Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter March 2008

Issued on March 1 2008

Summary

View summary

Download

News

Health Information and Quality Authority

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established in May 2007 as part of the government's health reform programme. HIQA has begun a wide range of work as an independent body that will drive improvements in quality, safety and accountability across the health and social care services, including services for people with disabilities.

In October 2007 HIQA established a National Standards Advisory Group looking at developing standards for Designated Centres for People with Disabilities, as defined in the Health Act 2007. Jacqueline Thompson, Support Officer, represents DFI on this Group.

HIQA recently signed off on National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People (February 2008), launched a major report into the placement of children aged 12 and under in residential care (October 2007), and published its first national quality review on hygiene (November 2007).

At the same time as HIQA is developing National Standards across the health and personal social services, the HSE is simultaneously turning its attention to the establishment of Working Groups on De-Institutionalisation, Vulnerable Adults, and a Review of Day Services. It must be anticipated that voluntary disability organisations will be influenced by the work of such HSE Groups and the development of National Standards through HIQA. We urge all organisations to remain abreast of these developments and consider the implications that National Standards and HSE policy developments may have for them. DFI will continue to monitor and influence these developments, which although welcome must not be the only areas targeted through development funding in the coming years.

DFI will continue to provide up to date information of these on our newsletter and we urge you to contact your DFI Support Officer for further information if required.

John Dolan
CEO

HSE Day Service Review

In October 2005, the HSE commenced a National Review of Sheltered Services for People with Disabilities. This was initiated by the HSE as part of its obligations under Equality Legislation and the Disability Act. The purpose of that review was to obtain information on all aspects of Sheltered Services, including establishing a listing of services by location, capacity and occupational activities. This review was informed by work initiated early in 2005 by the Department of Health and Children regarding funding arrangements for Sheltered Work Services.

The outcome from this initial review highlighted service delivery issues that needed to be addressed in relation to existing Sheltered Work practices and recommended that in order to fully address all of these issues, a review of all HSE Funded Adult Day Services should be commissioned and delivered as a matter of urgency.

A National Working Group representative of all stakeholders was established in August 2007 to conduct a National Review within a 12 month timeframe.

You can find further information about the review on their website www.dayservicereview.ie as well as their newsletter.

The National Working Group is interested in hearing from anybody with an interest in the work of the Review. Please email or post your submissions, queries or comments to:

Martina Lanigan
Health Centre,
Arden Rd,
Tullamore,
Co Offaly

Tel: 057 9359635 or
Email: dayservice.review@hse.ie

Closing date for receipt of submissions is April 30th 2008

LGMSB Disability Act Steering Group for Local Authorities

The Disability Act Steering Group of the Local Government Services Management Board (LGMSB) has been providing guidance for local authorities about fulfilling their responsibilities under the Disability Act 2005. DFI representatives made a presentation to the Steering Group on 23rd January 2008.

DFI explained the challenges faced by many voluntary disability organisations attempting to represent their members in consultations about local service policies and practices. The advantages for both the disability sector and local authorities were noted if effective consultation arrangements existed throughout Ireland. The Steering Group plans to organise an interface meeting to explore possibilities for co-operative initiatives.

For further information, please contact Lillian Buchanan at lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie

Disability Stakeholder's Group Sectoral Plan Departmental Groups

The Disability Stakeholders' Group (DSG), comprising six representatives of the disability sector, and the Senior Officials Group, comprising officials representing the six Government Departments responsible for implementing Sectoral Plans, and a number of other Departments, make up the National Disability Strategy Stakeholders Monitoring Group (DSMG). The purpose of the DSMG is to monitor progress on the overall implementation of the NDS, building on the monitoring and review procedures already in place for each of the six Sectoral Plans.

During the original development process for the Sectoral Plans, the Disability Legislation Consultation Group (DLCG) – established set up Departmental groups to monitor the development of the Sectoral Plans. The DSG has now agreed to re-establish these Departmental groups in an effort to get consistency in the implementation process across all six Sectoral Plan Departments.

Each group will comprise representatives from the organisations on the DSG. Each group will be chaired by a representative of the DSG. It is important to note that while these groups are, in part, looking at the Sectoral Plans, they are also, importantly, looking at commitments across the National Disability Strategy.

