Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter March 2009

Issued on March 1 2009

HSE’s 1% Cuts Announcement on 19th February

The HSE announced a further 1% cut in funding to voluntary disability organisations, on top of the 1% cut contained in the 2009 Budget.

DFI have protested against this latest cut. The cut does not appear to be mandated by the Department of Finance, but rather forms part of the HSE’s efforts to balance over-spends elsewhere in its operations. John Dolan of DFI pointed out that this move by the HSE contradicted the Government’s undertaking to prioritise disability, and the will of the Dáil to resource disability in its Budget vote.

The move that has been announced undermines the disability sector’s ability to respond to the increasing need for services, and even to work co-operatively with the HSE to provide emergency needs within existing resources. With fund-raising adversely affected by the economic crisis, unilateral cuts by the HSE put voluntary disability organisations under intolerable pressure. Since health and personal support services are the bedrock on which the Government’s National Disability Strategy is based, this practice of the HSE must be stopped.

John Dolan
CEO

Disability – An Issue For Local Government... DFI Conference

DFI hosted a Conference in Dublin on Tuesday 3rd March to explore ways of how local Government and disability organisations could work better together to provide much needed services in their local communities.In the current economic climate it is critical that all agencies, both public and voluntary, re-prioritise their commitment to those most vulnerable in Irish society and demonstrate clearly their response to people with disabilities. Minister of State, John Moloney, TD, with responsibility for Disability and Mental Health provided the opening address for this Conference.

We organised this Conference so that service provision, involving both the voluntary and local Government sectors could be maximised.

Over the past ten years much has been achieved to improve services, support and care for people with disabilities – and much of this has been achieved by the efforts of individuals and small organisations at local level. This involved local Government support, volunteers, professional care as needed and of course funding. If this funding is now dissipated, the entire structure, which has been so carefully constructed, could be at risk.

It is very clear that people with disabilities, their families and carers expect full delivery on the National Disability Strategy and all that this entails at national and local level. Indeed it is anticipated that, following the launch of the NDS, people with disabilities will have expectations in the context of the forthcoming local elections.

We are at a time when there is an absolute need for all stakeholders to work together to maximise the services available and supports to disabled people – and this particularly applies to Government at local and national level. It is inevitable that people will expect answers when local politicians knock on the door in the coming months.

DFI will shortly be distributing information on the local and European Elections.

ORGANISTIONAL DEVELOPMENT National Council Meeting

A meeting of the National Council will took place on the 12th March. The purpose of the meeting was for the Board to report on the DFI Annual Plan 2009. The Annual Plan is framed within the context of the Operational Plan 08-10. The last meeting of the National Council took place on November ’08 and reported on the third Quarter Progress Report of that Annual Plan.
This meeting is part of the annual sequence of meetings of the National Council where the Board reports on progress within the context of the Strategic Plan.

Charities Act 2009

The Charities Bill has now been signed off by President Mary McAleese and has become law. The purpose of the legislation is to reform the law relating to charities in order to ensure greater accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud and to enhance public trust and confidence in charities and increase transparency in the sector. This Bill, together with the Charities Acts 1961 and 1973 and the Street and House to House Collections Act 1962, will provide for a composite regulatory framework for charities through a combination of new legislative provisions and retention of existing charities legislation, with updating where appropriate. Please refer to DFI’s website for further details or The Wheels website www.wheel.ie . To download a copy of the Bill, please refer to www.oireachtas.ie . Regarding the regulation of fundraising, please refer to The Irish Charities Tax Research Ltd on www.ictr.ie/

The Wheel's Annual Conference

The Wheel Conference will take place on the 19th May 2009 in Croke Park Conference Centre.
This year's Conference will focus on the challenges facing Ireland's charities, particularly in the context of the deteriorating economic climate, and will feature contributions from a host of local and international experts on community and voluntary activity.The conference will be followed by The Wheel's 10th anniversary celebration.
Further details will be available on The Wheel Website www.wheel.ie

Survival and Growth in a Challenging Climate - The National Conference for Fundraisers in Ireland – Fundraising Ireland

Date: 26th March 2009
Venue: Croke park Conference Centre, Dublin 3
Time: 9.00am -5.00pm.

Fundraising Ireland was established in 2007 to provide networking and development opportunities for those working in a fundraising capacity in Ireland.

