Take the next left directly afterthe bridge, R291 signposted forRosses Point.

The hotel is located on the right-hand side approximately 3 km ahead.

MagheragillerneeveCregg

Ballinvoher

Ballincar Heights

Carncash

N15

SLIGO

BallinCar Cottages

The Radisson Blu Hotel & SpaBallincar, Rosses Point Road, Sligo

Mountshannon House

ShannonEighter

Ballincer

N16

N4

R291

Volunteers The Priceless Difference

Please note the AGM & Conference 2014 is taking place in The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Ballincar, Rosses Point Road, Sligo.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR ATTENDING THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND AGM

7.30pm H Gala Dinner H 2014

ADM1213-P1�Spokeout�2014�AGM�Spread�V3_AGM�Spokeout�Notice�2012��06/03/2014��15:51��Page�1

Nominations for Election to the Board of Directors of I.W.A. LimitedAs per the Articles of Association of I.W.A. Limited (Art. 49),one quarter of the Board of Directors shall retire from officeeach year.

Nominations for election to the Board must be received bythe Company Secretary, I.W.A. Limited, Blackheath Drive,Clontarf, Dublin 3, not less than 14 days before the Annual General Meeting, which will take place on 17th May,2014 at 10.00am in The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Ballincar, Rosses Point Road, Sligo.

Please note: Nominees for election must be registered members of I.W.A. Limited and must be proposed by aregistered member and seconded by one other registered member. If elected, the nominee will be required togive notice in writing of his/her willingness to serve on the Board of I.W.A. Limited.

Election to be held at the Annual General Meeting at 10.00am

on Saturday 17th May, 2014 in The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Co. Sligo

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF NOMINATIONS IS 5.00PM ON FRIDAY 2ND MAY 2014

Nominee

Proposer

Seconder

Date

Name: ........................................................................................................................................................

Address:.....................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................

Name: ........................................................................................................................................................

Address:.....................................................................................................................................................

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Name: ........................................................................................................................................................

Address:.....................................................................................................................................................

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IWA AGM & Conference 2014CALL FOR MOTION(S)

Members are invited to submit motion/s for debate at the Annual Conference. Please note the following:

4A motion may be submitted on the form below and further motions may be continued onseparate pages.

4Each motion must carry the name and address of ONE proposer and the names and addresses ofTHREE seconderswho must all be registered members of I.W.A Limited.

4When completed, motion forms should be sent back to the Company Secretary, I.W.A. Limited,Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3 to reach him by 5.00pm on Wednesday 16th April 2014.

4The Board may prioritise, integrate or re-structure motions of a similar nature before presentingthem to the Conference.

4Members must be present to speak to their motions.

4Motions will be posted on the IWA website www.iwa.ie on Monday 13th May 2014.

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3When complete, please detach this page and return to Company Secretary, I.WA. Limited,Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3 to reach him by 5.00pm on Wednesday 16th April 2014.

Proposer

Seconders

We, the undersigned, submit the following Motion/s forinclusion on the agenda of the IWA Annual Conference.

MOTIONS

!

!

Name: ....................................

Address: ................................

...............................................

...............................................

...............................................

...............................................

Name: ....................................................................................................................................................

Address:.................................................................................................................................................

Name: ....................................

Address: ................................

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Name: ....................................

Address: ................................

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Annual Conference & AGM of I.W.A. Limited 2014Hotel Accommodation in Co. Sligo: General advice when booking accommodation. There is plenty of accommodation available in The RadissonBlu Hotel & Spa. IWA have block booked a number of rooms for the conference. In order to avail of these roomsat a special discounted rate you must inform the hotel that you are attending the Conference. Please quoteReference: IWA CONFERENCE

4You must book rooms directly with the hotel of your choice quoting hotel booking reference below.

4Please note there are a limited number of accessible rooms available in each hotel.

4To guarantee availability, rooms must be booked by 1st May, 2014.

4You must settle the hotel cost directly with the hotel.

4A limited number of high dependency rooms are available on request. Sandra Henry, ServiceCoordinator, Sligo can be contacted on 086 164 1736 if you have this requirement.

4There will be a complimentary shuttle bus service between local hotels and The Radisson Hotel.

Hotels Tel Quote Booking Ref.

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Ballincar, Rosses Point Road, Sligo. +353 71 914 0008 IWA Conference

The Clarion Hotel, Clarion Road, Sligo. +353 71 911 9000 3628319

The Glasshouse, Swan Point, Sligo Town, Sligo. +353 71 919 4300 IWA Conference

Gala Dinner Booking Form Saturday 17th May at 7.30pm in The Radisson Blu, Hotel & Spa, Ballincar, Rosses Point Road, Sligo.

Please reserve @ €50.00 each Please attach payment: TOTAL:

PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES & MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION

Name: Tel:

Address:

(no of tickets)€

2014

While we try to list hotels with a high standard of access, we always recommend you contact the hotelin question to ensure it meets your personal access requirements before booking.More hotels are available by visiting: www.iwa.ie/agm

!!

Please complete the above form & return toSylvia Arnold, Irish Wheelchair Assocation, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3.

THE COST OF EACH TICKET INCLUDES:

Meal, Entertainment and Fabulous Prizes!

For reservation of tickets for the Gala Dinner, please contact:Sylvia Arnold at IWA - Tel: 01 818 6486


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40

Thirty-nine-year-old Tina Hannan from Co Dublin is one of a number of Irish people who visited Calvert Trust, an outdoor activities centre in Exmoor, last year. “I spent a week there in the summer and I

absolutely loved it!” says Tina, who has Spina Bifida. A magazine article sparked Tina’s interest in the Trust, and after some online research and a phone call she decided it was something she’d like to try. Tina enthusiastically told me: “It seemed almost too good to be true, the range of activities sounded fantastic!” The reality didn’t disappoint. “From the moment I arrived at Calvert I was catapulted into a world of new possibilities and opportunities, with a little bit of terror thrown in!”

A charity founded in 1978, the Calvert Trust is the inspiration of John Fryer-Spedding, whose vision was to enable people with disabilities to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside. The first centre was set up in 1978 in Keswick, the north west of England. Following on

from the success in Keswick, a second centre was opened in 1984 in Kielder in the north east of England. The third centre was opened in 1996 in Exmoor in the south west of England. Each centre offers different packages and activities, but in each of the Calvert Trust centres the motto remains the same: “It’s what you CAN do that counts”.

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of Exmoor National Park, a short distance from the North Devon Coast, Calvert Trust Exmoor welcomes guests of all ages and levels of ability, along with their families and friends. Each break is built around a structured programme of activities, which are lead by qualified instructors and tailored to the specific requirements of guests. The range of indoor and outdoor activities guarantees fun and adventure whatever the weather. The centre provides both standard and adaptive equipment as well as waterproofs. A few activities are horse riding, wall climbing, crate stacking, sailing, canoeing, accessible

Outdoor adventuresThe Calvert Trust in Exmoor (UK) is encouraging Irish people with all types of disabilities to visit its accessible adventure centre, where they can experience a range of challenging outdoor activities. Kiara Lynch finds out more and talks to one Dubliner who has already made the trip

Tina Hannan from Dublin canoeing in Wistlandpound Reservoir while on holiday with the Calvert Trust


41SPOKEOUT

TRAVEL

cycling, archery, zipwire, abseiling, and many more!Accommodation and meals are provided onsite as part

of the package, meaning once you reach the centre you don’t need to leave again until you’re going home. There is a selection of wheelchair accessible accommodation available including accessible en suite single, twin and triple rooms and apartments. With facilities such as a fully accessible swimming pool, bar, and a sensory room, the centre offers guests a chance to unwind, relax, and socialise with one another after a busy days activities. While the centre does not employ carers, should a guest require one arrangements can be made through the centre prior to their visit.

