2005 Pre Budget Submission

Issued on June 1 2006

"This Budget truly represents a chance for the Government to demonstrate its commitment to vindicate the rights of people with disabilities as pledged and promised in the Programme for Government. In short, it is a moment of truth and time for Rights, Commitments and Action!"

Summary of Recommendations Budget 2005

Income

  • Introduce a Cost of Disability Payment of €40 a week for people withdisabilities currently in receipt of a means tested social welfarepayment. This to be extended to all people with disabilities insubsequent two Budgets.
  • Disability Allowance to be increased by €14 to €148.80 and to €82.70 over the subsequent twoBudgets as per NAPS review commitment.
  • Disability Allowance to be paid to all those in residentialcare.

Community Employment

Government tocommence mainstreaming of services provided through communityemployment to people with disabilities by allocating €17.5m. A further €17.5m per annum in the subsequenttwo Budgets.

Accommodation for People who Experience Mental Illness

  • Government to invest €11m to provide a range ofappropriate supports and training for all those who are long-stayin mental hospitals, and a further €11m per annum in the subsequent twoBudgets.
  • Government to invest in order to provide a range ofaccommodation options including crisis, respite, and supportedresidential accommodation.

Adults with Significant Disabilities

Government toinvest €50m in servicesand accommodation for adults with significant disabilities and afurther €50m per annumin the subsequent two Budgets.

Disabled Persons'' Housing Grant

  • Government to increase the overall allocation to the DisabledPersons Housing Grant (DPG) by €35m and amend the grant scheme sothat local authorities can recoup the full cost of DPG from centralexchequer funds.
  • Government to amend the DPG scheme to empower local authoritiesto fund 100% of the actual cost of work, in the subsequent twobudgets.
  • Government to invest an additional €20m in services such as personalassistance, care attendants and home help so that people withdisabilities are no longer dependent on their children for theirbasic everyday care. And a further €20m per annum in next twoBudgets.
  • Government should undertake a detailed study on children ascareers.

Funding for Voluntary Disability Organisations

Government toprovide additional core funding of €5m to build the capacity of thevoluntary disability sector. Government to provide a furtheradditional investment of €5m per annum in the subsequent twoBudgets.

Children as Carers

1. Introduction

In their agreed Programme following the 2002 General Electionthe re-elected Government stated,

"It is the opportunity to build a fair society of equal opportunity and of sustained prosperity on an island at peace with itself. We aim to be an inclusive society but there are those who still remain left out. It is a responsibility we will work with all our ability and all our energy to discharge with integrity.1

"Budget 2005 is a moment of truth and represents an opportunity for this Government to fulfil its commitments to people with disabilities and build the fair and inclusive society we all aspire to. To achieve this we need not only increased investment in this Budget, but a commitment to an enhanced and sustained investment throughout the rest of the lifetime of this Government"

Two years into their renewed mandate the Government has a greatdeal to do to deliver on the pledge to build a fair society and tomeet their commitments to people with disabilities. Indeed twoyears later, people with disabilities and their families remain onthe margins. For some people with disabilities services andsupports have declined due to cutbacks and a lack of Governmentaction in a number of key policy areas. The waiting lists for theDisabled Persons Housing Grant scheme have grown; there has been areduction in the services provided by community employment, and aslow down in the development of basic health and personal socialservices. This Government to date has also failed to address incomesupport for people with disabilities.

The consequential sense of disappointment and frustration isheightened against an economic background, which indicates thatIreland is now among the top ten wealthiest countries in theworld2. We acknowledge thatthe Government managed the global economic downturn well over thepast few years. What is important now for people with disabilitiesis that having experienced more than their fair share of economicpain for decades is that they begin to share some of the economic gain. Many people with disabilities are still living inpoverty or at a high risk of living in poverty3. Ireland also falls well behind otherdeveloped countries in terms of investment in healthcare and socialservices. Spending on public health services accounted for just4.9% of national wealth, which places Ireland 23rd out of the top25 wealthiest countries4.

