June 2009 Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter

Issued on June 1 2009

Seeking Commitment to Disability In Advance of Local Elections

DFI has sought commitments from the main political parties in the context of forthcoming local elections. We must ensure that commitments to disability are understood, deepened and localised, especially in relation to the work of each Local Authority. Government prioritised disability in its own Programme and this commitment is under pressure. It is imperative that priority is given to disability at all levels of government.

We have sought the following commitment from the main political parties.

  • That the National Disability Strategy (NDS) be protected and advanced during the recession, while acknowledging the current economic challenges.
  • That implementation of the NDS takes place at local and community levels to ensure necessary supports to people with disabilities and their families.
  • That each Local Authority recognises its unique leadership position in developing, delivering and otherwise supporting delivery of the necessary services and facilities, through maximising its relationship with the voluntary disability sector and statutory agencies locally.
  • That each Local Authority develops a plan with routine evaluation with the intention of maximising the availability of services and supports for people with disabilities in line with the NDS.
  • That each Local Authority will routinely engages with the voluntary disability sector in a structured fashion to measure and discuss progress with NDS.
  • That each political party informs its local candidates that it is committed to the above approach.

Quite incredibly, the disability sector has experienced extremely severe funding cuts in the past year and this is now impacting in different ways on close to 500,000 people all around the country. Local Authorities and local politicians must always take an informed lead role in seeking to improve local disability services, and current local election candidates will be hearing this on the doorstep.

John Dolan
CEO

National Carers Week: 8th- 14th June

DFI is delighted to be a part of National Carers Week. This is our opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the vital contribution that family carers make to the lives of people with disabilities. Carers are key to the delivery of government policy. They are recognised in the Social Partnership Agreement, and are pivotal to the rollout of the National Disability Strategy, and without their valuable contribution, the Primary Care Strategy cannot work. Currently in Ireland there are 161,000 Family Carers and latest figures show that family members provide care to the value of more than €2.5b per year, the worth of which is more than monetary. These statistics provided inspiration for National Carers week. The theme of which is “Because We”re Worth It”. This year marks the third annual National Carers Week, with events taking place throughout the country during the week of 8th – 14th June. DFI has become the tenth national partner in Carers Week, joining The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Aware, Brí, The Carers Association, Care Alliance, Extra-Care, Headway, The Irish Hospice Foundation, and The Irish Read Cross. If your organisation is thinking of holding an event to celebrate National Carers Week or would like to support or involve yourselves in something happening in your locality, log onto www.carersweek.ie .

Joan O”Donnell, DFI , Catherine Aspell ( Family Carer/Brí) , Fair City Actress Una Crawford O'Brien,
Lydia O'Halloran, (Irish Red Cross), Regina Cummins (Family Carer/Headway), Frank Goodwin (The Carers Association), Rhona Morgan (Extracare). Liam O'Sullivan, (Care Alliance Ireland).

ORGANISTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting of DFI took place on the 20th May at the Carmelite Centre, Aungier Street. There were five vacancies on the Board of Directors. As five nominees were proposed for the vacancies, no election process was necessary and those five nominees were deemed to be elected. These were Des Kenny (National Council for the Blind of Ireland), Kieran Loughran (Headway Ireland), Joe T Mooney (Muscular Dystrophy Ireland), Paul Ledwidge (St. Michael's House), and Cliodhna O”Neill (Rehab Group). Deloitte and Touche were re-elected as auditors.

The Annual Review of DFI was made available at the AGM. The Annual Review can be downloaded from the DFI website Annual Review .

Seminar at the DFI Annual General Meeting

DFI hosted a seminar for member organisations after its AGM, which was held in the Carmelite Centre, Aungier Street, Dublin on Wednesday 20th May, after a number of presentations were followed by a workshop on the various issues. The aim of the seminar was to facilitate discussion on the challenges organisations are facing in the current climate, and how organisations can address and survive these challenges. It also provided information on the support services available from DFI for organisations.

There was a good attendance on the day with much enthusiasm and good feedback from the presentations. Toni Gleeson, DFI Support Officer gave a presentation on “Disability in the Mainstream Environment”, in which she reflected on the effect of change on organisations and the services they provide. This presentation endeavoured to challenge the traditional thinking, beliefs and behaviour of voluntary disability organisations.

