October 2009 Newsletter

Issued on October 1 2009

Government has protected our Banks now protect Disabled People

To date there is no evidence available to DFI that Ministers and Secretaries Generals of the Departments are approaching Budget 2010 from the perspective that the NDS is a Government priority and that new and innovative ways need to be deployed to protect and advance the Strategy. We have no reassurance that people with disabilities, their families and carers are not going to bear the brunt of the continuing fiscal readjustment that is required. Yes public service workers are very fearful that they will suffer further pay cuts. That fear for workers is real. The reality for disabled people, largely never employed, is that the Budget will further reduce their income supports on top of the withdrawal of the Christmas Bonus and that basis and necessary health and social services will be further eroded. An Bord Snip Nua is suggesting massive cuts in health and social welfare.

Government made a policy choice, made a policy commitment, to deliver a national disability strategy. It is clearly more difficult for Government to deliver now but deliver it must. The review of the Agreed Programme for Government will be critical to this end. If Government understands and continues to appreciate what the NDS was about, namely providing the wherewithal for disabled people to be free and equal citizens in this State then they know how they must prioritise and what they must prioritise.

Protecting the NDS and ensuring that it is progressed during the recession is a practical way to give expression to the Governments commitment to protect the vulnerable in that it is targeted at people who are vulnerable, who cross all sections of the lifecycle from childhood to old age, where there is strong community support and sentiment, where there are allies across the voluntary disability sector, where so much has been invested to date in developing the Strategy, where the expectations of disabled people have rightly been raised and where valuable social infrastructure will be lost if we don't all find a way to keep moving forward.

Yes Government has a responsibility to ensure that we have a properly functioning banking system and it is investing heavily to ensure this. It equally has responsibility to ensure that disabled people, and others, have access to necessary health and social services. We have witnessed Governments efforts to protect the banking infrastructure. Budget 2010 must bring forward measures to protect the social infrastructure for disabled people and their families throughout this deepening recession.

John Dolan
CEO

DFI Board

Geraldine Clare (formerly CEO of Aware) has stepped down as Chairperson of the DFI Board. DFI would like to thank Geraldine for her commitment to DFI and for her service to the DFI Board.

Niall Keane (Deafhear.ie) has resigned as DFI Treasurer. DFI would like to take this opportunity to thank Niall for his years of service to the DFI Board.
Paul Ledwidge (St. Michael's House) has taken up the role as the new Chairperson of the DFI Board. Maurice O'Connell (Alzheimer Society of Ireland) has replaced Paul Ledwidge as Vice Chairperson. Anne Winslow (MS Ireland) has filled the role of the Treasurer. We wish to welcome the Board members to their new roles.

DFI would like to send sincere thanks to Niall Keane and Geraldine Clare for their time and dedication to DFI and to the Community and Voluntary Sector.

New Members

DFI would like to welcome St. Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired and Irish Hard of Hearing Association as General Members of DFI.

Irish Hard of Hearing Association (IHHA) are based in Dublin 1. The IHHA is an association of people who acquired a hearing loss after developing their verbal communication skills. They are a small Irish charitable and voluntary organisation who campaign for greater awareness on hearing loss, greater access to services and generate support for each other.

St. Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired seeks through education; training and social care to provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to fulfil their individual potential, so each can lead the life of his / her choice. Services that are offered by St. Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired include Assessment Service, Pre-school and Early Intervention, Primary School and Secondary School. They are based in Dublin 9.

We look forward to working with St. Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired and the Irish Hard for Hearing Association in the future. Further information on DFI member organisations can be found on our website: http://www.disability-federation.ie/membership.htm .

DFI launches the National Disability Strategy Recession Implementation Charter

DFI in association with seven other disability organisations launched The National Disability Strategy Recession Implementation Charter. The organisations signed up to this Charter are

  • CIL Carmichael House
  • Disability Federation of Ireland
  • Federation of Voluntary
  • Genetic and Rare Disorders Organisation
  • Inclusion Ireland
  • Irish Mental Health Coalition
  • Neurological Alliance of Ireland
  • People with Disabilities in Ireland
  • Care Alliance Ireland

In the context of the current recession, voluntary disability organisations, working with and on behalf of disabled people, are gravely concerned to ensure

  • That any cuts in public and social service expenditure do not dilute or eradicate the commitments given in the National Disability Strategy.
  • That developments, and investment, to date be fully protected and built upon.
  • That people with disabilities and their families do not bear the brunt of retaining Ireland's standard of living.
  • That when the eventual economic upturn occurs that the NDS is well positioned to significantly advance in tandem with it.