If you would like further information on this, please contact your DFI representative on each of the Committee.

Committees & Representative Names
Committee	Representative Name
DSFA	Louise McCann
DoHC	Jacqueline Thomson / Toni Gleeson
DoEHLG	Lillian Buchanan
DoCMNR	Joan O'Donnell
DoT	Marcus
DETE	Martin Naughton
DoEd	Louise McCann

Towards 2016 Social Partnership Plenary

A Plenary Meeting of the Social Partners took place on 15th February 2008 in Dublin Castle. The purpose of the meeting was to review progress on Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement.

At the Plenary, the Community and Voluntary (C&V) Pillar made a presentation, setting out their concerns in relation to progress so far on the Agreement.

Towards 2016 states that

"The Government and Social Partners agree to review progress towards its goals in 2008……….to agree revised and updated strategies and targets."

The C&V Pillar commented that this exercise must be concerned to review progress against achieving the high level goals set out in T16, and stressed that taking a simple 'progress report' approach will not suffice. The review should be comprehensive and strategic, focusing on the implementation of the totality of the agreement, and should identify and solve the problems that are impeding progress towards achieving our long term goals. The Pillar is not satisfied at present that sufficient progress has been made on movement towards achieving these high level goals. It was noted that the review must be used to ensure a renewed focus on outcomes.

Serious concerns were noted about the lack of progress being made in delivering commitments in relation to the delivery of the 300 Primary Care Teams, adequate funding for the Mental Health Strategy, and delivery of the Carers' Strategy. Concern was also expressed in relation to an apparent inability to connect up national strategies and to deliver effective inter-departmental working. The C&V Pillar noted that failure to make the necessary progress towards achieving our long-term goals will call into question our commitment to deliver our vision for society. This is not acceptable to the C&V Pillar.

The Review provides us with the opportunity to stand back and ask ourselves is this working?, and to decide what needs to be done in the years immediately ahead if we are to make significant progress towards achieving our high level goals. This will require that we identify benchmarks to be achieved over the next two to three years.

The National Carers Strategy Invitation to Make Submissions

The Government has set up an interdepartmental group to create a Carers Strategy, with the intention of completing this work mid 2008. The carers strategy public consultation will be advertised in regional newspapers this week and in the national daily papers on Friday (7 March). The Minister for Social and Family Affairs will issues a press release on 7th March to coincide with the ads.

Submissions can be emailed to carers.strategy@welfare.ie , posted to National Carer's Strategy Consultation; Planning Unit; Floor 1; Department of Social and Family Affairs; Áras Mhic Dhiarmada; Store Street; Dublin 1 or faxed to: 01-7043457

The closing date for submission is Friday 18th April 2008.

DFI Housing Sub-Group Meeting

The Group, consisting of voluntary disability organisations with an interest in housing and the NDA officer covering housing issues, met at Fumbally Court on 26th February. The work of the consultative group established under the NDS, for developing a national housing strategy for people with a disability, was discussed with contributions from three participants on the consultative group. The main focus of the meeting was to plan ways of supporting this initiative, building on the CIB / DFI report, 'Finding the Right Living Space.'

Members of the Sub-Group are concentrating initially on monitoring the impact of the revised housing adaptation grant schemes and on supporting the registration of people in need of social housing on local authority waiting lists. Anyone interested in the work of the Housing Sub-Group should contact Eleanor Scanlan at eleanorscanlan@disability-federation.ie

National Housing Strategy for People with Disabilities

The consultative National Group established to progress the Strategy met for the second time on 11th February 2008. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) gave presentations about the housing needs assessment conducted by local authorities (including the assessment currently underway) and about the revised housing adaptation grant schemes. On housing needs assessment the Department recognised that people with a disability have been under-represented; reforms are planned that depend on legislation for full implementation.

Discussion highlighted the challenge of adequately capturing the diversity and complexity of needs amongst people with a disability. It was suggested that relationships with voluntary organisations be actively developed because the organisations are aware of housing need. Training for housing officials was raised by several participants. Regarding the grants schemes, which are to be independently reviewed after one year, a number of monitoring issues were raised including how to gauge the impact of the grant caps and means testing. Respect for the expertise of the person with a disability in the application process was also highlighted.