DFI was pleased to welcome Josephine Keaveney ,from Disabled People of Clare, who gave a presentation titled “Responding to Change”. This was an insightful view of the changes that the organisation has faced in the past years and how, with good vision, foresight and commitment they were able to adapt to challenges.

A presentation was also given by DFI staff, Dermot O”Donnell, Cathy McGrath and Eleanor Reece on the range of services and supports that are available through the DFI Services Suite. These include supports in the area of the SKILL Training Programme, DFI Healthcheck for Organisations, access to Garda Vetting through the Garda Vetting Network, assisted by DFI and other processes to assist organisations with good practise and transparent governance. As part of the presentation on the DFI Services Suite, DFI welcomed Derek McKay, Managing Director of Adare Human Resources Management, who outlined the supports they can provide to organisations.

The aim of the workshops was to give focus to the topics covered in the presentations and to develop a discussion on these. The workshops were key to providing feedback to DFI from member organisations. The points raised will provide DFI with the necessary information in its efforts to support organisations in the current climate.
We would like to thank all for their contribution for a successful seminar.

If you would like any information on DFI Services Suite or on the presentations given at the seminar, please contact Eleanor Reece, eleanorreece@disability-federation.ie or on 01-4547978.

HEALTH

Charities Act 2009 & Fundraising Codes of Good Practice

The Irish Charities Tax Research Ltd (ICTR) has officially announced that they have been asked by the Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs( CRAGA ) to take responsibility for the implementation of the scheme for developing Codes of Good Practice for Fundraising, as set out in Chapter 5 of the Feasibility Study, http://www.ictr.ie/220408/final-report.pdf , prepared by Peter Cassells following an extensive consultation process with the sector. Technical assistance will continue to be provided by Peter Cassells and Siobhán McGee, and ICTR will be meeting shortly to begin work on establishing an Implementation Group, as provided for in the recommendations. They will shortly announce criteria for membership and an application and selection process for the group.

Charities will be expected to adopt and implement (as appropriate to their organisations) the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising, developed during the feasibility phase with the help of specially designed toolkits (e.g. sample complaints procedure, Donor Charter etc.) to be provided during the roll out phase.

The guiding principles are available at http://www.ictr.ie/220408/General-Statement-of-Guiding-Principles-Feb08.pdf .

ICTR will be working in partnership with the Department over the next three years to ensure the smooth implementation of the Codes of Fundraising Practice within our sector.

HIQA Standards for Residential Services for People with Disabilities

The Health Information and Quality Authority last month published the “National Quality Standards: Residential Services for People with Disabilities in Ireland.” The National Quality Standards outline what is expected of a provider of services and what a person with a disability, his or her family, and the public can expect to receive from residential care services.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Marion Witton, Chief Inspector of Social Services at the Health Information and Quality Authority said: “These standards promote a vision for how residential services for people with disabilities should be provided in the future. They embody the principles of enablement and possibility, they focus on what people with disabilities can do, when provided with the right support. Their publication today is a significant milestone for disability services in Ireland.”

The standards are grouped under seven headings which address quality of life, staffing, protection, development and health, rights, the physical environment and governance and management. Taken together, they set out what a good quality service for people with disabilities should be.

The standards have been developed following extensive consultation with representatives of those who use the service, their families, advocates and support groups, together with those who provide and deliver the service. They have been created to promote good, safe practice in all residential services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE), private organisations and voluntary bodies.

Unfortunately, due to the current fiscal climate, inspections will not be commencing on the standards immediately, and probably not for another year or so. However, DFI feels that it is important for organisations to begin implementing these standards immediately. HIQA has stated that they will be developing an online self-assessment tool and guidance to support providers in the process implementation. The HSE has also stated that they will be writing implementation of the standards into SLA”s. A spokesman for the HSE has stated “The initial focus will be on improving standards of quality and care within current resources and existing physical infrastructure.”