To this end we are strongly committed to

  • Ensuring that the vision and long term goals of the NDS are fully advanced,
  • To working in collaboration with each other, with Government, and with the broader public and social service agencies and
  • That value for money and innovation approaches are maximised.

As a matter of urgency we are calling on Government

  • To restate the priority status that it has given to disability,
  • To ensure that the Budget is prepared and delivered within that context and
  • In partnership with the broad voluntary disability sector, including people with disabilities their families and carers, to actively support and promote the NDS during the remainder of the recession by implementing a whole of Government "NDS Recession Implementation Plan".

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Service Suite External Supervision Service for DFI Members Stress and Support in the Workplace

As part of our Service Suite package of solutions, DFI has developed and launched a new "External Supervision" service, available exclusively to member organisations, at a specially negotiated discount rate.

In the current era of cutbacks, CEOs and Board Directors can find themselves struggling to maintain levels of service provision against a background of reduced staff numbers, unpredictability of funding and greater workload. The relative isolation of the CEO's position can contribute to the experience of stress, with many CEOs having no peer or confidante in the workplace with whom to discuss day-to-day pressures and problems. Board Directors, especially Chairpersons, may be challenged by increased legal and financial responsibilities and reporting requirements. While structured supervision and support may be provided to staff, there is no culture in the C and V sector of regular access to supervision for the CEO or for Board Directors.

In order to address this deficit, and in response to expressed needs of members, the Disability Federation of Ireland has developed a unique service of External Supervision, which is available at a discounted rate to DFI members.

External Supervision provides a dedicated space away from the workplace to reflect on one's work, with an objective, experienced professional, in a confidential, one-to-one setting. Making space for discussion, reflection and "thinking outside the box" can reduce day-to-day stress levels and provide long-term gain for the organisation. It can be an invaluable resource for Directors, CEOs, managers and staff to help develop their skills and knowledge, identify training and development needs, and access personal support.

External Supervision meetings are typically one hour long, and occur as regularly as required, usually monthly. Benefits can include enhanced ability to deal with stress, improved workplace relationships, greater clarity about roles and responsibilities, and improved productivity.

Maeve Halpin, M.A., M. Phil., Dip. Couns. Psych. is partnering with DFI to provide External Supervision to employees and directors of DFI member organisations, as part of the DFI Service Suite. Maeve is a Social and Organisational Psychologist with extensive experience in the voluntary sector, as a volunteer and at Senior Management and Board level. She has been providing both managerial and clinical supervision to professionals working in a range of settings for many years.
To find out more about this unique service, please call Maeve or your DFI Support Officer at the numbers below for a confidential chat with no obligation.

Disability Federation of Ireland
Fumbally Court
Fumbally Lane
Dublin 8
Tel: (01) 454 7978
Email: info@disability-federation.ie
Web: www.disability-federation.ie

Maeve Halpin, M.A., M. Phil., Dip. Couns. Psych
Be Inspired Integrative Therapy Centre
67, Camden Street
Dublin 2
087 287 7837
maeve_halpin@yahoo.ie

HEALTH

National Physical and Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD )

We are pleased to announce that a demonstration of the NPSDD system will take place on the morning of Thursday 22nd October 2008 at the DFI offices in Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8. This session is an opportunity to see how information is recorded and managed on the system, in addition to showing how the information is used and reported.

If you would like to find out more information on the NPSDD and / or the demonstration on 22nd October please contact Mary-Ann O'Donovan at (01) 2345117 or modonovan@hrb.ie

Attendance at this session must be confirmed with Mary-Ann O'Donovan (contact as above) no later than Friday 16th October 2009.