This Government must take bold measures now if it to in the agreed Programme following the last election.Therefore this budget presents an opportunity for the Governmentwith three years left in its term to make a real difference in thelives of people with disabilities. Budget 2005 must signal a newbeginning, where decisions long delayed must be taken and actionsand investment long overdue must be implemented. However Budget2005 is but the first step. DFI believes that this Government mustcommit to an enhanced and sustained investment programme over thenext three Budgets in order to advance its stated objectives and tokeep faith with its commitments to people with disabilities.

The decisions announced on Budget day alone are not isolated orunrelated to other policy or legislative measures and actions takenby the Government. Decisions taken in Budget 2005 should complementother initiatives and developments, which impact upon the lives ofpeople with disabilities. In that context we welcome thepublication of the Disability Bill. Increased investment in incomesupports and community services for people with disabilities willbe vital in achieving the full implementation of the legislationand in underpinning the rights based approach. People withdisabilities now want the vindication of rights they already holdand this can only be achieved through an inclusive and supportivesociety.

In summary, Budget 2005 is a moment of truth and represents anopportunity for this Government to fulfil its commitments to peoplewith disabilities and build the fair and inclusive society we allaspire to. To achieve this we need not only increased investment inthis Budget, but a commitment to an enhanced and sustainedinvestment throughout the rest of the lifetime of thisGovernment.

2. Income

Cost of Disability Payment

People with disabilities incur many extra but ordinary costs asa result of their disability and therefore DFI calls on theGovernment to introduce a Cost of Disability Payment scheme inBudget 2005. Having examined the issue both the Commission on theStatus of People with Disabilities and the National Economicand Social Forum6 haverecommended this payment. The Commission Report sets out the areasin which people with disabilities incur extra costs and to whichthis payment would contribute.

  • Equipment
  • Mobility and Communications (travel and telephone)
  • Living Costs (heating, food and clothing)
  • Medical
  • Care and Assistance (including personal assistants)

As a result of a commitment in the Programme for Prosperity andFairness, an interdepartmental working group was set up in 2000 toexamine the feasibility of introducing a Cost of Disability PaymentScheme. As part of this process the National Disability Authorityalso commissioned and recently published research into this issue.The findings of this research "Disability and the Cost ofLiving"7 is based oninternational evidence and suggests that the extra cost of livingimposed by a disability is approximately €40 per week.

"A Cost of Disability Payment in line with the recommendation of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, and the NESF and NDA reports would not only alleviate the problem of deprivation and poverty, but address issues such as equality and participation"

The need for action is also evident from a recent Department ofSocial and Family Affairs Report8, which showed that 66.5% of people withdisabilities or those who are long-term ill fall below the 60%level of medium income, with 22.5% experiencing basic deprivation.DFI is aware that while the Government is considering the results of these reports, people with disabilities continue tolive in poverty.

A Cost of Disability Payment in line with the recommendation ofthe Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, and theNESF and NDA reports would not only alleviate the problem ofdeprivation and poverty, but address issues such as equalityand should receive this payment by the end of this Government''s termof office. However as a first step towards this, in Budget 2005 theGovernment should introduce a Cost of Disability Payment of€40 a week for peoplewith disabilities currently in receipt of a social welfare meanstested payment.

DFI Recommends

In Budget 2005,Government to introduce a Cost of Disability Payment of€40 a week for peoplewith disabilities currently in receipt of a means tested socialwelfare payment. This payment to be extended to all people withdisabilities in the subsequent two Budgets.

Disability Allowance

Disability Allowance (DA) is paid to people with disabilitieswho are unable to work. Unfortunately the levels of unemploymentamong people with disabilities remains high. While the nationalunemployment rate is currently 4.2% (CSO 2004) it is estimated that70% of people with disabilities are unemployed (Combat PovertyAgency 1998). Government needs to undertake proactive measures tofacilitate the transition of people with disabilities from socialwelfare into training and employment.

Unemployment, poverty and disability remain inextricably linkedin Ireland. To tackle this will involve improving the incomesupports available. DA is currently only €134.80 per week, while the averageindustrial wage is €8.69 (CSO 2004).

Government must increase DA by€47.90 to €182.70 over the next three Budgets.Therefore DA should be increased by €14.

