NEWS UPDATE FOR IWA MEMBERS - Irish Wheelchair Association
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NEWS UPDATE FOR IWA MEMBERS
SUMMER/AUTUMN 2018 ISSUE:
Message from CEO, Rosemary Keogh
Launch of Changing Places Ireland
IWA Budget Campaign 'Is it cos of my wheels?'
Athlone host IWAS Youth World Games | IWA Sumer Raffle
IWA Members
Page 1 Compete in Tall Ships Regatta 2018
CLICK HERE TO BUY SUMMER
RAFFLE TICKETS ONLINE!
Closing date Friday 21st Sept 2018
Tickets €2 each | 3 for €5 | €50 per book
Sell tickets to family and friends to be in with a
chance of winning the Seller’s Prize of €200
Don’t forget to return your cards and remittances no later than
5pm on Friday 21st September 2018 to: Irish Wheelchair Association,
Fundraising Department, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3.
CEO’ Message
CEO Rosemary Keogh provides an update on IWA developments.
Welcome to the summer/autumn edition of
SpokeOut. As a member of Irish Wheelchair
Association (IWA) we endeavour to bring you
interesting stories, new developments from across
the organisation, and updates regarding important
campaigns and advocacy work which IWA is
undertaking on behalf of people with physical
disabilities.
I am delighted to present our new format for
SpokeOut, which is now in a digital version and can
be emailed directly to each of our members. If you
would like to subscribe to SpokeOut in the new
digital format please email customercare@iwa.ie
IWA works with, and on behalf of, people with
physical disabilities to drive positive change in
Ireland through the influencing of public policy, the provision of quality services and enabling
accessibility to all aspects of society. On behalf of our members and their families IWA are
recommending the Government finally tackle the fairness and equality issues experienced by
people with disabilities by investing in services that will dramatically change their lives. Or pre-
budget campaign has been recently launched and details about this can be found on page 13.
Please get involved in IWA’s pre-budget campaign by engaging with us on Facebook and Twitter
or visiting our website www.iwa.ie/budget
Every year, IWA needs to raise over €2 million to ensure that we can continue to provide vital
services to people with physical disabilities in their own homes and communities. We have
a number of exciting fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives over the coming months
including; an Abseil Challenge on Saturday, 6th October 2018 in Croke Park and also our national
fundraising campaign, Angels on Thursday, 8th and Friday, 9th November 2018. Find out more
about upcoming events on page 8.
Rosemary.
Page 3
Changing
Places
Thousands of people with disabilities need Changing Places toilets to enable them to get
out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities that many people take for granted.
Changing places toilets have saved people who have a significant disability from the indignity of
having to use toilet facilities that are not suitable to meet their needs.
Changing Places toilets are
different to standard accessible
toilets in that they provide more
space and extra equipment
for people with disabilities
and their assistants. Changing
Places toilets include among
other things: a centrally located
toilet with space both sides for
transfers/Assistants, adequate
space for a wheelchair user
(12m² floor area) and at least
two Assistants, a height-
adjustable adult size changing
bench, wash-hand basin
(preferably height-adjustable), and a full room coverage ceiling track hoist system.
Irish Wheelchair Association’s Access Advisory Team is actively involved in the Changing Places
Ireland Campaign that lobbies for Changing Places toilets to be provided in public spaces around
Ireland, is working closely with architects, engineers, business owners, outdoor venues, sports
facilities and public sector bodies advising on best practice in accessible design for public spaces.
IWA also recommends that Changing Places toilet facilities should be provided where possible
and offer technical advice on the appropriate design in terms of accessibility while insuring
compliance with Changing Places design criteria.
Page 4
We are very proud to inform our readers that over the past 18 months a number of new Changing
Places toilet facilities have been provided around Ireland. These include the National Gallery, IKEA
Dublin, Knock Airport, the offices of Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), and most
recently the National Heritage Park in Wexford.