'Best Practice Guidelines for Establishing and Developing Service User Panels in a Health Setting'

'Best practice guidelines for establishing and developing service user panels in a health setting' are now available for download at http://www.hse.ie/eng/Your_Service_Your_Say/new/

It is the aim of the HSE that these Guidelines will be of value to all of those involved in the development and running of service user panels and promoting service user involvement. They are intended to be both theoretically informative and practically applicable. A summary version is also available for download.

If you have any queries please feel free to contact either Rachel at rachel.mcevoy@hse.ie or June at june.boulger2@hse.ie .

Community Health Ireland

At the end of September, DFI participated in the Community Health Ireland, Health Fair. This was a pilot event which took place in the Artane / Beaumont Recreation Centre. The aim of the event was to promote self-awareness of physical and mental wellbeing issues among the local community, offering health information and benefits to individuals and families. A series of 'break-out' health and wellness education presentations also took place throughout the event on topics such as health and fitness, depression and anxiety, addiction, conflicts and emotional freedom therapy.

The idea to hold the event came about when organisers thought about community health promotion and believed it is often considered to be the Cinderella of the healthcare system, neglected in terms of the funds dedicated to it and the public attention it receives. They believed that on a most basic level, healthcare professionals get greater attention for caring for sick people rather than keeping people well and Community Health Ireland wanted to give a voice to health promotion, as the age old saying goes 'prevention is better than cure'.

The event brought together a unique combination of the country's leading health stakeholders and local community organisations including DFI. Some of DFI's own member organisations also took part, Arthritis Ireland, MS Ireland, Asthma Society of Ireland, GROW, BodyWhys, Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, St. Michael's House, Special Olympics Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, St. Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired, Aware, were all present alongside local and other national organisations. It is intended that the pilot Expo will be the first of six large-scale events in the Dublin region with plans to bring the exhibition to each of the major regional centres and rural communities countrywide. Dublin City Council was a partner with Community Health Ireland in running the events and has agreed to facilitate the roll-out of the Expo with Councils around the country. The event was held free of charge to the general public.

NATIONAL DISABILITY STRATEGY / TOWARDS 2016

Social Partnership Update

The Community & Voluntary Pillar launched a publicity campaign on 13th September to highlight the adverse impact that the recession and Government cutbacks are having on a range of vulnerable groups including people with disabilities. The Pillar's press release outlined an alternative approach for addressing the crisis faced by Ireland. The actions it proposed were designed to protect people and the social services infrastructure, in contrast to the narrow, expenditure-cutting package favoured by An Bord Snip and others. The launch garnered considerable attention from the media. The Pillar's communications strategy is continuing. Further information is available on DFI's website.

Part of the Pillar's strategy is to proactively press Government, through submissions and bilateral meetings, to heed the concerns of the community and voluntary sector. Following the launch, representatives of the seventeen Pillar organisations met Dermot McCarthy, Secretary General of the Taoiseach's Department and Secretary General to the Government. The implications of the McCarthy approach and the Pillar's proposals were discussed, and it was agreed that the Government would strengthen its communications with the Pillar. A meeting between the Pillar and the Taoiseach is to be scheduled.

The agreed review of Towards 2016, released in September 2008 undertook that the Office for Social Inclusion (OSI) would develop performance indicators in relation to the long term goals for each stage of the lifecycle in conjunction with the social partners. The Pillar has drafted extensive material, and recently met with the OSI about progressing the initiative. A working group chaired by a Pillar member has been formed. To start the process it will be seeking proposals for indicators from Government Departments. The Pillar will continue to focus on the development of appropriate indicators which must include measures for the disability stage of the life cycle approach.

SOCIAL INCLUSION

National-Friendly Communities Programme

The Ageing Well Network is an independently convened leadership policy network with a shared vision and focus on building "an Ireland that is one of the best countries in the world in which to grow old". Its membership comprises the relevant heads of organisations and critical thinkers who between them have the authority, responsibility or influence to bring this about. John Dolan, Chief Executive Officer DFI, is a member of The Ageing Well Network. The network has developed a number of specific initiatives related to its vision. One of these is the Age Friendly Communities Programme. The Network is now planning to roll-out this programme, following its successful establishment in Louth in late 2008. During this next phase they will extend the initiative into the three other regions, through a lead Local Authority in each area. At the same time, it is intended to extend the programme to the other counties in the North East. The objective of the programme is to significantly and sustainably improve the quality of life of older people. It is based on the thesis that where we live has enormous impact on how we live and that most of the key determinants of quality of life are actually decided on at local level. By planning together to achieve agreed outcomes, all the agencies together with older people's own representative forum, can bring about the major improvements that older people say are most important to them.