In the review ofthe National Anti Poverty Strategy (NAPS) the Government committeditself to

"achieve a rate of €150 in 2002 terms for the lowest rates of social welfare to be met by 2007"9

which is equivalent to 30% of gross average industrial earnings for the lowest social welfare payments. To meet its NAPs commitment the Government must increase DA by €47.90 to €182.70 over the next three Budgets10. Therefore DA should be increased by €14 to €148.80 in Budget 2005.

Finally, but most urgently, we call on Government to payDisability Allowance to all those in residential care and end theongoing discrimination towards those who entered residential careprior to 1999 and who are currently deemed ineligible for DA.

DFI Recommends

  • In Budget 2005 Disability Allowance to be increased by€14 to €48.80 and to €182.70 over the subsequent twoBudgets in line with the commitment in the NAPS review.
  • In Budget 2005 Disability Allowance to be paid to all those inresidential care.

3. Community Services

Properly resourced community services are essential for peoplewith disabilities to enable them to live with dignity andindependence in their community. However community services arestill grossly under-funded and underdeveloped. DFI warmly welcomedthe Government''s policy decision to mainstream services for peoplewith disabilities across all government departments and agencies.However for mainstreaming to become a reality a significant andsustained investment in community services is required.

"Properly resourced community services are essential for people with disabilities to enable them to live with dignity and independence in their community"

Properly resourced community services also facilitate people tolead healthier, more fulfilling lives and allow them to participateand contribute as full and equal citizens in society. A significantand sustained investment by the State in community services wouldnot only provide long term benefits for the individual, but forthe whole community and society. Such an analysis is consistent withthe concept of Population Health, which is taking centre stage,internationally and nationally in the strategic development ofhealth and social care services. The cost of the investment incommunity services will be offset by the positive impact it willhave on individuals, their families and society as a whole.

Community Employment

In its Programme for Government this Coalition said

"We are committed to building service provision and legislative frameworks which enable people with disabilities to fulfil their potential and make a full contribution to the economic and social life of our country."11

To date this Government has failed to advance this commitment inthe area of Community Employment (CE). Indeed after fifteen yearsof unprecedented growth and development in our country, CE schemesremain one of the main mechanisms for the delivery of services forpeople with disabilities. Instead of CE being complimentary to awell-funded and structured service for people with disabilities, CEworkers are now one of the primary providers of services.

"Instead of CE being complimentary to a well- funded and structured service for people with disabilities, CE workers are now one of the primary providers of services"

CE puts considerable strain and pressure on the service usersand on the organisations providing services. They lose highlyexperienced, well-trained and committed staff on an ongoing basiswhen their time on CE expires. The voluntary organisationsproviding services have to repeatedly induct new participants, whoin turn have to acquire skills and experience and most importantlydevelop relationships with service users.

Three years ago the current Government proposed to mainstreamall health related support services provided through CE. The HealthBoards and organisations providing services prepared and submitteda report12 in preparation forthe transfer of these posts from the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment to the Department of Health and Children.However to date the Government has failed to provide the resourcesto implement this commitment and mainstream these posts.

As a result threeyears later approximately 3,600 CE workers currently provide healthrelated support services to well over 6,000 people withdisabilities and others.

In the review of its Programme in August 2004 the Governmentrepeated this commitment

"this Government is committed to provide the necessary support services to enable people with disabilities to achieve their potential. The ongoing development of these services will remain one of our priorities"13.

DFI calls on the Government to begin the mainstreaming of services for people with disabilities in Budget 2005.

DFI Recommends

In Budget 2005the Government commences the mainstreaming of services providedthrough CE schemes to people with disabilities by allocating€17.5m14. A further €17.5m per annum should be allocatedin the subsequent two Budgets.

Accommodation for People who Experience Mental Illness

The inexcusable lack of community-based accommodation isresulting in people who experience mental illness living long-termin mental health hospitals. People who experience mental illnessrequire a range of accommodation options including crisis, respite,and supported residential accommodation. Having access to a rangeof accommodation would enable people who experience mental illnessto live in the community and decrease their need to stay long-termin hospital.