Aside from the cost of getting from Ireland to Calvert Trust, guests can expect to pay anything from £99 for a three-night stay, £212 for a four-night stay, and £480 for a week-long stay depending on season.

I also spoke to Calvert regular, Krista Laird, from Barnstaple in England. Krista

and her 15-year-old able-bodied daughter Isla, and her 13-year-old son Finn who has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user, enjoy visiting Calvert Trust Exmoor as a family. “Finn loves the activities and pushing himself to try everything, not to mention how relaxed I feel knowing Finn is safe and having fun trying each activity with qualified experienced instructors. One of my favourite aspects of Calvert is that we can all do the activities together as a family; Isla and I enjoy it just as much as Finn does! We have made some good friends over the years through our visits there. I simply can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone thinking of going.”

Tina echoes this sentiment. “If you’re thinking of giving it a go then just do it! I’m so glad I did as it was one of the best weeks of my life, and I gained so much self-confidence as a result of the trip.”

GETTING THEREFlybe fly from Dublin to Exeter (www.flybe.com) then a South West train (www.southwesttrains.co.uk) goes directly from Exeter Central to Barnstaple train station, where accessible transport from The Calvert Trust Exmoor can be pre-booked to transfer guests the 20-minute journey to the centre.

Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and Aer Lingus (www.aerlingus.com) fly from Dublin to Bristol then a Virgin Trains train (www.virgintrains.co.uk) goes from Bristol Parkway to Tiverton Parkway train station (with one change), where accessible transport from The Calvert Trust Exmoor can be pre-booked to transfer guests the 45 minute journey to the centre.

For more information visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk, or call 0044 1598 7632 21 to request a brochure.

Bernard inside the Berkeley Library

THE HYUNDAI I30

A delighted Krista and Finn as they break the record for crate stacking at Calvert

Courtyard accommodation at the Calvert Trust


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PLANNING A SUMMER HOLIDAY?

We have a selection of accessible wheelchair friendly holiday homes

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43SPOKEOUT

Holidaying at homeWith longer days and a sniff of better weather, what better way to celebrate the end of winter than with an invigorating get-away? Here are Kiara Lynch’s latest recommendations for anyone looking for accessible accommodation

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 APTChapelizodDublin 20 Tel: 01 6236 414www.mdi.ieMuscular Dystrophy Ireland’s ‘Home from Home’ Self-Catering Apartment is a self-contained accessible apartment available for short-term stays for people with a physical or sensory disability. There are four designated parking spaces located approximately 20 metres from reception, with a lift available inside the apartment building. There are three wheelchair accessible bedrooms, two of which are twin bedrooms with electric beds and one double bedroom with a double electric bed. An interconnecting standard bedroom is available off the double bedroom. Each of the accessible rooms and bathrooms has a ceiling track hoist. The lounge and kitchen area contain low counters. The two twin rooms have en suites, and there is one main bathroom. Each has a high toilet with surrounding grab rails, and a roll-in shower with a moveable shower chair or a height-adjustable shower trolley and surrounding grab rails. To reach the apartment from Dublin Airport takes 20 minutes, and there are buses from Dublin City Centre.

MCWILLIAMS PARK HOTELClaremorrisCo MayoTel: 094 9378 000www.mcwilliampark.ieThis luxurious 4-star hotel is located in the town of Claremorris in the heart of the West, half way between Galway and Sligo and only 30 minutes from the rugged Atlantic coastline. The hotel is surrounded by plains, rivers and lakes and with a backdrop of Croagh Patrick, the Nephin Mountains and the Partry Mountains. The main entrance has level access and there are two designated parking spaces adjacent to both reception areas. Each of the five accessible rooms has wooden flooring, and is within 100 yards of the ground floor reception. Each 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 bar and restaurant are fully wheelchair accessible. The McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo is located on the N17 (the main Sligo – Galway route) and there is a direct train service to Claremorris from Dublin Heuston. The hotel is centrally located for Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Sligo and Galway, and a 20-minute drive from Ireland West Airport Knock.


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PAGE 44.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:23

SPOKEOUT

CHASING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

45

Normally I spend months researching access for any trip, but as my weekend in Tromso, Norway, in late January was a complete surprise, I didn’t have the opportunity. Maybe that was a good

thing though – because Tromso turned out to have poor access, not to mention that no amount of planning could have made all that snow and ice wheelchair-friendly! If I’d thought too much about access, the practicalities might have put me off – and that would have been a pity, because it was still an amazing trip, and well worth all the challenges.

The trip was organised by my husband Nick to celebrate my big 30. When I was a child I saw a documentary about the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) and ever since I’ve been fascinated with them. At my brother’s 30th birthday party a few years ago Nick had asked me what I’d like to

do for my 30th and I apparently said I’d love to see the Northern Lights – so the hint had been dropped, but back then I wasn’t used to Nick’s encyclopaedic memory, so the whole thing went out of my mind entirely, and this trip turned out to be a genuine surprise!

Our long weekend in Tromso, which is in the Arctic Circle, lasted for three nights – which was a perfect length to experience the atmosphere without being overwhelmed by the low temperatures. On Friday, after a long day of travel, we arrived in Tromso ready for bed. On Saturday morning a (non-accessible) bus brought us a half hour’s drive to Tromso Wilderness Centre to go dog sledding. Before the sledding we had time to meet the sweet-natured playful huskie dogs with their glistening fur coats and beautiful eyes, and to visit the huskie puppy enclosure where the cute and friendly pups thought my wheelchair’s brakes were chew toys! The sleigh ride itself was magical. I’d seen others do it on TV documentaries, but nothing prepared me for the real thing. Being out on the snow in the sleigh, surrounded by nothing but a white blanket of wilderness, was dreamlike. Afterwards, we thawed out with a bowl of stew and a cup of tea by an open fire in one of the centre’s cabins.

That evening we returned to the Wilderness Centre in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. I was so excited I barely felt the -10 degree cold! As our group

“Before the sledding we had time to meet the sweet-natured playful huskie dogs with their glistening

fur coats and beautiful eyes, and to visit the huskie puppy enclosure where the cute and friendly pups thought my wheelchair’s brakes

were chew toys!”

TRAVEL

A long, cold and rather inaccessible weekend in the Arctic Circle proved a challenging but memorable way for intrepid traveller Kiara Lynch to celebrate the big 30!