IWA’s Access Advisory Team is also working closely with a company called Mobiloo. A Mobiloo is
a type of vehicle that contains many of the features that are included in a Changing Places toilet
such as a ceiling track hoist, adult size changing bench, toilet and wash hand basin. Mobiloo can
be used at outdoor events such as concerts and festivals; where a changing places toilet may not
be feasible. https://www.mobiloo.org.uk/
On the 1st of May, Irish
Wheelchair Association, in
partnership with Inclusion
Ireland, Disability Federation
of Ireland people with
disabilities launched Changing
Places Ireland at the offices
of the Irish Human Rights
Commission (IHREC). We were
delighted to have Minister
Kevin “Boxer” Moran join us as
one of our guest speakers.
Minister Moran informed
attendee’s:
“I am delighted to be associated with this initiative which aims to
provide those with disabilities easier access to Changing Places
facilities. The OPW are currently carrying out appraisals at our
heritage sites with viable solutions such as mobile units and
permanent structures being considered.”
The new dedicated website www.changingplaces.ie was also launched on the day. The website
contains useful information on Changing Places design criteria, registration and details on how to
start a Changing Places campaign locally.
If you require additional information on Changing Places Ireland IWA would be delighted to hear
from you. Please email access@iwa.ie for further details.
Page 5
Leaves are
Falling
Autumn
is calling
Trick or Treat youself
to some new
Wheelchair Accessories
for getting out and about
this Autumn
Wheelchair Solutions offer a range of adaptive aids
for a wide range of wheelchairs
Lightweight Dual
Airsafe Plug Wheel Powerstroll
The quickest and most
This excellent powerstroll will turn most
effective way to immobilise
wheelchairs into carer controlled powered €660
electric mobility equipment
for Autumn breaks at home €12 wheelchairs. It
takes the strain out
or abroad. Simply plugs into a
of pushing a heavy
vehicles standard charging socket
wheelchair and
and immobilises.
makes easy work
of hills, ramps and
gradients when out
Revara Gloves for Autumn strolls.
Glove with semi-covered fingers
and semi covered thumb.
Additionally strengthened Hydrant Bottle
at different strategic A simple, yet revolutionary,
places, especially way to offer access to fluid
designed for wheelchair at all times. Attach to your
users who prefer to have wheelchair so you don’t get
their fingers free. Available
in Grey/Black and Red/Black.
€15 dehydrated when you’re on
the move.
€20
Contact Wheelchair Solutions Today
Tel: 01 818 6453 Opening Hours:
LoCall: 1890 837 955 Mon-Fri: 9:00am–1.00pm and 2:00–5:00pm
Email: wheelchair@iwa.ie Sat/Sun/Bank Holidays: Closed
Showrooms:
Make sure to visit our website
Irish Wheelchair Association,
Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3 wheelchairsolutions.ie
Approved Supplier
Approved Supplier
Top Five Tips
for Travelling
Rachel Creevey, IWA’s Youth Service Support Worker is a seasoned traveller and
also a full time powered wheelchair user. Discover new holiday destinations at
home and abroad with her top tips for travelling with a disability.
When planning a holiday, especially overseas there are many things to consider. Once you have decided on your
destination, it’s time to start planning how to get there and where to stay. Some people work with a local tour operator
or if you’re like me you may enjoy planning your holiday and travel exclusively.
So, what I have learnt from my preparation and travels
abroad:
1. Research, research, research. Talk to people who’ve
been there - become well acquainted with Google, Trip
Advisor, and Lonely Planet Guides. There are lots of
helpful blogs written by wheelchair users too. Some I
personally have found useful are:
• https://wheelchairtravel.org/
• http://spintheglobe.net/dir/
• https://www.curbfreewithcorylee.com/
• https://www.simplyemma.co.uk/
2. Bookings: You know your own needs best and should
be in control of all the decisions that are made during the
planning process. If liaising with a travel agent, ensure
they are aware of all your personal needs and requirements, taking all aspects of accessibility into consideration for
the duration of your trip. If you are making your own arrangements, ask lots of questions and explain in detail your
personal requirements for travel, transport and accommodation.
3. Dealing with airlines / tour operators: During the online booking process, there will be questions as to whether
or not you require any special assistance. These initial questions about your needs might not be very in-depth, most
likely asking if you need any assistance to board the plane / ferry / train. Therefore, it is important to familiarise
yourself with the disability services and policies specific to your operator.