National / Local Governement

Consultation on Part M (disability access) of the Building Code

DFI hosted a meeting on 7th September for those interested in discussing the revisions to Part M and the Technical Guidance Document, Access and Use that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is proposing to make. A number of contributors had expertise in the field. There were many criticisms of the proposals, particularly regarding the Code's lack of ambition in promoting a disability-friendly built environment. DFI will be making a submission to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to Part M. For further information, contact buildingstandards@environ.ie .

Disability Access Certificate - Part M

In addition to progress on the accessibility commitment in the Sectoral Plan of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOEHLG) on Part M of the Building Code, the Department announced that from October, 2009, "Disability Access Certificates" will be required at the design stage for new apartment and commercial building projects. This change should improve compliance since Part M requirements must be incorporated into the building designs.

During consultations on the review of DOEHLG's Sectoral Plan the Department supplied information about housing investment under the Capital Assistance Scheme. This scheme funds projects for people with disabilities, older persons and homeless persons. In 2008 the scheme was allocated €156 million for 500 units, of which 134 were for disabled persons. The allocation for 2009 fell to €110 million, with €59 million approved by September for 345 units of which 57 were for disabled persons. The Department explained that applications for funding exceed available resources, with resultant delays in starts. From DFI's perspective the provision for people with disabilities looks very low in relation to level of need, particularly given the Government's commitment to tailored housing for this group.

Housing Policy Update

The Housing Forum, a social partnership entity, met in September after a lengthy interval, to review housing policy developments. At the meeting Departmental officials indicated that capital funding would be prioritised to provide special needs housing although overall Government investment in social housing is being cutback in favour of long term leasing. The Pillar representatives raised concerns about the viability of this policy shift to leasing, fearing that it would not deliver sufficient appropriate and secure homes for people.

Some preliminary findings from the evaluation of the housing adaptation grants schemes for people with disabilities and older people also were presented to the Forum. For example, a survey of applicants for grants found that 28% of respondents found the application process difficult. The Forum was also informed that nearly all local authorities had already used their full 2009 budget for these schemes. DFI is aware of many cases of people needing adaptations who cannot anticipate any help this year, with adverse affects of families and health.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has proposed changes in the disability access section of the Building Code, Part M, and the associated technical guidance, as promised in its Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. In September DFI hosted a consultation for the disability sector to learn about the changes and share views about them. Although the proposals include some substantive improvements in the accessibility requirements for new buildings, a number of general and specific criticisms were made. DFI subsequently prepared a submission focussing on the over-arching issues raised by the proposals, and circulated them to participants in the consultation in advance of the deadline set for submissions of 9th October.

Irish Charities Tax Research

Commission on Taxation Proposals re Tax Relief Schemes for Charities

Irish Charities Tax Research Ltd (ICTR) was set up in 2000 by its sister organisation, the Irish Charities Tax Reform Group (ICTRG) with the specific aim of providing research, information, and education on taxation and regulation issues that affect charities in Ireland.

The Commission on Taxation Report was published on 7th September 2009. The Commission on Taxation Report makes the following key recommendations in relation to Charities, taking on board most of the issues that Irish Charities Tax Research raised with them in both their detailed written submissions and oral presentation:

  • A reduction of the donation threshold from €250 to €100 which is good news but unfortunately they are also proposing to standardise the tax relief i.e. the relief to be given at the taxpayer's standard rate (currently 20%) rather than the marginal rate (41%) which currently applies.
  • That donations from PAYE workers and the self-assessed should be treated the same i.e. the benefit in both cases should go to the charity - this is very good news as it would both simplify the system and would result in increased benefits to charity which should go some way to compensating for standardising the relief.
  • That the tax relief scheme on donations is removed from the scope of the measure to restrict the annual tax relief available to high earners (i.e. S485C). They suggest that the complicated upper limits imposed on donations to charities (introduced under the Finance Act 2006, Ch.2A, Section 485C) should be replaced with a straightforward ceiling of €500,000 under the existing scheme. It takes on board our point that private philanthropy is about public good while private investment is primarily about private gain. The Commission recommends the upper limit on the tax relief scheme on donations on the basis that the State's exposure to costs in this area should not be unlimited.
  • That the same lower threshold and upper limits should apply to corporate donations with relief at the corporation tax rate.
  • That all existing tax exemptions for charities remain unchanged with one exception in the case of Capital Gains Tax where the recommendation is that the exemption should be discontinued where development land is disposed of.

For further details in relation to Irish Charities Tax Research contact www.ictr.ie/about , phone 01-400 2100, email ictr@iol.ie .

FUNDING

Grants from Sustainable Energy Ireland

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the national authority responsible for promoting and assisting in the development of sustainable energy use, administers a number of grant programmes for eligible householders to invest in energy saving measures. The means-tested "Warmer Homes Scheme" or the "Home Energy Saving Scheme" may help some people with disabilities, but care is needed to ensure compliance with the eligibility criteria and the application process. Information is available at www.sei.ie/hes .

A number of DFI's Regional Support Officers are working with local voluntary organisations to assist them in supporting clients with a disability who wish to apply for a SEI grant. For more information, please contact michaelcorbett@disability-federation.ie

The BenefIT 2 Grant Scheme

The Minister for the Knowledge Society, Conor Lenihan, TD, has announced an initiative to invest €285,000 in community-based groups to encourage people improve their basic computer and internet skills.

The BenefIT 2 Grant scheme will target people who might be marginalised by the speed of technological change in our knowledge society.

Training offered under the BenefIT 2 Grant scheme will equip people with the computer skills they need to do the practical things like using e-Mail, linking up with support or interest groups, or using the Internet to find the information, products and services that they need. As well as the basic Internet training, trainees will also be offered a choice of training options such as on-line banking, paying motor tax, digital photography.

Community, Voluntary or not for profit organisations who are able to provide the specified training may apply. €285,000 is available overall. It is anticipated that over 4,500 people should be able to avail of training under this scheme.

Closing date for applications - 20th October
Further Information:
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources,
29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: (01) 6782000
Fax: (01) 6782449
Grant Scheme For Computer Training

GENERAL NEWS

Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)

HETAC awards qualifications at all levels of higher education and training up to PhD level.

HETAC, in keeping with its policy of openness, transparency and accountability, consults widely in developing its policies and procedures. From time to time HETAC will publish draft policy documents for consultation purposes, to give interested parties the opportunity to comment directly to HETAC.

HETAC has published a consultation document entitled ' Draft Awards Standards - Social Care Work' and invites your comments.
The document is available on the HETAC website: http://www.hetac.ie/consultation_docs.cfm?sID=9

Please send your comments to standards@hetac.ie by 15 October 2009 .

Doorway to Life, Abode Independent Living Programme

Doorway to Life, Abode is now accepting applications for its Independent Living Programme

This programme is designed for people with physical and sensory disabilities who have a genuine interest in exploring independent living skills.

Accommodation is available at the centre for those who do not live within commuting distance.

For further information, contact Clodagh or Barbara at Doorway to Life, Mahon, Cork.
Telephone: 021 4357606

Email: info@doorwaytolife.com

O2 Ability Awards: Open for Applications: 21st September - 6th November 2009

The O2 Ability Awards 2010 campaign was launched by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD on 21st September. The campaign aims to encourage organisations to enter the O2 Ability Awards - business awards for best practice in the inclusion of people with disabilities as employees and customers. Created by the founder of the disability organisation, Kanchi and visually impaired social entrepreneur, Caroline Casey, the O2 Ability Awards promote organisations that think and act differently in relation to people with disabilities. This year's campaign is based on a "see ability before disability" concept, with former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Leonardo Da Vinci featured as people of incredible abilities who had disabilities.

The O2 Ability Awards are open to organisations of all structures and sizes from the public and private sectors as well as not-for-profit and voluntary organisations. The programme celebrates organisations and business leaders who see an employee's strengths and abilities over any disability and recognise the economic potential of making their products and services available to all.