Elder Abuse Referrals on the Rise

The number of referrals made to the HSE Elder Abuse Service doubled last year from 927 in 2007 to 1,840 in 2008. It is likely that the true figures for people experiencing abuse is much higher than this, international studies would indicate that the figure is more likely to be between 3 and 5% of older people living in the community. Analysis of the number of cases handled by the HSE also shows that older people in poor health and / or those with a disability are at greater risk of abuse. This can range from psychological abuse to physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or financial abuse. It is important that all service providers be aware of the vulnerability of their client groups and make the HSE Elder Abuse Service information available to service users. The HSE Elder Abuse Service can be contacted on 1890 369 369.

Community Support for Older People

It appears that funding for the Community Support for Older People Scheme (CSOP) stopped the day after the April budget. The Scheme provided funding for personal security alarms, security locks and security lights for people over 65. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has indicated that the Scheme is being reviewed and will be restored again in September. The Minister expressed concerns that the Scheme has seen a sharp rise in demand over the last two years and there is concern that it has been utilised indiscriminately and that the alarm industry was driving demand for the Scheme. He has invited feedback from organisations over the period of this review. Age Action is keen to contact groups that were involved with Community Support for Older People (CSOP) and to get their suggestions on how the Scheme could be improved to ensure that it operates effectively and supports older people to live in their communities. If you or your organisation would like to make some suggestions on this, please contact Eamon Timmins at Age Action, 30/31 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2 or email Eamon.timmins@ageaction.ie .

End of Life Workshop Documents: Workshop Calendar

The Forum on End of Life in Ireland seeks to develop a vision of how modern Ireland can address the challenges of dying, death and bereavement. It offers an opportunity for organisations and the general public to discuss the issues they believe are crucial for people at the end of life. Workshops will be taking place from June onwards.

End of Life Workshop Calendar
Workshop NameDates:
Children and End of LifeWednesday 10th June
Bereavement GroupsWednesday 8th July
Older People: Group AWednesday 15th July
Older People: Group BThursday 16th July
Carer GroupsThursday 30th July

To attend, please contact linda.collins@hospice-foundation.ie
All dates/subject matter are subject to change so please call or check the website for updates.

TOWARDS 2016 / NATIONAL DISABILITY STRATEGY (NDS) Social Partnership Update

The Community and Voluntary Pillar continues a dialogue with the Government about a National Recovery Programme. Most recently the Government submitted a position paper to which the Pillar responded.

In its paper the Pillar reiterates its view that the Government”s analysis of the crisis is flawed, and that its identification of priority issues to be addressed in the recovery programme is incomplete. In brief, the social dimension of the crisis and of recovery initiatives is neglected by Government relative to its attention to the economic and financial dimensions. This is despite the well accepted fact that the social and the economic are in fact complementary bases for a strong state.

By focussing on the recent upsurge in unemployment, the Government”s analysis ignores the Irish crisis that was already imposing huge costs, including persistent long term unemployment, growing waiting lists for social housing, shortages of health and personal supports. The analysis also fails to mention the erosion of the social services infrastructure caused by budgetary measures that is worsening these long-standing problems.

The Community and Voluntary Pillar asks the Government to revise its priorities and planning. It emphasised the critical need for the Government to work out ways of protecting the most vulnerable and protecting the social service infrastructure. In addition the Pillar points out that the social partnership process needs to be reformed to properly engage with the community and voluntary sector if the crucial social problems are to be adequately addressed.

Reviews of Departmental Sectoral Plans for Disability

The five Departments listed below must submit, by October 2009, revised Sectoral Plans to replace those published in 2006. People with a disability and the voluntary organisations working with them have an opportunity during the next few months to feedback their experience with the programmes and practices over the past three years of the Departments (and / or agencies under a Department”s umbrella such as the HSE, FÁS and local authorities), and also to suggest ways for them to improve access to services and facilities for people with a disability. For example, the adverse impact of funding and service cuts can be highlighted.

In addition DFI would welcome information that it can incorporate into its submissions to the Departmental reviews. Please contact lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie
The Sectoral Plans and other information are available on the Department websites:

SOCIAL INCLUSION

2010 EU Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

The Office for Social Inclusion (OSI) and the Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) make up the National Implementation Body for preparing Ireland”s participation in the EU Year. There is a modest amount of funding (about €500 million) to cover organisation and events in Ireland. The planners intend to allocate some of the funding to projects by local groups.
The priorities for the Year set by Ireland are:

  • Child poverty
  • Access to quality work and learning opportunities with a focus on lone parents and people with disabilities
  • Integration of immigrants
  • Access to quality services with a focus on the homeless.