The Department provided a list of topics to be addressed by the National Group that largely reflects the recommendations in the CIB (Citizens Information Board) / DFI joint report, 'Finding the Right Living Space'. Participants noted the importance of clarifying design standard issues. It was also stressed that the Strategy should focus on getting adequate and appropriate housing supply. The absence of a representative of the construction industry was noted with regret. For the next meeting, on 21st April, the Department will have prepared a framework for the strategy document.

For further information, please contact Lillian Buchanan ( lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie ) or Martin Naughton ( martinnaughton@disability-federation.ie ).

Housing Forum Policy Symposium on Inter-Agency Issues

The Housing Forum, first established under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, was reconstituted under the National Agreement Towards 2016 in December 2006, and continues to provide the social partners with an opportunity to contribute to housing policy development. Membership is drawn from social partners, Government Departments and representatives of housing providers. The Housing Forum attended a Symposium on the importance of Inter-agency Cooperation on 29th January 2008 organised by the DoEHLG and Chaired by Minister for State, Mr. Batt O' Keefe. DFI, as a representative of the Community and Voluntary Pillar of Social Partnership attended this meeting. Three presentations that focused on inter-agency co-operative working in the housing sector were delivered: John Fitzgerald, Chairperson of Limerick Regeneration Agencies gave a local government perspective. Sinead Quill, National Council on Aging and Older People, looked at collaboration in the context of sheltered housing while Tony O'Riordan, CEO of the Midlands Simon Community, outlined the development of a regional settlement service for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The discussion highlighted the importance of local authority leadership in identifying, and co-operatively arranging for service gaps to be filled. The need for appropriate agency participation for cross-cutting decision-making was emphasised by several participants. The difficulties involved in achieving co-operative working were explored as well as the benefits obtained from such an approach.

For further information, please contact:

Lillian Buchanan at lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie

SKILL Deadline for Expression of Interest

The deadline for Expression of Interest in SKILL Programme Training Programme 2008 / 2009 has now passed. If you missed the deadline and are still interested please contact Cathy McGrath, DFI (contact details below).

SKILL stands for Securing Knowledge Intra Lifelong Learning, and is a unique national initiative, aimed at educating, training and developing the skills of 32,000 support staff and supervisory / line management within the Irish Health Sector including staff of the voluntary disability sector. The aim of SKILL is to recognise and build upon the wealth of experience and knowledge of those who deliver services on a one to one basis with people in the community. The project is being accredited through FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council). Training is delivered free of charge to participants in VECs throughout the country. Organisations are provided with funding of €3,500 per participant per training programme. This funding is provided to offset the costs involved in releasing staff to SKILL Programme Training.

Upcoming SKILL Programme Deadlines

29th February 2007 Confirmation of acceptance of allocation of SKILL

Project Training placements from Member Organisations to DFI.

15th March 2007 Participant and line management details to DFI.

Training Timeframe

May 2008 Pre-learning Assessment

September 2008 Training Programme Commences

May – June 2009 Training Programme Conclusion

SKILL Programme New Website Launched

SKILL Project has launched it's new and improved interactive website on www.skillprogramme.ie which is now more user friendly, including two key support sections of 'Manager's Toolkit' and 'Learners Toolkit'.

Under the section 'Manager's Toolkit' you can view video links to other managers providing a first hand insight into the benefits of SKILL Programme. In addition line managers can download supporting material on their roles and responsibilities when supporting a staff member who is currently on a training programme.

Under 'Learners Toolkit' participants can find out the answers to frequently asked questions, from video links of other fellow learners, and from supporting material available to download.

For further information please contact Cathy McGrath, DFI Dublin, on 01 4250124 / 086 3847440 / cathymcgrath@disability-federation.ie

Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HfH) Programme Consultation Process Draft Design & Dignity Guidelines

The Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HfH) Programme is a 5-year programme aimed at improving end-of-life care for people in Irish hospitals. The programme was initiated by The Irish Hospice Foundation and is undertaken in partnership with the Health Service Executive, Health Services National Partnership Forum, The Atlantic Philanthropies and The Dormant Accounts Board.