The current economic climate is having an impact on the charity sector and the effectiveness of particular fundraising techniques. The conference aims to address these challenges and provide an insight into various fundraising avenues and which strategies work best. Topics that will be covered include donor care and retention, community fundraising, philanthropic and corporate partnerships, legacies, fundraising trends and what motivates donors, amongst others.

Speakers on the day include Bernard Ross from the Management Centre in Scotland and Mary Lawlor who is the Chief Executive Officer of Frontline.

Further information is available on http://www.fundraisingireland.ie/NationalConference2009.html .

Citizens Information Board Calendar of Training Events March to June 2009

The Citizens Information Board National Calendar of Training Events for March to June is now available. Calendar of Training Events March - June 2009

The National Training Programme consists of five regional training programmes and one central training programme. These programmes are aimed at developing training skills, delivering training on information, interpersonal skills, legal, management and other skills. The Citizens Information Board has a regionalised structure.

For further information check www.citizensinfomrationboard.ie or contact gillina.strain@ciboard.ie .

Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups Training

The Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups has released details of the Training Programme for Spring 2009. For a full description of Management Training Programme courses see
www.carmichaelcentre.ie/trainingandsupport/courses.php .

The Carmichael Centre also offers other services to their members. Members and associated groups nationwide can access advice and practical assistance concerning their day to day operations as well as receive assistance with long term planning and governance issues.

HEALTH

HSE Information Meeting on Service Level and Grant Aid Arrangements on 18th February

DFI has been dealing with the current Service Level Agreement (SLA) issue since October 2006 and more actively since April 2008 when the first drafts were provided by the HSE. A meeting was held by DFI, between member organisations and HSE representatives. A presentation was made by the HSE in relation to the current draft SLAs to provide an opportunity for organisations to address issues of concern with the HSE.

In principle it was felt that the SLAs are to be welcomed, as they provide a structure for service provision by organisations. The drafts comprise a generic Agreement, to be signed by all organisations, and a number of Schedules which will set out the detail of the contract. For some time now DFI has been seeking improvements in the draft terms and conditions of both the Agreement and the Schedules, maintenance of the independence and autonomy of organisations, recognition of the ‘added value’ benefit of the work of voluntary organisations, the partnership role of voluntary organisations with the HSE, sustainability into the future, and the Value for Money Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. It was this latter Report, published in 2005, that started the process of developing the current SLAs. A Working Group, comprising voluntary disability organisations and the HSE, has been set up to progress the SLAs.

While DFI has not yet endorsed (or otherwise) the current documents, a decision will be made in this regard. However, it is up to individual organisations to read the documents for themselves, take advice if desired, and make their own decision on whether to accept them or not. DFI will be happy to assist organisation in reaching a decision.

Following the HSE’s presentation many organisations posed questions or made comments. Concerns were expressed around issues such as the impact on insurance cost and indemnities, organisational capacity, governance, anomalies in Local Health Office processes, standards, complaints protocols, dispute resolution, and funding issues, including issues around services that are partly funded by the HSE and partly by other funding sources.

To assist organisations with the process, it was noted that for 2009 the HSE would have realistic expectations in relation to the completion of the Schedules, with a modest minimum standard expected initially regarding the level of information provided.
The HSE stated that the documents would shortly be sent out to organisations, who should then consider how they will complete the Schedules. The HSE will not look for signatures to the Agreements immediately. A list of protocols is being drafted by the HSE together with the umbrella bodies during the next few weeks. These protocols are intended to make key provisions in the arrangements more easily understood.

DFI can assist organisations in facing this new relationship with the HSE. Governance materials have been developed to assist the Boards of Directors of organisations fulfil their responsibilities. The issues raised at the meeting by member organisations will be analysed and used to plan ways in which DFI can provide further support to organisations on this issue. An electronic copy of the HSE presentation at the meeting can be obtained via jacintadixon@disability-federation.ie . Organisations should contact their regional Support Officer if they would like to to discuss their particular concerns about the agreements.

Consultative Forum on Employment Strategy for People with a Disability

Discussion at the meeting of the Consultative Forum on Employment Strategy for People with a Disability on 23rd February focussed mainly on progress on the Department of Enterprise and Employment (DETE) Sectoral Plan.