In the consultation process, DFI suggested that much of the funding be used to encourage voluntary and community organisations to take initiatives, particularly where organisations collaborate to enable people with a disability to participate in general community activities such as sports and children”s programmes.

The OSI website will provide information about the project, at www.socialinclusion.ie

NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Supported Employment Programme

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and FÁS presented their “action plan” for supported employment to the Consultative Committee on 11th May. The plan was presented as a response to the research report by the Work Research Centre (WRC) on the existing Supported Employment Scheme. The Consultative Committee is composed of practitioners with extensive expertise and experience in disability services, including DFI.

In addition to renaming the programme as “The Employability Service”, the Department / FÁS plan included numerous changes about which members of the Consultative Committee expressed grave reservations. According to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment the new scheme is designed to serve only “job ready” applicants with “medium” support needs, and them only for a limited period of time. On that basis Job Coaches would be expected to increase the number of people going through the scheme.

Representations have been made to the Department asking that the action plan be reconsidered. At present the plan fails to take advantage of the potential for inter-agency collaboration to enhance access to the supported employment scheme. For example, not everyone will be job ready without encouragement and the creation of pathways into FÁS services. Moreover, the plan is out of step with the comprehensive approach promised in the Department”s Sectoral Plan which would include all those with disabilities who seek to work, albeit with on-going supports. For further information contact Martin Naughton, contact details available at end of newsletter.

FUNDING

NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANTS 2009

The Health Service Executive has been allocated National Lottery Funding for distribution to community based groups and voluntary organisations under the following terms:

  1. Respite Care Grant Scheme
  2. National Lottery Grant Scheme

Applications are invited from groups and organisations involved in the provision of health and personal social services for once off funding for viable projects which can be completed within a reasonable period of time:

Further information contact 074 9189000, E mail: Joe.doherty@hse.ie .
It is also available for download on the HSE website .

Closing date is Friday 19th June 2009.

Create Ireland Artist in the Community Grants Scheme 2009

Aimed at: community groups and artists who wish to work together on an artistic project or event.

Max Grant Size: €5000 for projects of between 6 weeks and 5 months duration; €10,000 for project of between 6 months and 9 months duration.Closing Date: 25th June 2009.

Further details available from Create : 01 4736600

GENERAL NEWS

NUI Maynooth Certificate in Disability Studies

Leaders shoulder a lot of responsibility, which can lead to feelings of isolation – especially as the practice of Independent Living is not as widespread as once believed. It has become more and more clear that there is a need for specific training on the practice and development of Independent Living.

The NUI Maynooth Certificate in Disability Studies Course was redesigned and launched in 2004 as part of the University”s Continuing Education Outreach Programme. The course provides a platform for the discussion and development of disability issues in Ireland. The certificate is based upon the philosophy of Independent Living, and seeks to advance the Social Model of disability, which is increasingly seen as best practice in the development of policy and the provision of services for people with disabilities.

Course duration: October 2009 - April 2010. Course hours will be spread over two weekends per month.

The main aims of the course:

  • To develop an understanding of the Independent Living Philosophy
  • To examine a rights based approach to disability
  • To examine theoretical perspectives of disability

Key objectives:

  • To enable participants to critically evaluate their perceptions of disability
  • To equip participants with the knowledge and tools to effect change in attitudes
  • To provide participants with the opportunity to explore the barriers to inclusion
  • To give participants an opportunity to share experience and learn from each other.

Benefits

  • Increased awareness of theories and models of disability
  • Job opportunities in over 600 disability related organisations in Ireland.
  • Leadership & facilitation skills
  • Understanding of Disability Equality & Advocacy
  • Understanding of Social Analysis and the Environment
  • Improved professional practice
  • Understanding of experiential learning.
  • Practical knowledge for day to day situations

Assessment: Participants will need to complete 4 assignments to receive the accredited award.

Venues: This course will run in various venues around the country and will be accessible geographically to as many people as possible. Venues are to be confirmed.

Fees: €1,200

For further information please contact: Tel: 01 8730455, Fax: 01 8730998 , email at naoisecunningham@dublincil.org .