Kiara petting a huskie at the Tromso Wilderness Park


46

sat out under the sky, huddling around a log fire, our guide told us stories about what mankind used to think the lights symbolised. The atmosphere was wonderful but after an hour with no sign of the Lights, our guide went inside to check the weather updates online! Unfortunately he came back to report that it was just too cloudy, and sadly we wouldn’t see aurora borealis that night.

Obviously, missing the lights was a disappointment, but it was still a trip I’ll never forget and one I’d cautiously recommend to others. Just bear in mind that access at the Tromso Wilderness Centre isn’t great (but the staff were very willing to help) and that getting around the hilly and icy town of Tromso is inevitably going to be challenging (although our hotel access was excellent). You really need to bring a good ‘assistant’ (aka someone who’s not afraid to push through the snow and lift you on and off buses!). And of course bring serious cold weather gear; no matter how much I wrapped up I always seemed to be frozen solid after an hour outside. If you are brave enough to make the trip, it’s the most fantastic adventure. For me it was truly a birthday to remember, although as I pointed out to Nick, I still haven’t seen the elusive aurora borealis, so we may just have to try again for my 40th!

Useful contacts• Scandinavian Airlines: www.flysas.com • The Radisson Blu in Tromso: www.radissonblu.com/hotel-tromso • Tromso Wilderness Centre: www.villmarkssenter.no

TRAVEL

A very cold Nick and Kiara in Tromso

“Being out on the snow in the sleigh, surrounded by nothing but a white blanket of wilderness,

was dreamlike.”

Kiara (wrapped up like a Mummy) in the dog sleigh with Nick behind


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HAFELE A4.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:24

SPOKEOUT

LIVING

Spring spiritIt’s time to inject a bit of spring into your kitchen and your taste buds. Kevin Dundon shares two of his favourite seasonal recipes, his easy-to-make zesty Chilli and Garlic Prawns, and – a traditional that never fails to please all ages – his Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic & Rosemary

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. He serves up modern takes on classic Irish family dishes such as rib of beef, lamb stew and brown soda bread, using simple, fresh ingredients, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Irish countryside.

booksellers). While he mostly uses

draws on his travels, taking culinary traditions from all around the world

CHILLI AND GARLIC PRAWNS

Serves 4

500g peeled uncooked king prawn tail50g butter 1 red chilli2 garlic clove, chopped1 lemon juice100g fresh coriander1 tbsp of olive oil

Rocket washed Bread to serve

To prepare the chilli, cut in half lengthways then scrape out and discard the seeds. Cut each half lengthways into fi ne strips and again to get very fi ne dice. In a bowl, put the chilli, lemon zest, garlic, butter, half coriander together. Combine until smooth.

When ready, heat the pan with oil over high heat, and add the prawns. Pan fry for 1-2 minutes until it’s pink and cooked, add the garlic and chilli butter. Let melt the butter on to the prawns, toss to cover the prawns. Add the juice of lemon, and some fresh coriander.

Serve the prawns on a bed of rocket, with crostini bread.

TIP: My Chilli and Garlic Prawns is a very straightforward one-pan supper. It can be served at the table in the pan with some fresh crusty bread to mop up the garlicy juices. If you fi nd it diffi cult to peel prawns, buy them ready prepared or alternatively ask your fi shmonger to peel them for you.


50

LIVING

ROASTED LEG OF LAMB WITH GARLIC & ROSEMARY

I just adore spring lamb – it has such a deliciously delicate flavour and all the family love it so this makes a delicious Sunday Roast for us to enjoy.

Serves 6-8

1 leg of lamb (approx 2kg /4lb 8oz)3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks3 large onions, roughly chopped1 bulb of garlic-halved horizontally2-3 sprigs of rosemary3 tbsp olive oilSalt and pepper to season

Sauce:25g/1oz tablespoons flour300ml/10floz good quality meat stock100ml/3½fl oz red wine½ teaspoon of chopped rosemary½ teaspoon of tomato puree

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.

On a large roasting tray arrange large chunks of the carrots, garlic and onion to form a trivet to raise the meat off the roasting tray.

Lay the leg of lamb on top of the vegetables. Using a sharp knife make a number of incisions to the fat of the lamb and stick sprigs of the rosemary in the fat.

Season lightly with a little salt and pepper and drizzle with a little oil and roast in the oven for 1-1½ hours (15 minutes per 1lb/450g for rare and 20 minutes for medium) turning over half way through.

Allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the meat to rest and for the juices to soak into the flesh.

To make the sauce:Drain the majority of the fat off the tray and put the tray on the stove top. Sprinkle in the flour add tomato puree and stir with a whisk until well coloured. Gradually pour in the red wine and stock and continue to whisk until the mixture comes to the boil. Sieve into a clean saucepan to remove any impurities. Add the chopped rosemary and boil for 4-5 minutes until reduced and thickened nicely. Adjust the seasoning and pour into a sauce boat to accompany the lamb.

TIP:My recipe for Roast Leg of Lamb is a family favourite, not just roasted and served with some lovely roasted vegetables for Sunday Lunch but the leftovers make delicious sandwiches for any week day supper too.

There can be a lot of work involved in preparing the vegetables, from peeling to chopping and dicing. If you find it tiring to stand for a long time why not take a stool to sit beside your work surface. Vegetable preparation can also be done by placing a cushion on your knees with a chopping board on top – this works well for both wheelchair users and for those who find it more comfortable to sit in a chair while working. It can make this job less of a strain.

One of my best pieces of advice when cooking lamb is not to overcook it; it’s a tender meat and best served medium. Before serving allow to stand for 15–20 minutes at least – this will allow the juices to redistribute and you will end with a more flavourful result.


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PAGE 51.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:28

The Care and Mobility Show 2014 will be Ireland’s biggest event of its kind, bringing together under one roof, the providers of products, services, advice and assistance, face to face with the very people who need them. This ranges from the elderly to those with a disability and most importantly, those who care for and about them.

The Care and Mobility Show 2014 will be

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54

Hedging has long been an important, long-living way of enclosing and enriching Irish gardens. A well-chosen hedge will help define your outdoor space, and can offer many practical benefits such as protection from wind, noise or unsightly views, writes Helen Rock

Planting a hedge is not something you should approach lightly. No matter what kind of hedge you are aiming for – big and enclosing, small and decorative, neatly clipped and ultra formal, clipped

but flowering, or wildish with native edible flowers and berries – the hedge is probably going to outlive all of us, so it is very important to get a few basic things right from the very beginning.

There are lots of reasons for having a hedge. Hedges change the garden, warming it, sheltering it and you, raising the temperature within, baffling the wild wind without, keeping away intruders, blocking unsightly views, screening your from prying eyes and even creating a brand new space within its parameters. You might want to muffle the roar of traffic, or make an ‘eating and drinking’ hedge of berries (hawthorn berries are good for the heart), roses, flowers and nuts and, of course, encourage birds and other wildlife into the sanctuary of your newly enclosed garden. You might want to keep out intruders, man or beast, with thorny plants. A hedge can do all of those things and more.

