Dear Minister Flanagan,
The closure of the National Platform of Self Advocates in January 2020 is simply an outrage, due to alleged funding concerns; which is run by individuals with intellectual disabilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
For those directly and indirectly involved, this must be prevented, as often disability services are one of the first in a line of savage cut-backs. Yet, for true inclusion to determine life choices, disabled persons must have full, meaningful participation in all areas of their lives, not as mere bystanders, jumping to the tune of non-disabled people with their outmoded policies, that do not come close to the real, everyday concerns.
I have a son, Ryan, who has autism, ADHD and epilepsy and in two and a half years time, he too will be an adult with intellectual disabilities. We need to give, rather than take away.
I presently work for Ability West with service users who have intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, etc. Believe me, all of these people are human beings, and thrive on experiencing laughter, embarrassing times and taking reasonable risks, together with all of the other things that make up life.
I am also a current student at St. Angela’s College, part of NUI, Galway, studying for a Masters in Disability Studies, Year 1 Certificate.
I witness disability on a daily basis, from a personal, work and educational lens, while structured, environmental and attitudinal barriers are still alive and kicking.
Please spread happiness and security for those very people with intellectual disabilities, while reversing this closure for good. The very last thing disabled people want is to have no service whatsoever, coupled with an ever diminishing voice.
No experience is richer than that which derives from the lived experience of disabled persons.
Please address this concern with the utmost urgency.
Kind Regards
Tony Gapper
Mairead Boland-Brabazon CEO /Leader L’Arche Ireland
Letter to Minister Flangan re National Platform from Mairead Boland-Brabazon
Donna McNamara
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you as a former constituent to express my deep concern at the news that The National Platform of Self Advocates is being forced to close due to lack of funding. I implore you to consider urgent action in this regard as the...
Jyrki Pinomaa – President Inclusion Europe
To Minister for Justice, Mr. Charlie Flanagan The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) clearly states that all people with disabilities have the right to be included in the community. The motto of the international disability...
Karen O’Shea
Dear Mr Flanagan From its very beginning the National Platform of Self- Advocates has sought to be an independent voice for people with disabilities and is unique in what it offers in this country. The Platform have researched, campaigned and offered their experience...
Richard Patterson
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing in relation to the recent announcement on the day referred to by social model of disability advocates and activists as International Day of Disabled People that the National Platform of Self Advocates “will be closing down [its]...
Inclusion Ireland
Letter from Inclusion Ireland to the Minister for Justice and Equality
Charlotte May-Simera
Dear Ministers, I am writing to express my serious concern about the recent announcement of the National Platform that they must cease their activities due to a lack of funding. This is the only independent advocacy organization, established over the last 8 years,...
Edel McSharry
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with regard to the National Platform of Self Advocates. As I’m sure you are aware, the National Platform is having to make the decision to close in the New Year, due to a lack of funding. It is essential that this does not...
Emma Burns
Dear Minister Flanagan, I’m writing to protest the imminent closure of the National Platform of Self-Advocates and to ask you to intervene to prevent the blow to disability rights in Ireland that this loss represents. Ireland was one of the last state parties to...
Disabled Women Ireland
Mr Flanagan, It is with anger and sadness that Disabled Women Ireland learned of the imminent closure of the National Platform of Self Advocates. It is entirely unacceptable that a state which spends a significant amount on “disability issues” fails to find and adapt...
Mark Kealy
Dear Minister, I am dismayed to learn that the National Platform of Self-Advocates have been forced to announce they are ceasing operations from January due to an absence of funding and support for their work. I have been involved with advocacy groups since the 1980's...
Centre for Disability Law and Policy
Centre for Disability Law and Policy, Institute for Lifecourse and Society, Dangan, North Campus NUI Galway. info.cdlp@nuigalway.ie 6th December 2019 FAO: Minister Charlie Flanagan CC: Minister Finian McGrath RE: Letter of support NPSA The Centre for Disability Law...
Adrian Carroll
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you to express my concerns regarding the impending closure of the National Platform of Self-Advocates, a national organisation led by people with intellectual disabilities to represent the voice of people with intellectual...
Maria Walls
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am deeply disappointed at the lack of on-going funding to support the extremely important work of the National Platform of Self Advocates. Similar groups exist in all other jurisdictions some called People First. They need adequate on-going...
Paula Brennan
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with regard to the National Platform of Self Advocates. As I’m sure you are aware, the National Platform is having to make the decision to close in the New Year, due to a lack of funding. It is essential that this does not...
Shelley Gaynor -ILMI
Dear Minster I am writing to you in relation to closure of National advocacy Platform. As the Former chairperson of Independent Living Movement ILMI. I know firsthand of the importance of having a disabled persons organisation to hear the true authentic voice of...
Desmond Aston – INHEF
This is a pdf of the letter written by Des Aston, chairperson of the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum.
Helen McGloin
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am urging you to engage with the stakeholders in the true spirit of partnership as suggested below by my colleague Susan Carton and ensure that this service and the valuable network and support is not lost. Best wishes Helen McGloin PhD...
Carmel Jennings
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to let you know of my huge disappointment at the closing down of the National Platform of Self Advocates due to lack of funding. How can you justify this decision? Functioning democracy depends on citizens having equal rights and...
Fiona Walsh
Dear Minister McGrath, I am writing to you to raise awareness of the importance of funding Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPO’s) and especially regarding the position of the National Platform of Self Advocates (http://thenationalplatform.ie/) which has stated it...
Catherine O’Leary
Dear Minister Flanagan, I write to express my disappointment at the announced closure of the National Platform of Self Advocates, Ireland's only Disabled Persons Organization (DPO) operated by those with intellectual disability. The consultation and involvement of...
Susan Carton
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with regard to the National Platform of Self Advocates. As I’m sure you are aware, the National Platform is having to make the decision to close in the New Year, due to a lack of funding. It is essential that this does not...
Sarah Lennon
Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with dismay at the news that the National Platform of Self Advocates is to close after almost 9 years due to a lack of funding. The Platform has been a critical voice for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland, a...
Letter from the Clare Public Participation Network
The Clare Public Participation Network sent a letter calling for urgent support for the National Platform of Self Advocates to Minister Charlie Flanagan. This is a pdf of the letter.
Inclusion Europe – Irish self-advocacy organisation closing down for lack of funding: “This is truly unacceptable!“
Yesterday, the Irish “National Platform of Self Advocates“, an independent self-advocacy organisation, announced they will be closing down due to a lack of funding. According to the platform, after having received financial aid by a philanthropic organisation, the...