For the course pamphlet and application form please visit: http://www.dublincil.org/disability_studies_training.html

Physiotherapists Interested in MS in conjunction with MS Ireland and the Physiotherapy Dept at UL Spasticity Study Day

The Spasticity Study Day will be held in Bewleys Hotel, Dublin Airport on Friday 26th June 2009. Professor Michael PBarnes MD FRCP , Professor of Neurological Rehabilitation will open the day with an update on the management of spasticity. Other topics on the day will include an insight into the experiences of physiotherapists working in a spasticity clinic.
Fee €30 (includes lunch).

For further information and bookings contact susan.coote@ul.ie .

Newsletters

For information please contact the relevant organisation directly.

Ability - Newsletter of the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Tel: 01 4572329, E-mail: info@iasbah.ie

Arthritis Ireland - Newsletter—Tel: 01 661 8188 E-mail: info@arthritisireland.ie

Aspire - Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland. 01-8780027/9, E-mail: admin@aspire-irl.org

Asthma Society News - Tel: 01-8788511, E-mail: office@asthmasociety.ie

Brainstorm - Migraine Association of Ireland, Tel: 01-8064121, E-mail: info@migraine.ie

Brainwave - Quarterly Newsletter, Tel: 01 4557500, E-mail: info@epilepsy.ie

Care Alliance Ireland - E-mail: ndo@carealliance.ie

Clar na nÓg - National Youth Council of Ireland Tel: 01-4784122 E-mail: info@nyci.ie

Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland - www.cleft.ie/newsletter , Tel: (01) 2848227, E-mail: georginawade@cleft.ie

Community Exchange Newsletter, E-mail: info@activelink.ie , Tel: +1 667 7326

Connect - Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association. E-mail: info@imnda.ie , Freefone 1800 403 403

Community Workers” Co-operative – Community Work News. E-mail: info@cwc.ie , Tel: +353 (0) 91 779 030

Cornerstone - Homeless Agency http://www.homelessagency.ie/research/cornerstone.asp , Tel: 01 7036100 , E-mail: homeless@dublincity.ie

Cumhacht - People with Disabilities in Ireland http://www.pwdi.ie/news_events/newsletter , E-mail: info@pwdi.ie , Tel: 01-8721744

Debra Ireland Newsletter, Tel: 01 678 5044, E-mail: info@debraireland.org

Down Syndrome Ireland - Tel: 01-8730999, E-mail: info@downsyndrome.ie

Enable Ireland - Newsletter—Tel: 1850 204 304 E-mail: communications@enableireland.ie

Equality News - Tel: 01-4173333, E-mail:: info@equality.ie

E-Info Deaf Source— E-mail:: info@irishdeafsociety.ie . Tel: +353 1860 1878

Féach - Support to parents of blind and visually impaired children. Tel: 01 493 1896, E-mail:: info@feach.ie

Fighting Blindness - Tel: 01 7093050, E-mail: avril.daly@fightingblindness.ie

Frontline of Learning Disability -Tel: 01-2862649. E-mail: frontline@indigo.ie

GROWing - Information on Mental Health, Tel: 1890 474 474, E-mail: info@grow.ie

Guidelines - Irish Guide Dogs Association. Tel: 021 4878200 E-mail: info@guidedogs.ie

Headway Ireland - National Association for Acquired Brain Injury -“Making Headway”, Tel: 01-8102066, E-mail: info@headway.ie

Heart News: - Newsletter of Irish Heart Foundation. Tel: 01 668 5001 E-mail:: info@irishheart.ie

Heartstrings - Newsletter of Heart Children Ireland, published quarterly, Tel: 1850 217017 E-mail: heartchildren@eircom.net

Heatwave - Irish Raynauds Scleroderma Society, E-mail: info@irishraynauds.com , Tel: 01 2020184

HOPE - Huntington”s Disease Association of Ireland. Tel: 01-872 1303, E-mail: hdai@indigo.ie

Inclusion Ireland - Tel: 01 8559891, E-mail: info@inclusionireland.ie

Irish Deaf News - Irish Deaf Society. Minicom: 01-8601910; 01-8601878; E-mail: info@irishdeafsociety.ie