Originally they were used in place of a fence or wall to enclose a garden and keep intruders out, while protecting what was within. That is what the early Irish rath was, a defensive structure enclosed by a native hedge, complete with plenty of viciously thorny plants. But they can also be purely ornamental, perhaps a low hedge of box, rosemary or hyssop, used to emphasise the outline of a design, perhaps that of a herb garden or potager (an ordered veg garden in the French style).

When planning your hedge, do your research and don’t be fobbed off with plants that the nursery or garden centre want to sell you, because they have lots of them and they tell you it is foolproof, evergreen, cheap, grows quickly and is generally all-singing and all-dancing. Take for example two plants that are widely pushed in Ireland as excellent

for hedging: griselinia and the hybrid Leyland cypress, generally known as leylandii.

What you are not told is that dull old griselinia, which is cheap but not at all a cheerful green (though not too bad if left to grow into a full tree), needs regular clipping, looks terrible for ages afterwards because its biggish leaves stay looking butchered for weeks and – very important this – is a non-native from New Zealand and Chile that very often succumbs to a fatal disease in Irish gardens, leaving you rather suddenly without any hedge at all, just a collection of awkward brown twigs, so that you have to rip it all out and start the hedge process over again.

As for the dreaded Leyland cypress, it is sensibly banned now in urban England and should be banned here too. It is the fastest growing, putting on 1.5 metres (5ft) in height every single year when young. So, unless clipping ad infinitum is your thing – and you do see well-maintained ones here and there – you’d be well advised to keep away from them. A real menace, they go bare and ugly at the bottom and become towering monsters amongst the clouds if unclipped; they cost thousands to have a professional take them out, prevent anything else from growing near them and, as a final insult, are not even useful as firewood.

Go visiting (or Googling) nurseries, such as the excellent (and wheelchair accessible) Mt Venus above Rathfarnham or Future Forests in Co Cork. And visit famous gardens that open to the public, to see what plants take your fancy. There is usually an expert on hand to help you with your questions. Visit also the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin in Dublin, Kilmacurragh in Co Wicklow and the Bots’ most recent acquisition, Mount Congreve outside Waterford City. Find out which of the plants you like will do well on your site and decide if you want a hedge of all one plant or a mixed one.

The humble HEDGE

Hedging can help define and shelter an area, such as this

charming small patio


55SPOKEOUT

LIVING

Hedging can help define and shelter an area, such as

this charming small patio’

bulky manure if it’s thin and impoverished and that when planted, you water it well in its first year or two of growth, particularly if it’s evergreen.

Don’t stint on quality but buy the best plants you can afford. This does not have to mean expensive or big. In winter, from November to the end of March when most plants are dormant, you can buy most hedging specimens as bare rooted ‘maidens’ or ‘whips’ from good Irish nurseries, some of which will post them out to you brilliantly packaged and at very reasonable rates. They won’t be more than 2 to 4ft in height but will grow like the clappers once planted, which you should do as soon as possible after delivery. On the other hand, a large potted plant will be much more expensive and if it doesn’t ‘take’ in your garden, you’re left with a big hole in both your hedge and your pocket.

Only you will know how much maintenance you can afford to give your new hedge and whether this means doing it yourself or employing someone else to do it for you. Whatever kind of hedge you decide on, it is essential that you lavish care and attention on the actual planting holes or trench, that you don’t stint on the digging and breaking up of compacted ground so that roots can have a free run, or on feeding the soil with compost or other

Garden workThere is always something to be done in a garden, of whatever size. By now, the sap will have risen in all garden lovers and we’ll be impatient to get growing. If conditions outside are inhospitable right now, you can satisfy your gardening urges by repotting any house plants that badly need it, though this is a job I prefer to leave for a warm day outdoors. Most exciting of all, now is the main seed sowing season, an indoor job at this time of year, whether that’s in a glasshouse, polytunnel or simply on your windowsills in the main house. There is no doubt that tomato and other seed sown under heat in a greenhouse or tunnel get a head start, but don’t let that stop you if you don’t have such a luxury to hand.

The more I eat organic fruit and vegetables, preferably sourced in Ireland, the harder I find it to eat non-organic, not just because of the taste difference but because I’m becoming more afraid each day of the heavy doses of pesticides, fungicides and other toxic horrors that are used as a matter of course by most non-organic growers, not to mention the damage these are doing to bees. Really, if you can, it’s best to start off using organic seeds and especially those tested and trialled in Ireland. Here are three sources of organic Irish seed including many old and local varieties. Catalogues and shopping are available on and off line:

Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA) are fighting for their survival and have sent out an appeal to help them continue their important work on genetic diversity in food plants. They also sell old Irish and other varieties of fruit trees. www.irishseedsavers.ie or [email protected] or phone 061 921 856.

Green Seeds is a new mail order company set up by Leitrim-based organic grower and author Klaus Laitenberger and his wife Joanna. The seed selection is the result of 15 years experimenting with Irish conditions

and constraints, and includes “only the tastiest and most reliable varieties”, according to Klaus, who says he’s particularly excited about two new tomato varieties, ‘Sweet Aperitif’ and ‘Indigo Rose’, “the darkest so far and exceptionally high in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants.” Seeds and postage are at reasonable rates and there is a monthly newsletter by email. www.greenvegetableseeds.com

The Organic Centre, based at Rosinver in Co Leitrim, is going strong for many years. Besides their seed catalogue, which includes willow and comfrey cuttings as well, they run open days, workshops and training courses. www.theorganiccentre.ie

WHAT’S ONSun 6th April, 10.30am-4pm: Specialist nurseries (ISNA) Plant Fair, Festine Lente, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray. Lovely restored garden with accessible paths. Adm is free.Sat 12th April, 1.30-4pm: RHSI Annual Plant Sale, St Brigid’s Parish Centre, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. Parking in school carpark on Merville Rd.Sun 13th April, 10.30am-4pm: Fota House Plant Fair, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork. www.fotahouse.comSat 26th April, 1.30-4pm: Dublin Alpine Garden Society Show, Cabinteely Community School, Dublin.Sun 27th April: Clare Garden Festival, Ennis. www.claregardenfestival.comFrom 1st-31st May: Burren in Bloom. A month-long celebration of Burren flora. www.burreninbloom.comFrom 29th May-2nd June: Bloom in the Park, Phoenix Park, D8.Wed-Sun 18th-22nd June: A Floral Odyssey, the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin. World Association of Flower Arrangers 11th World Show. www.wafaireland.com

Rosemary can be used to create low hedges


We now have a demonstrator model for persons with special needs. This Hyundai i40 Tourer will be of interest to all who qualify for the Government Scheme for disabled drivers and/or passengers.

This scheme can include VAT & VRT exemptions of up to €15825 in some cases on your new car purchase.

This i40 tourer has been fitted out with all the options currently available to increase mobility for both the driver or passenger. For further info on these schemes and to arrange a demo please contact [email protected] or 01-4195800.

We now have a demonstrator model for

SPECIAL NEEDS DEMO AVAILABLE @

Long Mile Road, Dublin 12 | Tel: 01 4195800 | E Mail: [email protected] | www. epmooney.ie

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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

disabilities. Our service list includes; Swivel seats, push and pull hand controls, Infra red steering wheel spinners, Left foot accelerators, Wheelchair accessible vehicle adaptations,

boot hoists, child seats and safety harnesses .

