‘Event provides huge range of information, and all under one roof’

The presence of the minister with responsibility for disability added to this year’s edition of the Westmeath Community Development Disability Working Group held their annual Information Event for Disability and Older Persons Services, says one of the organisers.

The event was on Monday May 18 at its customary location, Bloomfield House Hotel, and also present were two other ministers and representatives from various service providers in the areas of disability and elder care.

The ministers were Minister for State Robert Troy, TD, Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, and Emer Higgins, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability.

Linda Jo Quinn, Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) community development co-ordinator, and MC for the event, was delighted with the day, especially the presence of the ministers.

“There were 38 service providers here and we had three ministers, Robert Troy, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Emer Higgins – she’s the minister of state for disability, so it was fantastic that she was able to come and it makes a big difference to have the politicians here.

“We had a number of different speakers which we’re very grateful for. We had the minister and, Mark Ahern, chairperson of Independent People with Disabilities. We had Bob McDermott from the Mullingar Arch Club, they’re looking to set up a Men’s Shed for men with additional needs.

“We had Anne Myler from Westmeath County Council talking about the Age Friendly Strategy. We had Patricia McKenna from Westmeath Community Development’s SICAP talking about employability and training.

“There was also Nicole Lonican from the Disability Participation News Hub, and Nicola Gilcreest from Westmeath County Council Arts Section, who talked about the arts plan for the county.

“Finally, we had Minister Boxer Moran, who spoke about his own story, because he has a disability. He was talking about when he went into politics, how it affected him.

“We had a great turnout and we’re delighted.”

According to Linda, the reaction from attendees was brilliant. “Everyone really enjoyed it and thought it was excellent,” she said.

There were stands dotted throughout the room offering information and support for people with disabilities and older people. “We had 38 service providers in the one room with valuable information for people. When people come here they can get details they might need, or, if they don’t, maybe some of their family might.

“The event is providing a service where you have everybody under the one roof. It gets bigger and bigger every year, which we’re delighted with.”