• The Access Learning Service proposed by FÁS to improve access to its general training and employment services will not be funded although participation in such services is very low. Other priorities caused by the economic crisis have overtaken this initiative.
• The comprehensive employment strategy for people with a disability is not yet ready. DETE explained that further work was required concerning the employer dimension and the linkages with health services.
• The Midlands pilot project for engaging people with disabilities in work readiness programmes, which is funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the EU, is expanding to cover the Longford and Athlone as well as Mullingar areas.
• FÁS provided statistics for 2008 on people going into jobs during 2008 that indicated a slight increase from 1,654 persons in 2006 to 1,822 persons in 2008. The growth was concentrated in Supported Employment Schemes.

There was a discussion on ways of learning total employment trends for people with a disability, particularly in relation to the Government’s commitment of 7,000 more disabled people who are ‘job ready’ being employed by 2010. Several members pointed out that voluntary organisations can play a larger role in the making of pathways to training and employment, especially if FÁS is more flexible in providing grants to facilitate access. The experience in higher education was cited, where enrolment climbed from 400 to 3,500 after a supportive structure was put into place.

Members provided further comments on a report prepared for DETE, Research Report on Acquired Disability and Employment. An official from the Department of Social and Family Affairs outlined its response to the recommendations. An electronic copy of the report can be obtained via eleanorreece@disability-federation.ie .

Understanding and Responding to the Changes in Government Disability Policy

Recent legislation and policy developments require that our members become more actively aware on an ongoing basis of their current and changing position in relation to the provision of services to people with disabilities.

Government’s commitment to the mainstreaming of services to people with disabilities and Part 3 of the Disability Act for instance will increasingly mean that organisations need to reflecting upon their place within the new operating environment.
As a result of these developments our sector needs to be asking some important questions, such as how can we voluntary disability organisations support people with disabilities to achieve true equality of access, treatment and participation to mainstream and specialist services? Organisations need to reflect on their own values, behaviours and attitudes, and indeed upon their responsibility to ensure that service users/ clients are enable to make choices, be independent and exercise their individuality as a priority for all service users.

DFI recognises that healthy organisations are corporate compliant. However, we also recognise to be a healthy organisation you must also ensure that the services you provide reflect and are in keeping with the changing social and political directions outlined in recent legislation and policy developments effecting people with disabilities.

To support organisations to do this DFI will, over the coming months and through the newsletter and other publications and forums, explore the relevance of recent developments, including:

• We will encourage and support through Platform activity, capacity building and one to one meetings, the development of new Strategic Plans, local action plans for cross sectoral engagement, support for member involvement at local and national level & independent review of services and supports
• We will encourage and facilitate the identification of new ways of seeing the organisations relevance in a new service environment– that builds on the organisations expertise, professionalism and adds value to the generic /mainstream service as they develop

Aging and Older People

In recognition of the correlation between aging and disability and the growing number of people who are acquiring a disability as they age, DFI is setting up a network of interest on this issue. If your organisation is interested in being kept up to date on this, please contact Joan O’Donnell Support Officer and she will keep you informed of all issues as they arise, including the Forum on End of Life in Ireland, information on the Nursing Home Supports Bill 2008 as well as the evaluation of Home Care Packages.

Forum on End of Life in Ireland

The Irish Hospice Foundation is holding its inaugural session of the year long engagement with the public on end of life issues. DFI is very aware that this is an issue that is highly relevant to our member organisations and we are interested in hearing from you if you would like to contribute to a consultation around end of life issues as they relate to people with disabilities with the Irish Hospice Foundation. Please contact Joan O’Donnell for further details.