A key aim of the programme is to develop comprehensive patient focused standards for all hospitals in relation to dying, death & bereavement. As a first step in the process a multi-perspective working group was convened to develop draft Guidelines for design of physical environments of hospitals. The intended outcome is that any new or refurbished hospital building is designed to address the matters that are important for patients, relatives and staff regarding dying, death and bereavement, and the development of hospital buildings and environments that are conducive to the delivery of quality palliative care.

Interested people and organisations are now asked to provide feedback on the consultation document. The working group will welcome, appreciate and respect comments from all interested parties. Every comment received will be considered and will inform the development of the final Guidelines.

The Draft HfH Design and Dignity Guidelines and the Consultation Feedback Form can be accessed on the HfH website at: www.hospicefriendlyhospitals.net

All responses must be received by 28th March 2008.

EASPD Conference on the UN Convention for People with Disabilities

The European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) organised an international Conference in Rome on February 14th and 15th and was attended by a representative from DFI. The conference aimed to inform service providers of the UN Convention for People with Disabilities and it's ramification for national legal frameworks. The Convention was adopted in December 2006 and has been open for signature since March 2007. The key note speaker was Professor Gerard Quinn from NUI Galway who is also a member of the Irish Human Rights Commission and leading expert in disability law.

The Conference focused on Article 19 and Article 22 of the Convention which guarantees the right for persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community. In order to achieve this it specifically adds that persons with disabilities have a right to services to support living and inclusion in the community. There is also clear emphasis on the need for community based support and high quality services.

Ireland is unique in that we have a National Disability Strategy that requires implementation. This is in stark contrast to some European countries where basic human rights continue to be abused and ignored, or where legislation is introduced in a piecemeal fashion. Further work is therefore required to examine what practical impact, if any, the Convention will have on our own legislative framework once ratified and to what extent organisations and people with disabilities can use it to further their own rights and entitlements, particularly with regard to health and support services.

Midland Employment Support Agency Ltd (MESA) Job Shadow Day

Ireland's first National Job Shadow Day will take place on April 23rd 2008. Job Shadow is a nationwide initiative dedicated to giving people with disabilities a unique opportunity to 'shadow' a workplace employee as he or she goes through a normal day at work. The ultimate goal of the National Job Shadow Day is to mobilise the employment of job seekers with disabilities while raising awareness of Supported Employment.

How to get involved

Regional Job Shadow Co-ordinators have been assigned to seven different parts of the country.

Midlands: Tony Reilly—086 8335271

(Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath)

West: Greg Barry—087 7988045

(Clare, Galway, Roscommon, Mayo)

North West: James McClean—086 3445075

(Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo)

East: Miriam Tighe—01 4603081

Catherine Murphy—01 2042971

(Dublin, Wicklow)

North East: Kevin Aylward—041 9833910

(Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan)

South East: Anne Keenan 087—2833146

(Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow)

South: David Ryan 087 7976895

The relevant local co-ordinator will arrange for one of their team to meet with you and discuss any queries you may have regarding Job Shadow Day. Alternatively, you may contact the National Job Shadow Chairperson: Tony Reilly on 086 8335271 or email: tonyreilly@mesa4.com

Funding

Dormant Accounts Fund Carers Measure 2007 / 2008

Up to €1.5m is being made available from the Dormant Accounts Fund under the Economic and Social Disadvantage Category to fund the provision of training programmes which will up-skill carers and enable them to provide the best care possible for those being cared for. On behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pobal invites applications from organisations in which carers support is a significant part of their work.

Local branches and affiliated groups of National organisations should apply via their national office who in turn will make one National application. Other unaffiliated and locally based groups can apply directly to Pobal.

Application forms together with general programme guidelines with additional application criteria are available from Pobal, Telephone: 01 240 0732, or are available to http://www.pobal.ie/live/DAF/907.html

The closing date for applications is Friday 11th April 2008 at 5 pm

National Lottery Grants 2008

The Health Service Executive Dublin North East and Dublin Mid-Leinster have been allocated National Lottery Funding for distribution to community based groups and voluntary organisations under the following terms:

Respite Care Grant Scheme
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 (non major capital projects) which can be completed within a reasonable period of time. Further information, including application form, is available from www.hse.ie . The closing date for applications is 5 pm, Friday 7th March 2008.