"The inexcusable lack of community-based accommodation is resulting in people who experience mental illness living long-term in mental health hospitals"

The Report "Activities of Irish Psychiatric Services2002" identified that there were 2,219 people resident inpsychiatric hospitals for over a year, 1,537 of these were residentfor more than five years. In relation to this issue the Inspectorof Mental Hospitals Report for Year Ending 2002 states that

"other major frustrations encountered during the year included the lack of provision by local housing authorities of housing for the mentally ill and the associated difficulty of procuring community accommodation in the private sector because of support and cost factors. As a result, many in-patients had to remain in hospital unnecessarily."

The Government has acknowledged this issue by announcing a planto build community based accommodation for people who experiencemental illness by selling 200 acres of land at 14 mental hospitals.DFI welcomes this development and calls for a three year investmentprogramme of an additional €15,000 per capita to be invested inproviding supports and training to enable people who experiencemental illness to live as independently as possible.

DFI Recommends

  • In Budget 2005, Government invests €11m15 to provide a range of appropriatesupports and training for people who are long-stay in mentalhospitals, and €11m perannum in two subsequent Budgets.
  • Government to invest in order to provide a range ofaccommodation options including crisis, respite, and supportedresidential accommodation. Accommodation to offer peoplerehabilitation and empowerment towards recovery.

In the Programme for Government the Coalition partners statedthey would

"complete the programme of expansion of appropriate care places for people with disabilities"16

This commitment must be advanced in Budget 2005 and is of particular urgency for adults with significant disabilities. This group formally referred to, as "young chronic sick" are a cohort of people aged between 18 and 65 who have either been born with or acquired a significant disability. This group includes many with a progressive neurological condition and many who have an acquired brain injury. The lack of appropriate accommodation for this group in the community means that many of them end up living in acute hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly. This situation is wholly inappropriate and a vast waste of resources. A substantial number of adults with significant disabilities living in the community are living with their families, who experience enormous pressure due to the limited support available to them. The Department of Health and Children have identified 914 people nationally17 who are awaiting appropriate accommodation.

"A substantial number of adults with significant disabilities living in the community are living with their families, who experience enormous pressure due to the limited support available to them. The Department of Health and Children have identified 914 people nationally who are awaiting appropriate accommodation"

The experience of this group is one of inadequate specialist,residential, respite and day services. Community services essentialfor supported living continue to be inadequate. The BaconReport18 highlighted thecritical shortage of therapy and allied care staff in thecommunity. A further constraint exists in relation to psychologicalservices and ''challenging behaviour'' programmes, which aregenerally not standardised or comprehensive, and in some areas, arenot available. Accommodating the needs of this group requires alevel of expertise that is not always available to everyagency.

The costs for providing services to any one of the peopledescribed here is individual to the person and his or her needs.However reports for various Health Boards and organisationsproviding services estimate that costs vary from €50,000 for basic community supportsto €250,000 for a fullservice for a person with one to one needs or challengingbehaviour. In the National Health Strategy19 the Government also committed itselfto a "Programme of investment" to enhance

"Home support services, respite care, day care places, residential care including additional places for people with chronic conditions, other multi- disciplinary support services and Aids and Appliances".

We are now calling on the Government to implement theircommitments in both the Programme for Government and the NationalHealth Strategy to adults with significant disabilities in thisBudget and the subsequent two Budgets. DFI believes that theGovernment must invest at least €50m20 per annum over the next three years toaddress the needs of adults with significant disabilities.

DFI Recommends

In Budget 2005Government to invest €50m in services and accommodationfor adults with significant disabilities and a further €50m per annum in the subsequent twobudgets.

Disabled Persons Housing Grant

To date successive Governments have failed to adequately addressthe housing needs of people with disabilities. As a result manypeople with disabilities are trapped in inaccessible, unsuitableand potentially dangerous homes. Adaptations are therefore notlifestyle choices but basic necessities. The Commission on theStatus of People with Disabilities also acknowledged the importanceof housing when it stated that

"housing provides much more than shelter in modern society: it is the base from which people participate in society and can reflect as well as dictate their level of participation".21

The lack of action in relation to the housing needs of peoplewith disabilities is reflected in the DPG waiting lists, whichcontinue to grow in many local authority areas. The DPG schemelacks uniformity and as a result Local Authorities are usingdifferent criteria for assessment. Also at present LocalAuthorities can only recoup 67% of the grant from the Department ofthe Environment, Heritage and Local Government and have to source33% from their own resources. Due to a lack of resources, someLocal Authorities are having difficulty in funding all theapplications they receive for this grant. The resultant waitinglists in some Local Authorities are delaying urgent adaptations andcausing unnecessary hardship for people with disabilities. Toovercome these problems, DFI calls on the Government not only tointroduce a uniform national scheme but also to fund localauthorities for the full cost of the grant.