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PAGE 56.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:56

57SPOKEOUT

MOTORING

Choice modelsIn the second of his two-part special, IWA member and motor enthusiast Tom Caulfield from Athlone reviews three new models which are likely to appeal to drivers with disabilities

THE HYUNDAI i30Hyundai proudly boasts of being the fastest growing car brand in Ireland and it is easy to understand why. The i30 is a very spacious and stylish car as well as being a class leader when it comes to safety, with six airbags and a five-star euro NCAP rating. Additional safety features include rear combination lights which automatically flash when you brake hard, rear fog lamps and steering wheel audio controls.

The model tested here was the Deluxe Five-Door Automatic which is the top of the range at €26,995 – but you do get a lot for your money as it comes jam-packed with kit. Standard features include: 16” alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, LED daytime running lights, electric windows front and rear, tinted glass, and cruise control. In this particular model you also get a leather multi-function steering wheel which

includes controls for Hyundai’s ‘Flex Steer System’, which is a power-assisted steering with three response levels. ‘Normal mode’ provides a fine-tuned response to city and country roads. When parking, ‘Comfort mode’ makes tight spaces easier to handle. Then switch into ‘Sport mode’ for fast, direct input at high speed. The drive is pretty good but is not going to impress those who are looking for a very sporty drive. For music lovers the in-car entertainment system will more than suffice with radio, CD, and MP3, including ipod connectivity. The system also features voice-recognition and voice-activated Bluetooth. Being a Hyundai, it of course comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, five-year free vehicle health check and five-year AA roadside assist. The options range from €18,995 for the 1.4 petrol up to €26,995 for the Deluxe Five-Door Auto, so there is one to suit everyone.

Hyundai i30


58

THE SKODA OCTAVIAThe model I drove was the Skoda Octavia Ambition 1.6 TDI and it has to be said the car feels really refined. It would seem that Skoda are definitely on the right track as every time the model is updated it gets better looking and, rather than trying to copy other competitors in the class, they seem to be creating an identity all their own. The changes to the new model are vast, with not only a newer and classier look, but also added options including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and intelligent light assist, in addition to increased passenger and luggage space.

If you choose this car, what you’ll get is a really nice car at a reasonable price – that’s the impression I was left with

after driving it. You certainly get what you pay for, which is perfectly adequate if nothing spectacular – although those seeking a thrilling drive can opt for the more powerful Octavia RS.

The steering is very precise thanks to the lighter body and the car is very quiet thanks to the build quality. Engine choices in the Octavia range from a 1.2 litre petrol to a 2.0 litre diesel. The interior of the car is extremely comfortable and user friendly. Extra length translates to great front cabin space with the back seats being no different and the boot is massive (a bonus for all wheelchair users). This amount of space also makes it a great family car.

The Octavia has four types of entertainment systems available, with the ‘Swing’ coming as standard in the model I drove (Swing is a good user-friendly system but it doesn’t include sat nav). Standard features on the Octavia Ambition 1.6 TDI include: stop/start technology, eight loudspeakers, Bluetooth, folding rear seats and tinted windows. Optional extras include metallic paint, sat nav with another infotainment system (Amundsen or Columbus), lane assistant, automatic parking assistant, traveller assistant package with traffic sign recognition and display (available with the Columbus navigation system), and adaptive cruise control.

As far as price is concerned the Octavia ranges from €18,995 for the 86bhp 1.2 litre up to €30,295 for the 150bhp 2.0 litre diesel. The tested model claims up to 74mpg but somewhere around 50mpg might be a more realistic figure for most driving styles.

In short, the Octavia is a great looking, comfortable car that is extremely good value for money.

Skoda Octavia

ADAPTED TEST DRIVE One of the most frustrating obstacles facing a disabled driver is the fact that in most cases you have to purchase the car before you get a chance to drive it. Thankfully Western Motors in Drogheda in association with Motability Ireland are now giving disabled drivers the option to test drive a Skoda Octavia fitted with many adaptations and driver aids. As well as opportunity to experience the Octavia, the scope to try out specific driver aids can also be of huge benefit, as these adaptations can be very expensive too. In short, this adapted Octavia is well worth a visit, with lots of assistance and advice available for all budding motoring enthusiasts.


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THE HONDA CR-VThis new fourth generation CR-V is a stunning looking vehicle. The new bold styling and confident stance give it a strong, imposing look. However design changes translate to much more than just a pretty face, with the vehicle also featuring better aerodynamics and fuel economy. The new interior is more spacious than ever and is finished with high quality materials with a much higher level of specification throughout. For maximum comfort, there is now greater adjustability to the seats and steering wheel, ensuring an optimal driving position for all. Additional door seals and noise absorbing fabrics make the CR-V even quieter, and dual climate control lets the driver and front passenger set individual temperatures, making this Honda a very pleasant place to be.

This new 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine is the first in Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ series and offers up to 62.8mpg. The new Eco Assist System tells you when you are driving economically – the instrument panel changes from white to green when you drive in a fuel efficient way, so you’ll learn how to get the best bang for your buck over time.

Storage space is available in abundance, increased by 147 litres over the previous model and the back seats fold flat easily for even more space. There is an option available of an automatically closing tailgate which can make things easier when you’ve got your hands full.

Clever technology employed by the CR-V will constantly provide support to the driver to keep you safe and it switches from 2wd to 4wd automatically when the going gets rough and back to 2wd to maximise economy.

Honda CR-V

LUAS CROSS CITY PROJECTThe National Transport Authority recently commenced its Luas Cross City project in Dublin. This project involves the joining up of the Red and Green Luas lines and the extension of Luas services from O’Connell Street to Broombridge. The time scale for completion of the project is 2017.Considerable upheaval will be caused in the streets affected by this project, including temporary bus stops and the closing of existing accessible parking spaces on a temporary basis. Information on such changes will clearly be important for passengers and motorists with disabilities, and members should visit www.luascrosscity.ie to see the latest updates.

All in all the Honda CR-V is a stylish, striking SUV that is economical to a fault and it more than warrants its best 4X4 of the year award from Total 4X4 Magazine.


VISIT US AT THE


in the RDS, Dublin.

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A4 DUBLIN BUS.indd 1 12/03/2014 20:34

SPOKEOUT

SPORT

A GREAT GAMEUp and coming table tennis player 18-year-old Colin Judge from Dublin recently drew attention when he won his fi rst international medal. Youth correspondent Rachel Creevey talks to him about starting to play competitive table tennis and juggling high level sport with a challenging degree in UCD

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Eighteen-year-old Colin Judge has had a busy year. Last summer after completing his Leaving Certificate, he began studying Actuarial and Financial Studies in University College Dublin

(UCD). For most people, that transition from secondary school to third level education can be quite stressful. Colin, however, seems to have taken it all in his stride; he’s even had time to win his first international medal at the Belgian Open in 2013.

Before we discussed his win further, I asked Colin to take me back to the start of his table tennis career. He tells me he started playing mainstream table tennis in UCD when he was 14. He attended IWA Sport’s summer camps and trialled other games like basketball and rugby but table tennis became his favourite. “I think table tennis is a great game. Anybody can play and enjoy it, no matter what their ability is,” he says.