“A Fair Deal”: Nursing Home Support Scheme Bill 2008

The Bill has now completed 2nd stage in the Dáil and is about to move onto committee stage. The purpose of the Bill is to introduce a new scheme of State support for individuals who require long-term nursing home care. The Bill provides for a care needs assessment of individuals to ascertain whether they need to be provided with long-term residential care services. It also provides for a financial assessment of all such individuals to determine the contributions they may have to pay toward the cost of long-term residential care services provided to them. The scheme had been due to come into effect last January but was delayed because of legal difficulties surrounding applications for people who no longer had the mental capacity to look after their own affairs. Under the scheme people moving into a nursing home will pay a maximum of 80 per cent their income towards the cost of their care, based on a Health Service Executive assessment of their assets. If this does not cover the cost, the State pays the remainder and can recover this cost from the sale of the person's house after their death. These costs are levied only up to 15 per cent of the value of the house and their recovery can be deferred until after death of a spouse, cohabiting partner or dependent child or relative. The scheme is voluntary and both new and existing nursing home residents are eligible to apply.
It must be noted that this Bill covers facilities that are predominantly designed for the care of older people, but is not limited to older people. Minister for Health Mary Harney stated on 8th October 2008 that “It covers all persons in need of long term care, not alone older persons. It covers both public and private nursing homes.” Many older peoples organisations have criticized the Bill and DFI is interested in your comments. If you would like to make any comment on how the Bill may affect any of your members, please contact Joan O’Donnell Support Officer. The Bill can be downloaded from the Oireachtas Website www.oireachtas.ie . For further information, please refer to DFI’s website or www.ageaction.ie .

Office of the Disability Appeals Officer

This office was set up under the Disability Act to provide and deliver an independent, fair, accessible and transparent disability appeals service to anyone who has been unsatisfied with the outcome of a complaint made to the Complaints officer in the HSE. The ODAO appeal process pathway includes assessment of the appeal and may result in further investigation and an oral hearing before a final determination is made. Following this both parties are informed of the decision made by the Appeals Officer and this decision is published and the determination is enforced. There is also the opportunity where appropriate to circumnavigate much of the process by engaging in mediation with the agreement of both parties. Further information can be found on the ODAO’s website: www.odao.ie . They also have a LoCall Number: 1850 211583.

National Physical And Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD)

DFI participates on the National Physical And Sensory Disability Database Committee(NPSDD). The National Physical and Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD) is a set of information that outlines the specialised health services currently used or needed by people withphysical / sensory disability. The Database assists in informing the regional and national planning of these services by providing information on current service use and future service need. The NPSDD was established in 2002 and there are now more than 27,000 people registered on the Database.

The Health Services Executive would like to invite people with disabilities to register on the NPSDD to help plan, develop and organise health and social services for people with a physical, visual or speech and language disability.
You are eligible to register if you:

• Have an ongoing physical, hearing, vision or speech and language disability;
• Have more that one type of disability but where the main disability is physical and sensory;
• Are less than 66 years of age; and
• Are currently receiving or require a specialist service that is related to your disability.

It is important to register on the NPSDD as the numbers registered on the database will determine the funding required for people with disabilities over the following five years.

To find out more about the database please contact: Deirdre Hassett, Database Administrator Mid-West, on 061 461365 or email deirdref.hassett@hse.ie .

TOWARDS 2016 / NATIONAL DISABILITY STRATEGY (NDS)

Carers Strategy Abandoned

The Government took the decision earlier this week, not to proceed with publication of a National Carers’ Strategy. Minister Hanafin said

“the Government made a commitment to social partners and Carer representative groups that the National Carers’ Strategy would not be just a paper exercise. The economic situation we are all facing makes it difficult to commit to major advances in services for carers.”

It is very worrying that the Government is reneging on this commitment which was made in the Social Partnership Agreement. The Strategy was to set out the Government's vision for family and informal carers and establish a set of goals and actions in areas such as income support, health care and services, housing, transport, information services, labour market issues, programmes of training (during caring and post caring), social inclusion and research and technology development. Whilst Minister Hanafin states that the work done to date will not be lost, there is a lack of commitment to pick up on this issue again when economic circumstances improve.

There is a worrying lack of recognition that the Carers’ Strategy provides another piece of the essential jigsaw required to roll out the National Disability Strategy. The effective implementation of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy on Social Inclusion 2007 – 2016 and the delivery of the Primary Care Strategy (2001) are also seriously compromised if Family Carers are not supported in their role. The Governments Primary Care Strategy, with its shifting emphasis away from hospital to community based care simply will not work without the labour of the 41,000 fulltime family carers who provide unpaid care to members of their families or social networks. Further demands for older people’s services such as Home Care Packages and nursing homes will undoubtedly increase as Family carers find it harder to cope unsupported. This is an unfortunate short term response to a group of people who prop up the implementation of many Government policies. It will invariably have a huge impact on the quality of life for so many and result in increased cost to the exchequer in terms of declining health of Carers and an inevitable increase in demand for residential places an increased strain on public hospital beds.