"To date successive Governments have failed to adequately address the housing needs of people with disabilities. As a result many people with disabilities are trapped in inaccessible, unsuitable and potentially dangerous homes"

At present the scheme only pays at the very most 90% of the costof the adaptations, up to a maximum amount of €20,320. In light of the real costof building work, and the fact that many people with disabilitiesare living in poverty, the current provisions of the grant schemeare totally inadequate. We are calling on the Government to cover100% of the costs of the adaptations.

In 2003 theGovernment undertook and completed a national review of the DPGscheme. However as of September 2004 the Government has notpublished this review. DFI calls on the Government to publish thisimportant review immediately and introduce common national criteriaand ensure that the scheme is implemented uniformly across thecountry.

DFI Recommends

  • In Budget 2005, Government to increase the overall allocationto DPG by €35m to€100m and amend thegrant scheme so that Local Authorities can recoup the full cost ofDPG from central exchequer funds
  • Government to increase the allocation and amend the DPG schemeto empower Local Authorities to fund 100% of the actual cost ofapproved building work for adaptations in the subsequent twoBudgets.

Children as Carers

The position and plight of carers in Ireland has long beenignored and unrecognised. In recent years some limited progress hasbeen made in acknowledging the invaluable role and offering somesupport to adult carers. However to date the State has failed toacknowledge or address the phenomenon of children acting as eitherfull or part time carers for parents and or siblings. As a resultof inadequate funding for community and support services, peoplewith disabilities often have no option but to rely on theirchildren for basic care needs. Many children under the age of 18,some as young as 7, are carrying out, often on a regular basissignificant caring tasks and are assuming a level of responsibilitymore normally associated with adulthood. These tasks include:

  • Children giving general care such as assisting with mobilityand dispensing medication.
  • Children performing a range of intimate care tasks such astoileting and bathing.
  • Children undertaking a range of domestic tasks and trying toprovide emotional support.

Children are liable to suffer physically, emotionally, sociallyand educationally as a result of the burden of caring for a parentand or sibling with a disability. It is clear that the lack ofState action on this issue is in contravention of the UN Conventionon the Rights of the Child, which Ireland has signed andratified22. The Conventionstates that the child has the right to rest and to engage inleisure, play and recreational activities and to participate in cultural andartistic activities (Article 31) and that the State has anobligation to protect children from engaging in work thatconstitutes a threat to their health, education or development(Article 32).

"As a result of inadequate funding for community and support services, people with disabilities often have no option but to rely on their children for basic care needs"

At present there are no definitive statistics on the number ofchild carers in Ireland. We do know from the last Census that 2,996young people between the ages of 15 and 17 were caring for a familymember.23 Using comparablestudies in the UK24 and the2002 census figure it would indicate that there are up to 10,000child carers in Ireland. However until the Government undertakes aproper analysis and study we will not know the true extent ofchildren as carers.

DFI want to promote a solution that acknowledges the rights ofthe child, without undermining the rights of the person with thedisability. Therefore the Government must adopt a holistic approachto this issue, which addresses the needs of the child and the needsof the person with a disability.

DFI Recommends

  • In Budget 2005, Government to invest an additional €20m in services such as personalassistance, care attendants and home help so that people withdisabilities are no longer dependent on their children for theirbasic everyday care. A further €20m per annum should be invested inthe subsequent two Budgets.
  • In Budget 2005, Government should undertake a comprehensive anddetailed study and analysis to ascertain the true extent and needsof children as carers in Ireland.