If, like me, you are travelling with a powered wheelchair, you will need to provide additional information about your
chair when travelling by plane. This includes; the chairs dimensions and the type of battery (a dry cell or lithium ion
battery is preferable).
4. Airport Assistance. As soon as your flights are confirmed, I would recommend contacting OCS (One Complete
Solution). OCS provide assistance to passengers with reduced mobility in Dublin, Belfast and Cork Airports. When
I began travelling with my powered wheelchair I contacted OCS in advance for some advice and found them to be
extremely helpful and a pleasure to work with. I now head straight for the OCS desk when I get to the airport their
staff accompany me throughout the airport ensuring the first leg of the journey is hassle free.
5. Rachel’s Top Tip. Keep note of all your correspondence with airlines, hotels, transport providers etc. Before I go away
I spend an hour or so gathering all my emails, correspondence and notes taken after phone calls and put everything
in one folder. I do this to ensure there are no disputes about what was agreed. This came in use when I was coming
home from Chicago earlier this year…I was waiting to board the airplane home when there was a question as to
who had confirmed the carriage of my chair…I was able to go to my trusty folder and produce an email from some
months ago agreeing to the carriage of my chair…Never mind the fact that myself, and my chair, had flown over with
the same airline just 5 days previous!!!
Happy Travels…
Page 7
Fundraising
News
Have you got a head for heights?
Join our CEO, Rosemary Keogh and take part in IWA’s 1st Abseil in Croke Park on
Saturday 6th October 2018. IWA are inviting people to sign up to this bucket list
fundraising event and abseil 100ft from the roof of the Hogan Stand in Croke Park,
Dublin.
Why not get a few friends or work colleagues together
and sign up?
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Registration is €50 and each participant must raise an additional €300 sponsorship.
Over 18’s only / no experience necessary / full training provided on the day
IWA’s Summer Raffle
Enclosed in this edition of SpokeOut is a
raffle sheet for IWA’s brand new Summer
Raffle which will replace the annual car
raffle. You could win a prize of up to €2,000
by purchasing a ticket for just €2.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
TICKETS ONLINE
A big Tesco thank you!
Huge thanks to all volunteers, community
groups and staff who took part in IWA’s National
Bag Pack in over 40 Tesco Stores nationwide
on Friday 6th & Saturday 7th July.
Page 8
Thank you to all our
amazing fundraisers!
The first half of 2018 has been very busy with all kinds of fundraising events
taking place across the country raising much needed funds for IWA.
We are very grateful to our schools, corporates, staff and our many individual
community fundraisers who organise these events.
Vhi Wome
n’s Mud Ru
n, Doneg
athon al
Mini Mar
All-Ireland T
Y Wheelchair Alco
Basketball C n,
hampionships Cork
Page 9
Tall Ships Regatta 2018
AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
The Tall Ships Regatta’s magnificent fleet sailed from
Liverpool, U.K., to Dublin, Republic of Ireland, and
then to Bordeux, France, in an exciting race in June
2018. During the seven days, three members of Irish
Wheelchair Association (IWA) joined the crew of The Lord
Nelson Tallship. Nicola McDonnell, from Drogheda, Co.
Louth, Martin Murphy from Tullyallen, Co. Louth, and
Tina Ward from Arklow, Co. Wicklow tested their strength
and training in this exciting opportunity of a lifetime.
The Lord Nelson is one of two ships which is specifically
designed to cater for people with disabilities, and is
fully accessible to wheelchair users. The experience
affords trainees the opportunity to overcome fears, push
boundaries and take on new responsibilities. Speaking
about the opportunity IWA member Nicola said:
“It was absolutely amazing, an experience of a lifetime.
Everyone took such good care of me, the crew, my
Personal Assistant who I wouldn’t have been able to
go without and even the engineers who helped fix my
wheelchair.”
Preparing for the race Nicola, Martin and Tina underwent
a rigorous physical training process and certainly got a
workout on-board the ship. Duties included hoisting the
sails, day and night watches, kitchen duties, steering at
the helm of the ship by compass and coiling the ropes.