Table tennis is one of the largest competitions in the Paralympics, with 29 medal events and nearly 300 athletes. Wheelchair table tennis and the able-bodied game are very similar with just a few exceptions. In general, players do not require any specialised equipment meaning some, such as Colin, can compete in both able-bodied games and wheelchair events.

In wheelchair table tennis, players are divided into two groups based on disability for classification purposes: wheelchair athletes cover classes 1-5 and standing players cover classes 6-10. Colin is a class 2 player and plays in single and team events.

Juggling his college timetable and his training schedule can be tricky for Colin. With the help of his coach Tibor Pofok, he trains in IWA’s Clontarf sports hall every Monday and Wednesday night (for two hours) and also commits one weekend a month to an all day intensive training camp. At the moment, his parents drive him to training sessions but he hopes that in the future he’ll be able to drive himself. “The independence would be great but one step at a time,” says Colin. With his commitments to his studies and his table tennis keeping him busy, Colin knows learning to drive will have to remain a long term plan for the moment.

While he feels that his first semester in UCD has gone well, Colin’s not going to become complacent about it. “First year has been pretty general so far, but you have to keep your foot on the pedal, keep on top of things,” he says.

Colin’s sporting activities extend further than table tennis. He loves swimming and heads to UCD’s 50m swimming pool as often as he can – sometimes even between lectures! “I really enjoy swimming and it helps me keep fit,” he says.

Outside of his sporting activities and studies, Colin likes to spend time with his friends and family. There’s no doubt that his friends and family are very important to him. “They mean the world to me – I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

He and his Dad are avid Man United supporters and they’re regular visitors to Old Trafford. “We normally go over

in April because my birthday is the 5th and his is the 6th so it works out perfectly, especially if they win!” he says.

Colin doesn’t have a particular sporting hero but someone he really admires is motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, who has a similar disability to his own. Nick was born with no arms and no legs, and travels the world speaking about life with a disability, hope, and finding meaning in life. Colin was born with one arm and no legs and he says Vujicic is a huge inspiration to him for all that he has done and achieved.

It was in October that Colin travelled to Belgium with the Irish Para Team to compete in the Belgian Open. He describes the tournament as one of “the best

62

“Colin doesn’t have a particular sporting hero but someone he really admires is motivational

speaker Nick Vujicic, who has a similar disability to his own… and travels the world speaking about

life with a disability, hope, and finding meaning in life.”

Colin at a recent training session


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SPORT

weeks of his life”. In the singles event, Colin had his first international win. And then in the team event, he won his first international medal (bronze) playing alongside team members Philip Quinlan and Ronan Rooney.

Another highlight of the tournament for Colin was when he played against a French Paralympic gold medallist. He lost the match in the final set but “it proves how well I can play and gave me great hope for the future”, Colin says.

At the moment, his studies are his priority but Colin’s ultimate goal would be to participate in the Paralympics.

SPORTS DIARY

“I really love this game...the more events I compete in, the more I realise how much I really want this to be my future,” he says.

In the meantime, Colin will continue competing both here and internationally. In March he will compete in the Nationals here in Ireland where he will play in the Junior and Senior events as well as the wheelchair events. Then mid-March Colin heads to Budapest to compete in the Hungarian Open and to “hopefully bring back another medal,” he says with a smile.

Nicky Hamill, Director of IWA Sport, looks at the sporting calendar for the next six months2014 promises to be another exciting year for IWA Sport with a wide range of events and competitions scheduled for all levels of participation. Once again, we will run recreational and competitive sports programmes in over eight individual sports to cater for all levels from first time athletes to our Paralympians. Additionally our regional multi-sport clubs will also roll out extensive programmes. We are grateful to our competition programme sponsors Invacare Ireland for their continued support.

2014 events calendar A comprehensive list of all national and international events can be found on our new website. Some key dates during the year are as follows:

Home competitions and events Basketball League Playoffs April 12th UL, Limerick Athletics Leinster Games April 26th Santry Basketball Cup Finals May 3rd & 4th IWA, Clontarf Athletics IWA/CPSI Senior Nationals June 7th Santry Archery Nationals June 21st Summerhill, Co MeathAthletics Junior Nationals July 5th Santry Members’ Summer Camp July 22-24 IWA, ClontarfTennis Nationals August 16th & 17th Riverview

Major International competitionsPowerlifting World Championships April 5th-11th DubaiRugby Bernd Best April 11th-13th Germany Archery European Championships July 26rd-August 3rd SwitzerlandAthletics European Championships Aug 18th-23rd Swansea, UKTable Tennis World Championships Sept 6th-15th China

For more information about any of our events or to get involved please:l Log onto www.iwasport.com l Like us on facebook l Follow us on twitter


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Angel Campaign & competitionsIWA would like to thank all its volunteers, members and their families, organisations, businesses, and supporters who kindly supported the Angel Campaign in 2013. This year all funds raised through the sales of Angel products will be used to support all services, but will be primarily invested into replacing, maintaining and servicing IWA’s fleet of accessible vehicles. In total €320,000 was raised.

Congratulations to the IWA Charity Shop in Clonakilty, Co Cork, who were announced as the winner of the Angel Shop Window Competition after they received the most votes in the online competition.

IWA Volunteer and OT Student Sarah English was selected as the winner of the Best Dressed Angel for her fun interpretation of a Disco Angel

Friends of IWA Monthly DrawJanuary 20141st Prize €2,000: Mary Ellen Gilmartin, Co Sligo2nd Prize €1,500: Chris Hoey, Co Cavan3rd Prize €500: Ann McMahon, Co KildareDecember 2013 1st Prize €2,000: Julie Graham, Dublin2nd Prize €1,500: Emily Gaule, Co Kilkenny3rd Prize €500: David Blennerhassett, Co Kerry

November 20131st Prize €2,000: Brian Gorman, Co Longford2nd Prize €1,500: David Toomey, Dublin3rd Prize €500: Paul O’Brien, Co MeathJoin our Friends of IWA draw for as little as €12.50 per month by contacting the Fundraising Team on Tel: 01 818 6418or Email: [email protected]


SPOKEOUT

FUNDRAISING

65

.

Tel: 01 818 6469 • Email: [email protected]

Join our team and help raise essentialfunds to maintain vital services provided

throughout Ireland.

For further information contact Irish Wheelchair Association on

01 818 6469 or email [email protected]

FR0114-1 Mini Marathon Spokeout Advert_Layout 1 30/01/2014 16:55 Page 1

Dublin City Marathon

Helen O’Connor, IWA, with Brendan Cummins, from Carbury, Co Kildare, who completed the Dublin Marathon in aid of the Association. This is the second time Brendan has completed the marathon on behalf of the Association, raising a total of €1,100 for the IWA Resource and Outreach Centre in Clane.