Voluntary disability organisations continue to be the primaryproviders of a range of services and supports for people withdisabilities. Voluntary disability organisations work directly withpeople with disabilities to support them

One study in the UK indicated that about 1.4% of children and young people between the ages of 5 and 15 provided informal care. If we were to accept that roughly 1.4% of children between these ages in Ireland were carers (as compared to 4.8% for the population as a whole) that would indicate that about 7,000 children between the ages of 5 and 14 were child carers to gain their primary health and social needs, to support them and their family members to live with disability, and generally to build the capacity of each individual to achieve his or her optimum standard of life. They operate at a grassroots level, tackling local disability issues through the support of individuals and groups in their own area. They are also working to promote and build the capacity of individuals to self-advocate. They are therefore more than about the provision of services and supports, they are key to building a more inclusive society and in providing a sector of society with a voice to articulate their views and visions. As the White Paper "Supporting Voluntary Activity" states

"An active Community and Voluntary sector contributes to a democratic, pluralist society, provides opportunities for the development of decentralised and participative structures and fosters a climate in which the quality of life can be enhanced for all".25

"The voluntary disability sector represents extraordinary value for money for the State given the high standard of professional delivery of a diversity of services and supports, which they continue to undertake"

DFI acknowledges that in recent years the State has increasedthe levels of financial support to the voluntary disability sectorand has begun to enter into real dialogue and partnerships,however, much remains to be done. Additionally if the Staterecognises as it does in the White Paper that the voluntary sectoris about more than the provision of services, then funding streamsshould reflect that position. Therefore as well as funding beingprovided for services and specialist projects, the State shouldalso provide direct core funding to build the capacity of thevoluntary disability sector.

The voluntary disability sector represents extraordinary valuefor money for the State given the high standard of professionaldelivery of a diversity of services and supports, which theycontinue to undertake. However the persistent under-funding ofvoluntary disability organisations places unnecessary and extraburden on staff and the organisations as a whole. The State mustalso address the manner in which it funds voluntary disabilityorganisations, especially the systems and procedures it applieswhich hinder rather than help the organisations to provide the services and supports that arebadly required.

DFI Recommends

In Budget 2005Government to provide additional core funding of €5m to build the capacity of thevoluntary disability organisations. Government to provide a furtheradditional investment of €5m per annum, in the subsequent twoBudgets.

4. Conclusion

People with disabilities require sufficient income and properlyresourced community services to participate as full and equalcitizens in Irish society. Ireland is no longer a poor countrywhere people with disabilities and other marginalised groups shouldexpect or have to accept second best. The performance of the Irisheconomy over the past decade and its underlying strength asconfirmed by the recent Government Economic Review26 indicate that the resources areavailable. The key question now for this Government is whether ithas the political will to deliver on its election promises topeople with disabilities.

"When our duty is done and our mandate is complete, we pledge that five years from now we will have a country transformed from the country we found ten years before. That is our mandate and that is our pledge".27

To date this Government is far from fulfilling its pledge topeople with disabilities. The last two years has undoubtedly been afrustrating and disappointing period for people with disabilities.For all those working to ensure that the needs, rights andaspirations of people with disabilities are addressed in acomprehensive manner this period has been a lost opportunity. Theupcoming budget will be very significant, since it can signal thestart of a three-year significant and sustained programme ofinvestment in income support and community services for people withdisabilities. This Budget truly represents a chance for theGovernment to demonstrate its commitment to vindicate the rights ofpeople with disabilities as pledged and promised in the Programmefor Government. In short it is a moment of truth and time forRights, Commitments and Action!