The crew woke up in the third day of racing to a calm
beautiful day, but it soon became clear that no wind
meant that winning the race was no longer a possibility.
Fortunately, the crew did not commiserate their loss for
too long and instead retired from the race and docked at
Port Erin on the Isle of Man on the 30th of May
Page 10On the 1st of June the crew then headed back to Dublin
port, giving tours of the ship to members of the public
and celebrating their experience with a huge party in a
Dublin Pub.
One of the highlights of the entire experience for
Nicola, Martin and Tina was hoisting themselves with
the assistance of crew members up to the top of the
ships mast.
Each of the IWA trainees will remember time spent
together with the crew and building a comradery on-
board the ship, eating, drinking and working side by
side.
Nicola said “we made friends for life, and we are keeping
in touch, we are even planning on meeting everyone
again next year on the Isle of Man”. Martin also shared
her sentiment saying:
“the social end of things really made the trip, working
together and then relaxing in the evening talking, I
would do it again if I got the chance”. The crew was
recognised for their communication skills, winning an
award for Best Communication.
If you would like to register your interest in
participating in the programme next year please
contact Sail Train Ireland on http://sailtrainingireland.
com/
Page 11JLT IRELAND IS DELIGHTED
TO BE APPOINTED AS THE
NEW INSURANCE SCHEME
PROVIDER FOR IWA MEMBERS
> GUARANTEE to beat your
home insurance quote
on a like-for-like basis
> 10% DISCOUNT off your
car insurance plus many
other benefits & discounts
> Single and multi-trip
travel insurance options
For existing IWA scheme members looking
to move to the new scheme or new members
to the scheme. Please call our team today to
get your quote and to avail of the discounts
negotiated by IWA on your behalf.
Call 1890 700 744 or
visit www.jltonline.ie
As an IWA member this scheme is also open to your family members.
Family members can simply call us and quote IWA.
Terms & conditions Apply
JLT Insurance Brokers Ireland Limited trading as JLT Ireland, JLT Financial Services, GIS Ireland, Charity Insurance, Teacherwise,
Childcare Insurance, JLT Online, JLT Trade Credit Insurance, JLT Sport is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
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Dan McCarthy, Raymond O’Higgins. Registered Office: Cherrywood Business Page 12 Loughlinstown, Dublin 18. A member of
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Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc. Registered in Ireland No. 21622. VAT No. 0042175W. Private Company Limited by Shares. for IWAIWA Pre-Budget
Submission
As Ireland’s leading representative organisation, IWA works with, and on behalf of, people
with physical disabilities to drive positive change in Ireland through the influencing of
public policy, the provision of quality services and enabling accessibility to all aspects of
society.
In an environment where funding for disability services has not been increased in line with overall
economic recovery, it is critical for the Government to provide investment and funding to ensure
that people with disabilities are included in all sectors of society.
Persons with disabilities are more than twice as likely as those without a
disability to experience discrimination in all areas - at work, in recruitment and
in accessing public and private services.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission - Annual Report 2017
This will be the Government’s 3rd consecutive Budget where people with disabilities have not
been prioritised or where key issues have not been addressed. Irish Wheelchair Association on
behalf of our members and their families recommend the Government finally tackle the fairness
and equality issues experienced by people with disabilities by investing in services that will
dramatically change their lives:
In advance of the announcement of Budget 2019, IWA on behalf of our members and their
families have called on the Government to act on fairness and equality, by investing in vital
services that will dramatically change the lives of people with disabilities.
IWA Budget Recommendations:
• Increase Personal Assistant (PA) Hours by investing in an additional 500,000 houses.
• Mainstream Housing Supply; immediate frontloading of all housing action plans to produce a
supply of fully wheelchair accessible housing.
Page 13• Relaxation of the Housing Adaptation Grant Means
Test back to pre-2013 levels. an extra
500,a0ss0 0
is nt
ta
• Nationwide Accessible Transport System for all. personal
hours
• Reinstate Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility
Allowance.
urgently
needed
• Pay Restorations for Section 39 Disability
Organistations
IWA is also asking for the support of our members and we demand
7%
the general public to change the Government’s unfair
treatment of people with disabilities and to ensure
Budget 2019 is an inclusive budget for all, so that people
with disabilities have a fair and equal opportunity to live
their lives independently.
sing
of social hou air
h
to be wheelc
Get involved in IWA’s Pre-Budget Campaign ‘Is it cos of accessible
my wheels’ by sharing our posts on social media.