St Stephen's Green Trust Grants Scheme 2008

St Stephen's Green Trust grants scheme has four Grant Focus areas:

Specific areas of disability (Autistic Spectrum Disorder; Hearing Impairment);
Development and Integration (Older people in isolation; New Communities; Travellers);
Breaking the Link (Homelessness; Offenders);
Christian Values and Social Change.

Please contact Orla O'Neill directly for eligibility criteria and the application process: Orla O'Neill, Grants & Development Director, email info@ssgt.ie , tel / fax 045 480 666, St Stephen's Green Trust, PO Box 950, Naas, Co Kildare, Website: www.ssgt.ie

The deadlines for 2008 are Friday, 2nd May and Friday, 5th September 2008

Training

Carmichael Centre Training Programme Spring 2008

Within the community and voluntary sector the struggles of juggling long-term vision with daily work demands, ongoing funding concerns and increasingly complex needs can be challenging. To deal with these challenges the Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups have developed a comprehensive training programme to increase the effectiveness and impact of your organisation.

Leadership & Governance

Board Roles and Responsibilities (Galway) 19th April 2008

Effective Board Meetings 17th May 2008

Board Roles and Responsibilities 8th March 2008

Developing Your Organisation

Stress Management 13th March 2008

Risk Assessment 27th February 2008

Conflict Resolution 9th April 2008

Planning

Time Management 20th May, 2008

Monitoring & Evaluation 14th & 15th May 2008

Fundraising

Developing a Fundraising Strategy 19th February 2008

Financial Management

Finance for Non-Financial People 16th April 2008

Administration

Managing your Information 21st February 2008

Producing an Annual Report 21st May 2008

External Relations

Effective Press Releases 3rd April 2008

Marketing your Organisation 20th February 2008

Service Provision

Setting up a Support Group 12th March 2008

Human Resource Management

Dealing with Grievance & Disciplinary Issues 30th April 2008

Developing your Staff Management Skills 26th February & 10th April 2008

Venue:

Dublin: Carmichael Centre, in either Coleraine House or Carmichael House.

Cork: Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind National HQ & Training Centre, Model Farm Rd

Galway: Westside Community Development Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Rd.

Times:

10.00 am – 4.00 pm (Full day), 10.00 am-1.00 pm (Half day)

If you would like further information about these courses or future training events, please call Danielle on 01-873 5282, Fax: 01 873 5283 or email tssinfo@carmichaelcentre.ie .

Irish Council for Social Housing

The ICSH is now taking bookings for its 2008 Education and Training programme. They are currently offering three Certificate courses:

Certificate in Housing Management,

Certificate in Housing Development and a

Certificate in Special Needs Housing Management.

These courses are now mapped to the National Framework of Qualifications through FETAC. This year participants will therefore receive two qualifications upon successful completion of their course, from FETAC and from the National College of Ireland. This will enable participants to build up credits and have access to further and higher educational opportunities.

These courses aim to provide housing practitioners with the practical skills they require in their current roles or to widen their knowledge across different housing roles. Staff and board members from housing associations and co-operatives and other voluntary bodies as well as staff from local authorities and the health sector are invited to apply.

For further information and to see a full brochure, please visit www.icsh.ie or contact Catherine McGillycuddy at catherine@icsh.ie or on 01-6618334.

Citizens Information Board National Calendar of Training Events

The calendar includes 35 training events taking place throughout the country in the period March to June 2008. It consists of five separate regional training programmes and the central training Programme. New topics this year include:

Rent Supplement - A Case Study Approach,

Getting Your Message Across On Local Radio, and

Advocacy Practice For Information Providers.

All course aims and outcomes are contained in the detailed programme available on the training page of www.citizensinformationboard.ie or as a Word document on request by e mail from michael.obrien@ciboard.ie

Open Training College Disability Sector Training

The Open Training College is now accepting applications from front line staff, supervisors and managers working in the disability sector. A list of courses beginning in September 2008 is now available. All courses are applied in nature and are delivered through the Supported Open Learning Model which allows students to work full-time while studying an accredited course.