Organisations can apply for an award under one or all of the following categories:

  • Leadership
  • Environmental Accessibility
  • Customer Service
  • Recruitment and Selection
  • Learning, Development and Progression
  • Retention and Well-being

Please note that under the 'Rules of Entry', organisations in existence for the specific purpose of working on behalf of people with disabilities are not eligible to apply. However, please feel free to contact the Kanchi team if you would like to nominate an organisation that you believe is eligible to apply and that Kanchi should invite to apply.

Organisations are encouraged to enter online at www.theabilityawards.com before 6th November 2009 . On completion of applications, thirty organisations will be shortlisted and will receive a free on-site assessment audit which will be carried out by independent disability management consultants. Awards will be presented across six categories and there will be three overall winners: one each from the private and non-private sectors as well as an award for the Best Small Company. A televised series documenting a selection of organisations that participate in the O2 Ability Awards will be broadcast in May 2010. The O2 Ability Awards is supported by Telefónica O2 Ireland, FÁS, The Irish Times, Newstalk 106-108fm and RTE.

For more information on Kanchi please see www.kanchi.org and for information on the O2 Ability Awards and to enter online please see www.theabilityawards.com or contact Kanchi on 01-634 0018 or email info@kanchi.org

The One World Trust: A database of civil society self-regulatory initiatives

Civil society organisations are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate their accountability, legitimacy and effectiveness. In response, a growing number are coming together at national, regional and international level, to define common standards and promote good practice through codes of conduct, certification schemes, reporting frameworks, directories and awards. The One World Trust: A database of civil society self-regulatory initiatives project provides the first comprehensive inventory of such civil society self-regulatory initiatives worldwide.

The One World Trust website hosts a portal on civil society self-regulation which includes a database listing over 320 initiatives (codes of conduct, certification schemes, working groups, self-assessments and information services) across 80 countries. Each initiative has a unique page with summaries of its content; contact details; areas and types of activities the initiative addresses; a list of participant organisations; compliance, monitoring and sanctioning mechanisms; among others. The launch of this database provides the first ever detailed stock-taking of the content and mechanisms of CSO self-regulation worldwide. In addition, the portal offers an interactive map of CSO self-regulatory initiatives linking directly to the database, briefing papers, and the latest news on CSO self-regulation. The portal will be an important tool for civil society organisations, donors, researchers and the general public interested in the self-regulation of the sector.
Visit the portal: www.oneworldtrust.org/csoproject .

Self Determination, Inclusion & Equality For All

The Person Centre is a nonprofit organisation currently assisting with the development of services that cost-effectively support people with disabilities & mental health difficulties to live as equal and valued members of society.

We are recruiting for the following positions

  • THE PERSON CENTRE TRUST MANAGER
  • ADVOCACY SUPPORT MANAGER
  • RESEARCH MANAGER
  • COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION SPECIALIST

For further details and application forms please visit www.thepersoncentre.ie

Ageing Well Network: Job Opportunities

The Network is currently recruiting for a National Age-Friendly Communities Programme Manager, please see website for details. www.ageingwellnetwork.ie
The Ageing Well Network has also recently formed a Working Group, the Silver Markets Partnership and that group is now seeking to engage a project manager to organise a major conference on the Silvers Markets, to be held in February 2010. For further information, see the website or contact: Anne Connolly, Director, Ageing Well Network, 19 Stamer Street, Dublin 8, anne@ageingwellnetwork.ie .

Disability Football in the Dublin City Council Leisure Centre

DCC and the FAI are organising Disability Football in the new Leisure Centre on Blackditch Road every Tuesday from 11.00am - 2.00am from September onwards.

Depending on the interest and ages they will look at developing slots.

For more information please contact Michael Moore FAI / DCC Development Officer on 087 980 5772.

Newsletters

For information please contact the relevant organisation directly.

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.

National Office
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),
Mobile: 086 8206736
E: anthonycarrick@disability-federation.ie

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

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

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

Dermot O'Donnell
Support Officer - Support for Organisations (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
Mobile: 086 8207169
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 086 3816323
E: a.ryan@disability-federation .