IWA has produced three videos to highlight the different
issues that we hope to be addressed in Budget 2019. IWA
CLICK HERE TO WATCH!
demand
15%
of all taxis t
o
be accessible
by 2020
IWA own
120
uses
accessible b
ide
country w
Page 14Happy
21st
Birthday!
Cuisle
Respite Holiday Centre
Cuisle is the Irish Wheelchair
Association’s National Respite
Holiday Centre
Over its 21 years Cuisle has blossomed,
enhancing its facilities in order to ensure respite
holidays are more enjoyable for our guests.
Cuisle is the ideal location where you can relax
in a friendly and accessible environment.
Whether you are a repeat guest or a new
customer a Warm Welcome awaits you in Cuisle.
Thank you to all our loyal customers
who have helped make Cuisle such a success.
Click here to visit Cuisle.com
Cuisle Respite Holiday Centre
Donamon, Co Roscommon
Tel: 090 666 2277 | Fax: 090 666 2646 | Email: cuisle@iwa.ie
www.cuisle.com
Page 15International
Wheelchair &
Amputee Sports
Youth World
Games
In July 2018, the International Wheelchair
& Amputee Sports (IWAS) Youth World
Games took place in Athlone, Co.
Westmeath from Saturday, 30th June -
until Friday, 6th July 2018.
The unique Games experience, gives
young athletes a wider knowledge of
team work and sporting experience
as well as a taste of the challenges
and disciplines for future and ultimate
participation at the Paralympic
Games.
The IWAS Games 2018 featured
athletics, table tennis and swimming
in the facilities of Athlone IT and
the Athlone Regional Sports Centre.
Athletes from over 30 countries
worldwide, split into three age
groups, Under 23, Under 20 and
Under 17, travelled to Ireland to
compete this summer. 17 athletes
represented Team Ireland in the
Games and competed in the Athletics
(Track and Field) and Swimming
events.
Over the week the Irish team took centre stage in track and field with Ireland performing strongly to finish
6th on the athletic medals table. By the end of the week the athletes impressively achieved 11 medals in
total which includes 3 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze, As well as a European record, 5 Irish records and many
personal bests.
Table tennis also saw remarkable performances by the Irish team in what was for many of the athletes
their first real taste of international competition taking home a Sliver class.
Page 16Speaking about the 2018 Games, Nicky Hamill, IWA Director of Sport explained:
“IWA- Sport is proud to support the International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports (IWAS)
Youth World Games. This is year was an exciting time for young Irish athletes and their
coaches and as the host nation we were so thankful that the impressive young athletes
received such strong local support in Athlone as they competed and performed for
Ireland at the highest international level.”
A huge thank you to Teleflex who supported the IWAS Games, who’s staff provided invaluable support
at the games though out the week. And a huge thank you to Bus Éireann who provided transport for
athletes and support teams and making sure all the impressive athletes will return home safely for their
well-deserved celebrations.
Click here to view a full image gallery from the games on our website
Page 17Superior Quality HomeCare
from Irish Wheelchair Association
IWA at Home provides home
support services to people with
limited mobility, physical or
sensory disabilities and older
people.
Our range of services include:
Superior quality home support
Services delivered nationwide
From 1 hour – 24 hours a day,
365 days per year
Fully trained and Garda vetted
personal assistants
Contact Us Today
LoCall: 1850 80 41 42
Email: info@iwaathome.ie
www.iwaathome.ieSmall Sma
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Page 19NEWS UPDATE FOR IWA MEMBERS
Irish Wheelchair Association | Tel: 01 818 6400 | Email: info@iwa.ie
IWA Spokeout Member News is produced jointly by IWA’s Communications Department.
If you would like to contribute, please email communications@iwa.ie or write to:
Irish Wheelchair Association, Communications Department, Blackheath Drive
Page 20
Clontarf, Dublin 3.You can also read
