Inclusion Ireland

In 1983, Paul Alford moved into an institution believing he would be there for just six months. He stayed for over three decades. In this clip from Episode 4 of our podcast - The Right to Ordinary - Paul shares what life was like in an institution, where everyday freedoms like going out, spending your own money and making your own decisions were controlled by others. Paul's story is a powerful reminder of why choice, independence and the right to live in your own home and community matter. 🎧 Listen to Episode 4 of The Right to Ordinary to hear Paul's story and his journey to living in his own home on our website - https://lnkd.in/dDePKDiG or wherever you get your podcasts.

🚨Reminder Our webinar 'A Question of Choice' takes place next Wednesday 21st of October. Register online here: https://lnkd.in/dgwDDi64

📢 Join the Inclusion Ireland Team! We're looking for a Training Partnerships Co-ordinator to help us grow our Disability, Equality and Inclusion training programme and support more organisations to create inclusive workplaces and communities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in business development, partnerships, sales or relationship management who wants to use their skills to make a positive difference. 📍 Location: Hybrid, with some attendance in Dublin ⏰ Hours: 16 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements 📅 Contract: Two-year fixed term, part-time At Inclusion Ireland, we offer a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment, with opportunities for professional development. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter by close of business on Wednesday, October 28th to lucinda@inclusionireland.ie Find out more about the role on our website here: https://lnkd.in/d9H-hEZ5

A home of your own. A community where you belong. Our latest episodes of The Right to Ordinary podcast explore the right to housing and community living, through two very different perspectives. 🎙️ Episode 4: Paul Alford, disability advocate, shares his personal journey from institutional living to having a home of his own. 🎙️ Episode 5: Selina Doyle, Director of Strategic Development at Aurora, explores what meaningful community inclusion looks like and the supports people need to truly belong and thrive. Two conversations. Two perspectives. One important message: Having a home is about more than a roof over your head. It's about choice, independence and belonging. 🎧 Both episodes are available on our website here https://lnkd.in/dWNTnFyM or wherever you get your podcasts.

Words matter. These are people’s homes, not “placements”. When we talk about disability services, language can make people disappear behind systems, services and numbers. A home is more than a place to live. It’s about choice, privacy, belonging, relationships and having control over your own life. Following yesterday’s Budget 2027 announcements, we’re looking closely at what the new investment will actually mean for people with intellectual disabilities. Swipe to see what we know so far, what we still need clarity on, and the questions we’ll be putting to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality this week. #Budget2027

Our initial reaction to Budget 2027. There is significant investment in disability, but the real test is what that investment means in peoples every day lives. Does it deliver greater choice, independence and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and their families? Every euro invested must pass this inclusion test. Watch our initial reaction in the below video:

Ahead of Budget 2027 tomorrow, our CEO Derval McDonagh asks an important question - what does good investment actually change in people’s lives? More funding is needed. But funding alone does not guarantee inclusion. Every cent invested must help deliver better lives, greater choice and stronger communities for people with intellectual disabilities. Every cent must pass the inclusion test. Read Derval’s piece below.

Every child has the right to an inclusive education. Ahead of Budget 2027 tomorrow, our final key ask is for Government to invest in an education system where children with intellectual disabilities are welcomed, included and supported in their local schools. Too many children and families are still fighting for the basic right to an education that meets their needs. Budget 2027 must help move Ireland towards a genuinely inclusive education system. One where children learn together, belong together and get the supports they need to thrive. We are calling on Government to: - Fund more therapists in schools and move towards smaller class sizes so teachers can better support students. - Invest €1 million to deliver disability and human rights training for teachers delivered by Disabled Persons’ Organisations. Read our Budget 2027 Submission and key asks here - https://lnkd.in/eSkprzTe

“Independent living needs to mean having a home and having the right support.” In yesterday’s Irish Examiner, Sarah Jane Lavin shared her own experience of living independently and why disabled people need real choice, the right support and the opportunity to live an ordinary life in their community. Sarah Jane waited almost a decade to get the housing she needed. Today, she has her own home, support from a personal assistant, a job in her local community and greater choice and control over her own life. As Budget 2027 approaches, voices like Sarah Jane’s must be at the heart of decisions about disability policy and investment. “I know it’s possible because I am living it. Now I want other people to have the same chance.” Read Sarah Jane’s piece in the Irish Examiner here - https://lnkd.in/dQu5Ue5B #Budget2027