Here at Áiseanna Tacaíochta (ÁT), we’re excited to announce the full line-up for our upcoming event, Realising Equality through Active Participation (REAP), taking place in Dublin on 3rd December 2014.

Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, REAP offers a valuable opportunity to explore issues of equality, Independent Living and Direct Payments for people with disabilities, and to forge new ways of working together across society to secure full human rights and inclusion for all.

The full list of sessions and speakers has just been released, and is available below.  There will be a lot of room for questions and discussions on the day, with REAP being particularly valuable to people with disabilities and their families, disability organisations and wider community groups, health sector workers, Government and agency representatives, social entrepreneurs and philanthropists, and members of mainstream society interested in strengthening their communities.

Chaired by renowned journalist and policy analyst, Sara Burke,REAP takes place between 9:30am to 4:30pm on the day in the Davenport Hotel, Merrion Street, Dublin 2.  The event is free to attend and open to everyone, but registration is essential.  To book your place now, click here to visit our Eventbrite page or complete the ticket form below the programme.

 

Realising Equality through Active Participation | Programme

Welcome

• Geoffrey Day | Chairperson of ÁT

Opening Address

• Aodhán O’Ríordáin TD | Minister for New Communities, Culture and Equality

 The Journey to Independent Living: Achieving Equality through Direct Payments

• Owen Collumb  | Founding member of ÁT
• Máiríde Woods | Board member of ÁT
• Hubert McCormack | Pioneer of Independent Living movement

 Leaders’ Experience of Direct Payments

• Johnny Ryan | Leader
• Maggie Woods | Leader

 Supporting Innovation and Change through the ÁT Model

• Madeline Clarke | Executive Director of Genio
• Pat Clarke | Chairperson of the Disability Federation of Ireland
• Sheila Marshall | Dublin North Manager of the Health Service Executive
• Michael Doyle | Director of Assisted Living Service of the Irish Wheelchair Association
• Mark Blake-Knox | Chief Executive of Cheshire Ireland

 Afternoon Address

• Maria Walls | National Manager of the National Advocacy Service

 Building Support Networks and Promoting Active Participation

• Anne Motherway and Niamh Quinn | Leader and family member
• Jacinta Fortune | Family member of Leader
• Helen Lahert | Member of Circle of Support

 The Future: Visions of an Equal and Inclusive Society for All

• Martin Naughton | Director of ÁT
• Lynda Stopford | Director of the School for Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
• Patrick Flanagan | Graduate, living independently

Closing Statements

• Ann Kennelly | Board member of ÁT