For more information about the two specific modules developed for DFI members as part of the Health Service Skills FETAC level 5 award, please give the Open Training College a call on (01)2988544 or check details online at www.opentrainingcollege.com .

Other Open Training College courses starting in September:

B.A. (Honours) in Applied Social Studies (Disability): This Honours Bachelor of Arts Programme is a HETAC-accredited course at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). It is a 5-module add-on programme for eligible applicants. The deadline for receipt of applications for this course is May 30th 2008.

B.A. (Ordinary) in Applied Social Studies (Disability): This Bachelor of Arts Programme is a HETAC accredited course at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). It is a 3-year course consisting of 15 modules. Deadline for receipt of applications is June 30th 2008. Any applications received after this date will be included on a waiting list.

General News

IASBAH International Conference and AGM 2008

IASBAH, the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus celebrates 40 years. The theme of the conference is 'Positive Life Choices'. The Conference will look at a fuller life for people with Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus. A number of high profile speakers will attend.

This weekend will be a great opportunity to share experiences, be involved in decision-making and meet new people..

Venue: Radisson SAS Hotel & Spa Cork, Ditchley House, Little Island, Cork.

Date: Friday, 9th May - Sunday, 11th May, 2008.

Time: Registration at 9.15 am on Friday.

Please contact your local IASBAH branch for more details For information on the conference please visit www.iasbah.ie . If you want to register a delegate please visit www.bookyourplace.ie

Walkinstown Association Conference "Pulling Your Own Strings"

Three themes dominate the Conference Programme:

Self Direction and Personalised / Individualised Budgets
Family Leadership – Putting relationships at the centre of our understanding of a Good Life
Ordinary and Included Lives for People who've acquired very challenging reputations

Date: Thursday 24th of April 2008 and Friday 25th of April 2008

Venue: The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Newlands Cross, Naas Road, Dublin 22

If you want to book a place please contact Hotel Solutions 01 6280111

The Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society Annual Conference

Date: Saturday 26h April 2008

Time: 10 a.m.– 4.15 p.m.

Venue: Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan Road (N11), Dublin.

A one-day conference will be held on Saturday April 26, 2008 to give information about the painful condition Raynaud's and the critical disease Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) that is connected with it. Minister Mary Harney will open the conference. Rheumatologists and international experts will speak on the latest treatments and research, and the launch of a National Scleroderma Service will be announced. The new Scleroderma Nurse Specialist for Ireland and a Raynaud's and Scleroderma patient will address the daily needs of those living with these conditions.

Topics will include:

The latest developments in new treatments for Raynaud's and Scleroderma
The start-up of a new National Scleroderma Service
The connection between the diseases & how Scleroderma is diagnosed
Treatments for ulcers in Raynaud's and Scleroderma
How to handle daily life with either of these conditions

Entrance to the conference is free to all but booking is essential. For reservations & information please Tel: 01- 2020184 or Email: info@irishraynauds.com

Brain Awareness Week 2008

Brain Awareness Week will take place from Monday 10th to Sunday 16th March 2008. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) is organising a number of events all around the country to coincide with Brain Awareness Week.

A one day conference: "Neurological Conditions: The Health Challenge of the Next Decade" will be held in the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin on Tuesday 11th March.

For further information on the conference or to see if there are any events in your area, please go to the NAI website www.nai.ie and click on Brain Awareness Week 2008.

Migraine Information Seminar

The Migraine Association of Ireland is presenting a seminar featuring a medical professional who will provide an introduction and synopsis of migraine and its management. Audrey Craven, the MAI's founder will present her own 'Migraine Story'.

Date: Sunday, March 30th 2008

Venue: Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore

Time: 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Cost: €10 (€7 for MAI members)

Places can be booked in advance by calling the Migraine Helpline at 1850 200 378 or by e-mailing info@migraine.ie .

