The National Platform of Self Advocates
The group is founded on the right of people with intellectual disabilities to be included as equal citizens with rights as outlines in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Platform aims to be the nationally recognised spokes organisation on policy and issues affecting the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. It aims to be involved through representation by its members in local and national policy making groups.
The 2017 Steering Committee of the National Platform
Brian Hayes
Leinster Representative
Maria O'Mahony
Dublin Representative
Martin Dooher
Connaught Representative
Christina Burke
Stephen Kernaghan
Mairead Forde
David Fraughen
Brian Carroll
Joe McGrath
Munster Representative
Dermot Lowndes
Sarah Jane Lavin
How we do our work for the Platform
Working Groups meet between meetings to do research and complete tasks. Working groups feedback to the steering committee.
All decisions are made by the steering group. An executive committee make emergency decisions when the steering group cannot meet.
The Committee organise regional meetings to tell people about the National Platform. They listen to what people have to say about their lives at these meetings.
Members of the Committee speak at conferences and hold local meetings of Platform members. The Platform want to appoint representatives in all areas of Ireland. Representatives will hold meetings and feedback issues to the Steering Committee.