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67SPOKEOUT

NEWS

Q Mark awarded to ALS serviceIWA was successfully awarded the Q Mark for Quality Management Systems within its Assisted Living Service (ALS) in late 2013. Mary Smyth, Director of Quality and Standards, Policy and Member Supports, explains the significance of the accreditation

With over 50 years of innovation and experience within the sector, IWA has developed extensive expertise in the delivery of many important services. The

Association also believes that as a national organisation we have unrivalled understanding of the supports required to enable people to live their lives to their full potential.

The success of IWA’s Assisted Living Service has been a direct result of the person-centred approach that IWA has pioneered in the area of service delivery. IWA is committed to ensuring that each individual availing of Assisted Living Services in their home or community can maintain their quality of life and have direct input into the individualised service they receive.

In this context, the Association decided to seek accreditation for its Assisted Living Service and was audited by EIQA, the custodians of the Q Mark, in early December 2013 under the criteria necessary to achieve the Q Mark for Quality Management Systems.

The Q Mark is the recognised Irish symbol that guarantees the highest standards of Quality and Excellence in Ireland and the Q Mark for Quality Management Systems has been in operation in Ireland since 1982. The award is based on the principles of continuous improvement and independent feedback from the team of experienced EIQA assessors.

The assessment report provided following the audit set out recommendations to ensure that IWA continues to improve year on year. The audit highlighted the operational strengths within the service and also identified examples of excellent performances. It also provided IWA with the opportunity to see where

necessary improvements can be made, allowing the Association to continue to deliver the highest standard and quality service to members throughout the country.

The Assisted Living Service is operated and managed by a dedicated team throughout the 26 counties of Ireland. The achievement of the award was a huge boost to morale for all concerned as well as recognition of the great team work involved. I would like to thank all the staff and management involved for their contribution and congratulate them for successfully achieving the Q Mark for Quality Management Systems in 2013.

For further information about IWA’s Assisted Living Service please visit www.iwa.ie/als or contact Customer Care and Information Services on 01 818 6455.

“The Q Mark is the recognised Irish symbol

that guarantees the highest standards of Quality and Excellence in Ireland”

Christina, who avails of the Assisted Living Service, with her PA Cathy


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Athy celebrates 25 yearsOn Thursday 5th December 2013 members and staff celebrated 25 years of service in Athy. Originally the centre, the first of its kind to open outside Dublin, opened with fifteen members, and today over forty local

IWA Service Coordinator Monica McGowan-Hughes with local County Councillor Boxer Moran, receiving the award for Best Community Endeavour

Garda Band FUNDRAISER IN CLANEA wonderful fundraiser took place in Clane Parish Church at the beginning of October. Organised by the committee at IWA’s John Sullivan Resource Centre and very well attended by members, staff and the general public on the night, The Garda Band entertained for two hours with a range of fantastic music and song. IWA member John Fox got an opportunity to conduct the orchestra and conductor Pat Kelly presented John with his baton at the end of the evening. Special thanks to parish priest Fr Paul for the use of the church, and to The Garda Band for giving so generously of their time. All funds raised on the night will be used for further development of the garden at the centre.

Clane FETAC Awards

people come to the centre. Presentations were made to IWA staff Bernadette Quinn-O’Rourke and Damien Mitchell to acknowledge twenty-five years of service in IWA Athy.

Gerry McMahon, IWA Chairman; Sr Carmel Fallon, former manager of the Athy Centre; and members Bridget Brennan and Patricia Kane

Chris Hoey, National Director; Bernadette Quinn-O’Rourke, Administrator; Sr Carmel Fallon, former manager; Gillian Goulding, Athy Centre Manager; Damien Mitchell, Driver/Programme Assistant; and Gerry McMahon, Chairman

IWA member John Fox conducting the orchestra

During 2013 thirty-four members attending the John Sullivan Resource Centre in Clane successfully completed FETAC programmes. Courses included Textiles, Ceramics, Web Design, Horticulture, and Personal Effectiveness. This training is funded by Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board who provide a grant to run a variety of FETAC modules each year.

Back: Brian Kellett, Computer Tutor; Gerry McCarthy; Marita Thompson; Maureen Walsh; Gordon Smyth; Pat Nugent; David Rushe; Kafayat Nanna; and Elizabeth Sibley, Ceramic and Textile TutorFront : John Fox; Antoinette Nolan; Sam Cooke; Tom McGiff and Brigid Lally


SPOKEOUT

REGIONAL NEWS

69

Clane FETAC Awards

Annie Tanner and Damilola Alamu cut the ribbon to open the Watercolour Exhibition in the Bank of Ireland, Clonakilty

Back (l-r): Harry Bennett, Martin McCarthy, Sarah Benson (TY student), Damilola Alamu (TY student), Alex Shanahan (TY student), Annie Tanner, Pat O’Brien, John Nyan, Hazel Walsh (TY student), Jenni White (Water Colour Facilitator)Front (l-r): Sinead O’Leary (work placement), Gabrielle Winter, Jackie Maguire, Chris O’Brien, Caroline Crowley (TY student)

Since the move to their new centre in Clonakilty, service users have been offered a number of taster programmes to give them an opportunity to try new things, and to be in a position to make informed choices about the types of programmes they wish to avail of in 2014. One very successful programme has been the ‘Transitions’ art project, funded by the Cork County Council Arts Office. This project, which has been hugely successful in breaking down barriers, brought together service users with Transition Year students from the Sacred Heart Convent in Clonakilty to complete watercolour paintings. The service users had not tried watercolour before but this project tapped into their creative side and was a great achievement for those involved. The completed pieces were framed and exhibited in the Bank of Ireland, Clonakilty, where an official opening took place on

CLONAKILTY ART EXHIBITION

Honda run for Clane centreA group of thirteen Honda enthusiasts took part in a charity run last May from Kildare to Kerry, a journey of 175 miles, to raise funds for the John Sullivan Resource Centre, Clane. The group selected IWA as their charity of choice for 2013 because some of the group have family members who avail of services in the centre and have seen the benefits of the programmes delivered.

Fergus O’Reilly presenting the cheque to Helen O’Connor, Service Coordinator

Wednesday 4th December. The work was exhibited for the month of December, and customers commented how the paintings brightened up the building. Plans are already in place for another intergenerational project where a large mural will be created and placed in an accessible walkway in Clonakilty. The new IWA service has worked strongly to develop links with Clonakilty community since the move in July 2013.


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REGIONAL NEWS

Clontarf members donate to Chernobyl survivors

Members of the Sonas and Dochas Groups in Clontarf ROC filled 30 shoe boxes for Babushkas (elderly ladies) and Dedushkas (elderly men) living in Belarus. The boxes, wrapped in Christmas paper, contained small items including toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving foam, games of dominoes, packs of cards, craft items, gloves, hats, socks, jellies and necklaces or bracelets. Recipients are identified through Pashli (www.pashli.org), an organisation set up in 2006 to share the love and care of the spirit of Christmas, and to let Chernobyl survivors know they are special and that someone is thinking of them. The generosity of the Sonas Group was acknowledged by Pashli representative Kieran Taylor who gave a talk on the background of the places in which the recipients live and their lifestyle. There was a great sense of achievement among the group who will be assembling the boxes again for collection in early November 2014.