Irish Wheelchair Association - “Spokeout” , Tel: 01-8186 400, E-mail: Joanna.marsden@iwa.ie

Kerry Network of People with Disabilities - Network News 066-7180611, E-mail: kerrypwdi@eircom.net

MS News—Newsletter of MS Ireland. Tel: 01 6781600, E-mail: info@ms-society.ie

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland - MDI News Update Tel: 01-8721501, E-mail: info@mdi.ie

DeafHear.ie - Link Magazine - Tel: 01 8723800, E-mail: info@deafhear.ie , Minicom: (01) 817 5777

NCBI News - Newsletter of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Tel: 01 8307033, E-mail:: press@ncbi.ie , www.ncbi.ie

Neuro News - Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland, Tel: 01-8726338, E-mail: nfaireland@eircom.net

People First - Central Remedial Clinic Tel: 01-8057400 E-mail: vmmcutch@crc.ie

Post Polio Support Group - Newsletter, Tel: 071 64791 E-mail: newsletter@ppsg.ie

Poverty Today - Combat Poverty Agency. Tel:01-670 6746

Rehab News -Tel: 01-2057200 E-mail: dara.duffy@rehab.ie

Simon News - Simon Community, Tel: 01-6711606 E-mail: info@simoncommunity.com

SI News - Schizophrenia Ireland, Tel: (0)1 8601620 E-mail: info@sirl.ie

Social Housing - Irish Council for Social Housing Tel: 01-6618334; E-mail: info@icsh.ie

Speaking up for Advocacy – Citizens Information Board Newsletter on advocacy. Tel: 01 6059035, E-mail: mairide.woods@comhairle.ie or davin.roche@comhairle.ie

Volunteer Stroke Scheme News- Tel: 01-4559036. E-mail:: info@strokescheme.ie

Wheel E-Bulletin Tel:01- 454 8727, E-mail: info@wheel.ie

joanodonnell@disability-federation.ie

Disability Federation of Ireland is a national support and representation mechanism for voluntary disability sector organisations, covering all areas of disability and disabling conditions. There are currently over 100 voluntary disability organisations in the DFI Membership.

Fumbally Court
Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8
Tel: 01 454 7978
Fax: 01 494 7981
E: info@disability-federation.ie

Dublin Mid-Leinster
Anthony Carrick
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin South East, Wicklow (Dublin Office),
Tel: 01 708 0105
Mobile: 086 8206736
E: anthonycarrick@disability-federation.ie

Louise McCann
Dublin South City, Dublin South West, Dublin West, Kildare, West Wicklow (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 9189750
E: louisemccann@disability-federation.ie

Jacqueline Thomson
Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 3882600
E: jacquelinethomson@disability-federation.ie

Lillian Buchanan
Support Officer – Policy and Research (Dublin Office)
Tel: 01 424 0127
E: lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie

Dermot O”Donnell
Support Officer – Support for Organsiations (Dublin Office)
Tel: 01-4250125
E: dermotodonnell@disability-federation.ie

Dublin North-East
Joan O”Donnell
Meath, Louth, Cavan, Monaghan (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 3834587
E: joanodonnell@disability-federation.ie

Martin Naughton
Dublin North Central, Dublin North West, Dublin North
E: martinnaughton@disability-federation.ie

West

Michael Corbett,
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon
C/O DFI, Acres, Newport, Co. Mayo,
Tel: 098 41919,
Mobile: 086 3804750,
Fax: 098 41065,
E: michaelcorbett@disability-federation.ie

Marcus Hufsky,
Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal
St. Vincent”s Business Park, Finisklin Road, Sligo
Tel: 071-9150098
Mobile: 086 3811261
E: marcushufsky@disability-federation.ie

Toni Gleeson,
Limerick, North Tipperary, East Limerick, Clare
DFI, The Forge, Croke St. Thurles, Co Tipperary
Mobile: 086 6004526
E: tonigleeson@disability-federation.ie

South

P.J. Cleere
Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford
DFI, Tinryland, Carlow
Tel: 059 9179431
Mobile: 086 3811064
E: pjcleere@disability-federation.ie

Alison Ryan
Cork, Kerry
101 North Main Street, Cork
Tel: 021 4271752 Mobile 0874198796
E: a.ryan@disability-federation .