For further information, please refer to the DFI website or www.carersireland.ie .

National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group (NDSSMG)

This Group, which includes the voluntary organisations in the Disability Stakeholders Group (DSG) and the NDSSMG, comprising senior officials from a wide range of Government Departments, met on 24th February. The mandate of the NDSSMG is to oversee and monitor progress in the implementation of the National Disability Strategy. It is chaired by the Taoiseach’s Office, which in turn reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion.

Following a report on the State’s economic and budgetary position there was a discussion of the priorities for disability in the current environment. A number of issues of concern were raised by the DSG, including:

The need for progress for the period January- June 2009 to be reported using the template from Parts 1 and 2 of the last report. In particular monitoring of the key NDS components should be mapped against the five long term goals of Towards 2016.

• The need for information about the application of guidance for the disability-proofing of Cabinet memoranda, as required in the Cabinet Handbook amendment.
• The need for updated information about the promised mental capacity legislation, and the likely date for Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention.
• The need for evidence on whole of Government management ofNDS implementation in the current difficult environment, both in terms of disability-specific and mainstreamed services and facilities, with attention to:
  • Funding concerns in the light of the cuts that took place in 2007 and 2008 in health spending on disability, the 2009 Budget retrenchment, the further ‘top line’ cuts just announced by the HSE, and the lack of real-time tracing of health disability monies
  • The consequent difficulties for the voluntary disability sector with the HSE, regarding delivery of the health and personal support services commitments
  • The need to use the opportunity created by the Sectoral Plan reviews, due this year, to deliver a project management approach for a renewed commitment, to design a roadmap for the long term goals for people with a disability and ensuring that they are fully integrated into the high level planning in each Department.

The Group also reviewed the challenge of incorporating the vision and long term goals set out in Towards 2016 in its monitoring work. In particular, the Group considered the overall management of the Departmental Sectoral Plan reviews which are to take place in 2009.

Advisory Committee for National Housing Strategy for People with Disabilities

The Strategy is due to be completed this year, and in 2009 the frequency of Committee meetings has markedly increased. At the meeting on 24th February an official from the Department of Finance reported on the severe fiscal constraints that will apply for the foreseeable future. Christy Lynch (KARE) provided a wide-ranging up-date on the national project on congregated settings.
Department officials reported on three items:

• No date has been fixed for the consultation on the revised Part M, although the issue has been raised repeatedly by Committee members.
• Draft reports on the three research studies - on mental health issues, the role of the private rented sector and good practice experience - are expected within two months.
• The Centre for Housing Research is undertaking the evaluation of the housing adaptation grant schemes, and is expected to deliver a final report in June. The terms of reference for the evaluation had already been distributed to members. According to the Department the work will be in three parts:

• the role of the housing grants
• the administration of the grants
• the impact on applicants.

It will be important for people with disabilities and voluntary organisations to inform the Centre for Housing Research of their experience with the revised grant schemes. An electronic copy of the terms of reference can be obtained from lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie . The Centre for Housing Research is also overseeing the research projects. Its website is http://www.chr.ie/ .

DFI is hosting a meeting for the researchers to consult with interested members of the Housing Sub Group and others on Thursday, 12 March 2:30-4:00 pm in Fumbally Court. Please contact Lillian Buchanan if you would like to participate.

Independent Assessment of Need – Disability Act 2005 0 – 5 years

The Disability Federation of Ireland is represented on the National Implementation Group for the implementation of the National Disability Strategy Independent Needs assessment 0-5 years. The group comprises statutory and non statutory service providers and service users. DFI has two places on this group, one of whom is a staff member, Toni Gleeson, and the other is Catherine Byrne from KARE, a member organisation that provides services to children.

The group has a remit

• To provide a national overview and direction to support the cohesive and effective delivery of provisions of the Disability Act 2005
• Focus on Key issues and approaches taking a high level view of what needs to be achieved.