DFI - National Council and Associate Membership 2004

  • Action for Mobility
  • AHEAD
  • Alzheimer Society of Ireland
  • Anne Sullivan Centre*
  • APT
  • Arthritis Foundation of Ireland
  • ASPIRE
  • Asthma Society of Ireland
  • AWARE
  • BIH Housing Association
  • Bodywhys*
  • Brainwave
  • Caring and Sharing Association
  • DEBRA Ireland
  • Diabetes Federation of Ireland Southern Regional Office*
  • Disabled Drivers Association
  • Disabled People of Clare
  • Doorway to Life
  • Dyslexia Association of Ireland
  • Dyspraxia Association of Ireland*
  • Enable Ireland
  • Féach*
  • Fibromyalgia Support Group (Midlands)*
  • Fighting Blindness
  • Focus Ireland
  • Migraine Association of Ireland*
  • Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland
  • Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
  • Myasthenia Gravis Association*
  • National Association for Deaf People
  • National Council for the Blind of Ireland
  • National Federation of Arch Clubs
  • Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland
  • Noinin Support for Autism*
  • North West MS Therapy Centre
  • Out and About Association*
  • Parkinsons Association of Ireland
  • Peacehaven Trust*
  • Center for Independent Living Carmichael House
  • Footsteps, Down Syndrome Ireland
  • Peter Bradley Foundation*
  • Post Polio Support Group
  • Central Remedial Clinic
  • Galway County Association for Mentally Handicapped Children*
  • Reach Ireland
  • Centre for Independent Living Blanchardstown*
  • Rehab Group
  • Freidreich''s Ataxia Society of Ireland
  • Centre for Independent Living Carlow*
  • Centre for Independent Living Dublin 7*
  • Centre for Independent Living Galway*
  • Genetic & Inherited Disorders Association
  • HAIL Housing Association
  • Headway Ireland
  • Royal Hospital Donnybrook
  • Schizophrenia Ireland
  • Shannon Community Workshops
  • Centre for Independent Living Mayo
  • Centre for Independent Living Offaly*
  • Centre for Independent Living Sligo*
  • Centre for Independent Living Tipperary
  • Centre for Independent Living Waterford*
  • Centre for Independent Living Wexford*
  • Children in Hospital Ireland*
  • Cheeverstown House
  • Cheshire Ireland*
  • COPE Foundation
  • Co. Roscommon Support Group of People with Disabilities
  • Co. Wicklow Association for the Mentally Handicapped
  • Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland
  • Huntington''s Disease Association of Ireland
  • Special Olympics Ireland
  • Sophia Housing Association
  • Irish Association for Spina Bifida and
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Irish Deaf Society
  • Irish Guide Dogs Association
  • Irish Haemophilia Society
  • Irish Kidney Association
  • Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
  • Irish Raynaud''s & Scleroderma Society
  • Irish Society for Autism
  • Irish Wheelchair Association
  • Jack and Jill Foundation
  • KARE
  • Leitrim Association of People with Disabilities
  • Lucan Disability Action Group*
  • Spinal Injuries Action Association
  • St. Gabriel''s School and Centre
  • St. Mary''s Hospital & Residential School
  • St. Michael''s House
  • Vantastic
  • Vergemount Housing Fellowship
  • Walkinstown Association for People with Disabilities
  • West Limerick Community Workshop
  • Western Care Association

* Associate Members.

Supporting Organisations to Enable People withDisabilities

An Advocate for the Voluntary Disability Sector

Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI)is the national support organisation and advocate for voluntaryorganisations in Ireland who provide services to people withdisabilities and disabling conditions.

  • Hidden
  • Intellectual
  • Mental Health
  • Physical
  • Sensory
  • Emotional

Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI)works to ensure that Irish society is fully inclusive of peoplewith disabilities and disabling conditions so that they canexercise fully their civil, social and human rights. In pursuit ofthis vision:

  • DFI acts as an advocate for the voluntary disabilitysector.
  • Supports organisations to further enable people withdisabilities.

DFI represents and supports over 150 voluntary disability organisations and groups of which 71 comprise its National Council, and 24 of which are Associate Members. Allied to this, it works with and supports over 200 organisations and groups around the country that have a significant and growing disability interest, mainly coming from the statutory and voluntary sectors.

DFI

DFI provides:

  • Information
  • Training and Support
  • Organisation and Management Development
  • Research and Policy Development
  • Advocacy and Representation
  • Networking

DFI also supports the broader voluntaryand disability sector through its representation of the disabilitystrand within the Community and Voluntary pillar of the SocialPartnership process, as a social partner on the National Economicand Social Forum, Health Board Co-Ordinating Committees and otherfora at regional, national and European level.

Disability Federation of IrelandFumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8 Tel: 01-4547978 Fax:01-4547981 Email: info@disability-federation.ie Web:www.disability-federation.ie