Pat Lyons, Dochas member presenting Kieran Taylor with a Dedushka box

Anne Lambe presents a box to Kieran Taylor, Pashli

Members and staff with Kieran Taylor at the presentation


71SPOKEOUT

CROSSWORD

The Winter SpokeOutDear EditorThe Winter SpokeOut was a bumper edition. So much about so many interesting journeys, from Maura and Kyra’s Camino trek, to Kiara and Nick’s honeymoon idyll. Jane Fennessy related how she has begun retracing her way back to physiotherapy, discovering its benefits anew, while Aine McDonald travelling from Mayo to the Carmel Fallon Holiday Centre finds it adds another dimension to her life.

In a time that can tend to tar all Voluntary Agencies with the same brush, it was interesting to read our CEO Kathleen McLoughlin share her understanding of what IWA is about. I found the account her own brush with disability quite inspiring.It comes as no surprise to me that SpokeOut should be shortlisted for Customer Magazine of the Year.Keep up the good work!

Yours, etc.Kevin Clancy, Cork

Rectified footpathsDear EditorDublin City Council and or its representatives recently undertook repairs to the footpath in my locality. The works left the dishing to the pavement not flush with the road, together with a lip and also a very narrow access for wheelchair users.

I contacted the City Council’s Access Officer and provided him with photographs of the pavement. The Access Officer duly informed the relevant City Council Department and it promptly rectified the pavement, providing dishing flush with the road. So the message is, if you want a job done, contact your local Council!

Yours, etc.John Graham, Dublin

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

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 2nd May 2014 and two winners drawn.

No 23 by Gordius

ACROSS1. The average king finds a

cove wherein to leave the car. (7,3)

6. Bucket. (4) 10. Turn on the spot. (5) 11. Dear. (9) 12. So flirt around with the one

with the bouquets. (7) 15. From the capital of Italy. (5) 17. Flow sluggishly. (4) 18. Way out. (4) 19. Scope, criteria for one’s

investigation, etc. (5) 21. A scrap of news which might

cut a dog or cat. (7) 23. Of little weight. (5) 24. Leave undone. (4) 25. The last word of a prayer. (4) 26. One who gives blood,

organs, etc. (5) 28. Wrestle. (7) 33. The state the freshly-bought

knitwear is in! (3,6) 34. Insurrectionist. (5)

35. One who takes your side in conflict. (4)

36. One who is growing into adulthood. (10)

DOWN1. Pontiff. (4)2. Glint over how disgusting it is. (9)3. Bury. (5)4. Estimate. (5)5. Snakes. (4)7. A mathematical ‘given’,

found in the wax I omitted. (5)

8. A falsehood in Arizona, for example, might allow the dead politician do this. (3,2,5)

9. Beg earnestly. (7) 13. Ferrous metal. (4) 14. It’s on the pizza?

Splendid! (7) 16. This alternative name for

deadly nightshade comes from the Italian for ‘beautiful woman’. (10)

20. Striped insect. (9) 21. Began. (7) 22. Mr. Kenny has upset the dean. (4) 27. Rail-post. (5) 29. Regal. (5) 30. Extra benefits accruing from

one’s job or rank. (5) 31. Availed of. (4) 32. Level apartment? (4)

CROSSWORD WINNERS FOR WINTER 2013 L Allen, Mountrath, Co LaoisS O’Riordan, Listowel, Co Kerry


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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

2010 HONDA CR-V 2.0 I VTEC ESAutomatic, fi ve doors. Fitted with electric hoist, suitable for wheelchair or scooter. 62,000 miles. Tel: 087 243 4179 (Tipperary)

RICON WHEELCHAIR LIFTPreviously fi tted to VW Shuttle. Cost €5,000, selling €2,000. Tel: 087 644 6339 (Kerry)

Wheelchairs, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

ORTHOPAEDIC ARMCHAIRSTwo chairs. Beige dralon. 25” wide. Tel: 067 31206 (North Tipperary)

PANTHERA 19” WHEELCHAIRAs new, never used. Value €4,500, will sell €3,000 and deliver. Tel: 086 088 4735 (Dublin)

PREMIER HEAVY DUTY MOBILITY SCOOTERPerfect mechanical order. Indicators back and front. Charger and two new batteries included. €600 ono. Tel: 087 673 0234 (Dublin)

POSEY ALARMPressure activated. Alerts one to attempted bed, chair or toilet seat exits by high fall risk patients. As new. €70 ono. Tel: 01 839 4365 (Dublin)

ULTRALITE 760/765 ELECTRONIC WHEELCHAIRAs new, never used, unsuitable present. Stores easily in car boot. Cover included for outdoors storage. €900 ono. Tel: 087 235 6806 (Dublin)

F55 POWER CHAIRPerfect condition, rarely used. Lights, perspex tray and battery charger. Requires batteries. €1,000 Tel: 053 924 0963 (Wexford)

STYLITE WHEELCHAIR New. 20”x24”. Cost €6,000, sell €3,000. Tel: 086 876 0631 (Cork)

BREEZY WHEELCHAIRNearly new. 22”x16”. Tel: 086 876 0631 (Cork)

HUNTLEIGH HEALTHCARE HOISTBought in JS Dobbs, Dublin. Cost €1,500, sell €750. Tel: 086 876 0631 (Cork)

HEALTHCARE COMMODE21” wide, 17” deep, 23” high. Fits over toilet bidet and toilet. €400. Tel: 086 876 0631 (Cork)

PROFILE BEDCost €1,400, sell €800. Tel: 086 876 0631 (Cork)

INVACARE MIRAGE ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIRBought in 2012, hardly ever used. €600 ono. Tel: 068 22066 (Kerry)

WANTEDWheelchair, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

SCOOTERMust be in prefect working order. To suit male 6’2”, Cork area/Munster region. Tel: 086 393 9671

RECK MOTO MED VIVA 2Moto Med wanted to purchase. Advertiser will collect anywhere in Ireland. Tel: 086 609 2951

FREEWheelchair, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

HOISTSuit car boot. Free to take away. Tel: 087 282 1515 (Dublin)

CALLING ALL GAA NERDS

Writer L O’Dare is retiring and looking to bequeath his GAA statistics database to a fellow enthusiast. 40,000+ results and 12,000+ players. Results are complete. Championship player statistics cover from 1940 to 2013 and the League player statistics cover from 1960 to 2013. Great online potential. Contact [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.


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To take advantage of this unique programme, talk to Tony Casey on 086 0272740, BMWACCESS Programme Manager at Frank Keane.

Finance relates to the BMW 316d ES model. On the road price including exemption; €27,844, deposit / trade-in; €2,500. Amount of credit; €25,344. 24 monthly payments of€299. Optional Final Payment; €23,160. Total contract kilometres; 30,000 (excess mileage €0.11 cent per km). Documentation fee; €75, completion fee; €75. Typical APR 10.7%.

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 BMW Dealer Warranty and BMW Emergency Service. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice. This offer applies to customers who qualify for exemptiononly. All finance is subject to status and available to over 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.

Visit us at the Care & Mobility Show, RDS on June 13th & 14th.

DRIVE A NEW 316 d ES FOR € 299 Typical APR: 10.7%

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