Training & Education by the Community Team The Right to Education

“States Parties recognises the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realizing this right without discrimination and based on equal opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and lifelong learning…”

Article 24 – United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. DFI agrees that Training and Education is an important tool to become more independent and ensuing that your voice is heard throughout the community. Recently DFI’s Community Development officer Áine has been working with SECADE Partnership CLG in East Cork working with the Ability programme which targets young people aged 18 –29-year-olds who are not currently work ready using a range of person-centred supports. Áine delivered Practical Self Advocacy training to 13 participants to build their capacity and to enable them to advocate on their own behalf when achieving their goals in their own lives.

Aims and Objectives of this course was:

To develop participants communication skills, confidence, and self-awareness. To encourage participants to identify opportunities for advocacy, both as an individual and as a collective. To educate participants on their rights and entitlements. To empower participants to become more active in their community and give them the knowledge to navigate local structures to influence change. To provide a platform for the development of supportive working and interpersonal relationships. During our third week of training, we had a fantastic disability activist based locally, Elizabeth Maddox, who informed the participants of the work she is doing locally and nationally. Her inspiration and deep passion of the work she does as a carer and volunteer had a great impact on the participants. She left the participants with “believe in oneself and keep working hard to reach your goals”.

If you would like more information on Training and Education to be delivered to your service please contact PJ Cleere, Development Manager pjcleere@disability-federation.ie