DFI are anxious to keep abreast of any developments or lack thereof within the assessment process across the country. Some issues have come to our attention already, namely;

• Lack of capacity of early intervention teams to bear the load of both assessment and service delivery
• Teams not going ahead because all team members are not in place
• Parents dissatisfied with their treatment in the process
• Worries that lack of funding is delaying the process for older age groups
• Lack of inclusion of some service providers who are not part of Early intervention teams but have a services to offer
• General dissatisfaction at ‘Service Statements’ and their communication to parents

The next meeting of this group takes place on the 26th March. As representative of organisations that provide service to children with disabilities we would like to receive any pertinent information or experiences from staff members or parents so that we can share this information and make decisions that are both relevant and key to the progression of the implementation of the Legislation. Please send any information to Toni Gleeson, DFI 086-6004526 email: tonigleeson@disability-federation.ie

NESF Evaluation of Home Care Package

In 2008 the National and Economic Social Forum set up a Project Team to review the Implementation of Home Care Packages( HCP). Home Care Packages are primarily focused on assisting older people currently in residential or hospital care with a capacity to return to their homes and at people in the community considered at risk of requiring residential care in the absence of such an intervention. DFI is represented on the Project Team and has also made a submission to the Evaluation. There is also a network of interest for organisations interested in keeping up to date on this issue. Further information, including DFI’s submission can be found on DFI’s website.

FUNDING

Pobal: Community & Voluntary Sector - Scheme of Refurbishment Grants, Community & Voluntary Sector - Scheme of Equipment Grants

Aimed at: Not-for-Profit/Community & Voluntary Organisations (Partnerships are excluded from these schemes)
Max Grant Size: €60,000
For details of the 2 schemes, go to: http://www.pobal.ie/live/smallgrants
Closing Date: No Closing Date – but as funding is limited, organisations are advised to submit their applications as early as possible.

For further information in relation to funding please see the DFI Website Funding section.

GENERAL NEWS

Brain Awareness Week – Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI)

The Neurological Alliance represents voluntary organisations working with people with neurological conditions in Ireland.
The Brain Awareness Week run from March 9th – March 15th. Brain Awareness Week is an international event organised in over 69 countries worldwide. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland is co-ordinating a series of events to mark the week all over the country. For full details of the events for Brain Awareness Week check out the website www.nai.ie .

The Open Training College

The Open Training College offers a range of course options for people working in the nonprofit, human services as well as the disability sector.

Courses are available in: Management, Applied Social Studies, Supported Employment and Professional Development.
The Open Training College is expanding its course list. In November 2008 the Higher Certificate in Applied Management began in November. It is an accredited award (HETAC Level 6) for students and it also forms Year 2 of a 3 year BA in Applied Management degree(HETAC Level 7).

The Open Training College has a newsletter available. If you wish to receive future editions of OTC TIMES send a message to info.otc@smh.ie .

For further information view: http://www.opentrainingcollege.com .

Understanding Psychosis:Schizophrenia and Manic Depression (Bipolar) Sligo Seminar

A training seminar for psychotherapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses and people dealing with those with Mental Health Issues will take place in Sligo.
Date : Saturday 21st March 2009
Venue : Cromleach Lodge, Castlebaldwin, Co.Sligo
Time : 9.30am to 4.30pm
Presenters : Dr Michael Corry (Consultant Psychiatrist ) and Dr Áine Tubridy (Psychotherapist)

Psychosis is a state of mind no longer in contact with consensus or everyday reality, often typified by an individual holding unusual beliefs about themselves and the world around them, and by voice hearing and alterations in visual perception. We see it as a valid human experience and our approach is to seek to normalise and demystify it.

Crossing the threshold into psychosis is a unique experience which requires sensitive de-briefing and compassionate understanding in order to unravel the underlying triggers, and provide a workable framework for the individual to integrate such existential transpersonal experiences into daily life. Central to our approach is to de-stigmatise the experience, instil personal responsibility and provide hope.

For further information contact 071 9168868.

Deafhear.ie Job Vacancy

Communication Support Workers to provide support to a young deaf man (Irish Sign Language User) in the Castledermot/Carlow area.

The main purpose of post is to provide one-to-one support to a young deaf man in his training placement.
For further information please contact: Paula Donohoe – 086 8171418, Paula.Donohoe@deafhear.ie or Joanne Davey - 086 8346372 joanne.davey@deafhear.ie . The website for information is http://www.deafhear.ie/ .

The closing date for applications is the 3rd April 2009

Newsletters

For information please contact the relevant organisation directly

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, Du blin 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 .