Clinical Research Infrastructure in Ireland Conference

Irish Platform for Patients' Organisations, Science & Industry (IPPOSI) in association with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the Department of Health and Children is pleased to announce the forthcoming conference, 'Clinical Research Infrastructure in Ireland, Remaining Barriers, Potential Solutions'

This conference will gather together some of Ireland's and Europe's leading scientific, pharmaceutical, medical and research professionals to examine existing hurdles in the area of clinical research in Ireland and to explore possible ways to negotiate and overcome these challenges. Enhancing the clinical research environment will strengthen the scientific knowledge base in this country and medicines development, resulting in new and innovative treatments for patients.

Date: Tuesday 13th May 2008

Venue: Dublin Castle

Places are limited so kindly RSVP as soon as possible to secure your place by contacting Bernadette Grogan by email at bgrogan@ipposi.ie or by phone at (+353 86) 3601699.

Carmichael Centre Good Friday Concert

Each year, the Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups ( www.carmichaelcentre.ie ) organises a fundraising concert on Good Friday in the magnificent and historic St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. Over the past ten years, this concert has become a major event in Dublin's musical calendar. On Friday March 21st 2008 the Goethe Institut Choir and Dublin Symphony Orchestra will perform Mozart's Requiem.

Tickets are € 25 and available from the Carmichael Centre on 01-873 5702 or Ticketmaster 0818 719300 or at www.ticketmaster.ie or St. Patrick's Cathedral shop, www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/shop.htm or at the door on the night. An administrative charge may apply. Please make cheques payable to Carmichael Centre Development Fund, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.

For further details on the Programme pleas go to www.carmichaelcentre.ie

Rathmines Access Group Searching for New Members

Are you affected by lack of access to footpaths, public buildings, shops & other facilities in the local area? The Rathmines Access Group is working to improve accessibility in the community and are looking for new members!

If you are interested in getting involved please contact either:

Sandra: Rathmines Community Partnership Tel: 01-4965558 or post to 11 Wynnefield Road, Dublin 6, email sandra@rathminespartnership.ie

Louise McCann, DFI Dublin Office, 01-4250126 or email louisemccann@disability-federation.ie

Older People with Learning Disability and Dementia Specialist Conference

The Dementia Services Development Centre (Northern Ireland) are holding a one day specialist conference on dementia care for people with a learning disability. Items covered will include understanding person centred approaches, early signs of dementia, differentiating dementia from treatable illness, communication, the impact of the environment, pain and palliative care and assistive technology.

Date: 9th April 2008

Venue: Armagh City Hotel, Armagh

The keynote speaker will be Diana Kerr who is the author of Understanding Learning Disability and Dementia: Developing Effective Interventions published by Jessica Kingsley in 2007.

For more information log on to: http://www.dementiacentreni.org/events.asp

European intercultural Congress for People with Special Needs Living in the Encounter: The Tide is Turning

Date: 24th - 27th October 2008

Venue: The Hague, Netherlands

In October 2008, 700 people from all over Europe will have the opportunity to participate in the fourth intercultural congress for people with special needs. The congress will take place in the World Forum Convention Centre. Its program includes lectures, cultural evenings, workshops, excursions and creative activities.

For more information please contact: 'In der Begegnung leben', Postbus 560, 3700 AN Zeist, Netherlands, Tel : + 31 30 694 55 93, fax : + 31 30 694 55 90, email : kongress@in-der-begegnung-leben.eu , Website : www.in-der-begegnung-leben.eu

Institute of Fundraising National Convention

The National Convention is the largest gathering of fundraisers outside the US and attracts over 2,200 fundraising professionals from across the voluntary sector.

Date: Monday, 7th July – Wednesday 9th July 2008

Venue: Hilton London Metropole, Edgware Road, London, W2, United Kingdom

Further information can be found on the website www.nationalconvention.org.uk

DFI Newsletter Information

DFI Newsletters are available for download from our website.

Send newsletter submissions or subscription requests by email to:

newsletter@disability-federation.ie

Newsletters

Disability Federation of Ireland is the national support mechanism for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland covering all areas of disability and disabling conditions: intellectual, physical, sensory, hidden and mental health. DFI has ongoing involvement with over 150 organisations and groups across the country, 70 of which currently comprise its National Council, and 42 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 provides: