Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA)

A general election is just around the corner and IWA’s Advocacy Manager Joan Carthy, is encouraging all members to firstly make sure they are registered to vote, and secondly to use their vote wisely on polling day. Huge thanks to IWA Portlaoise for hosting the first of IWA's Hustings today. Read more and find out how you can get involved. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eJMCtZjw #IWAAdvocacy #GeneralElection24

Coverage in the Leinster Express / LaoisLive.ie of our General Election Hustings which kick off in our IWA centre in Portlaoise at 11.30am this morning. So important that #disability is prioritised in the next Programme for Government and people with disabilities need to vote for candidates who they feel will best achieve that. When candidates come knocking at your door make sure you include disability issues in your discussion! https://lnkd.in/eW2tpzJm #GE2024 #IWAAdvocacy #DisabilityMatters

Come work with us!

Do you want to make an impact on the lives of thousands of people with disabilities across Ireland? As a leading disability advocacy and service provider with over 2,000 employees across Ireland, we are seeking visionary leaders who demonstrate integrity to join our Board and help drive IWA's mission forward. We have three exciting opportunities: 1. Emerging Leaders - perfect for ambitious professionals ready to bring fresh perspectives and have an impact on the Board. 2. Senior Leaders - for experienced and purpose-driven professionals with expertise in property management, legal, strategic development, fundraising, or governance. 3. Senior Public & Community Sector Leaders - We are looking for an experienced leader with a deep understanding of public, semi-state or community sector ready for their next challenge. As an organisation with strong values and people centred culture, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact and improve the lives of people with disabilities. Interested? Learn more about these positions and apply on Boardmatch Ireland 👉 https://lnkd.in/ebWt2Pg9 #BoardOpportunity #NotForProfit #Leadership #Governance

Congratuations to all involved in the #NDAConference2024. IWA was represented at the event by our National Director of Services for Housing, Access, Property and Volunteering Tony Cunningham and our National Access Manager @RosaleenLally. A hugely insightful Conference on the theme of Article 30 of the UNCRPD - promoting the participation of disabled people in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport in Ireland. Well done National Disability Authority and the many excellent speakers on the day.

Just as everyone suspected a #GeneralElection is to be held this side of Christmas. Between now and polling day IWA will be examining closely the policies of parties/candidates around disability which must be a priority in any new Programme for Government. The rights of people with disabilities to live independent lives of their choosing can no longer be ignored. We need to see investment in housing, transport and educational and employment opportunities as well as increased funding for services and sectoral reform. Stats have shown that the group in Irish Society with the highest risk of poverty are those who are unable to work due to a long-term disability or illness, at almost three times the national average. They are also twice as likely to be experiencing deprivation We cannot accept this. IWA members have consistently called for a permanent Cost of Disability Payment, as the costs of disability are not once off. We will be unveiling our Election Manifesto shortly and will be asking General Election candidates/parties to commit to our asks and take the necessary steps to improve services and funding for people with disabilities. We have been abandoned for too long! #IWAAdvocacy #GE2024 #DisabilityMatters https://lnkd.in/efcjiqMT

On behalf of our Board, we are pleased to announce the election of Dermot Murphy as Chairperson of Irish Wheelchair Association's Board. Dermot, who has served on the Board since October 2020, brings extensive experience from his work as a business consultant, CEO and non-executive director. We would like to thank Dermot and all our Board members for volunteering their time and expertise to IWA. We are currently seeking to fill casual vacancies on the Board and several committees. If you have experience in areas such as governance, fundraising, or strategic planning, we encourage IWA members to apply. Read more about Dermot, our Board vacancies and our mentorship programme below. 👇 https://bit.ly/4dUgu5I

We welcome a bill that gives control to people with disabilities over their own lives and how they organise their support. In the aftermath of adopting the UNCRPD, Optional Protocol we hope to see more meaningful changes in Ireland, like this. #IWAAdvocacy #UNCRPD

A proud day for all in Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and the National Rehabilitation hospital (NRH), This week staff member, Mark Barry was the proud but humble recipient of the 2024 Peter Norman Humanitarian Award in Sport. The Award recognises people who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to human rights, equality, and humanitarian causes. Mark was honoured for his outstanding work as Irish Wheelchair Association Liaison Officer with patients in National Rehabilitation hospital, for his tireless positivity and determination to highlight the benefits of sport to patients and people with disabilities across Ireland. A hugely important recognition and so well deserved. Mark collected his award in the Australian Embassy on Wednesday night with friends and family in attendance. Pictured with Mark are (From left) James Hazell, Deputy Chief of Mission Australian Embassy, Rosie Kelly, NRH Physiotherapist Manager, John Lynch Programme Manager Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Dr. Amanda Carty, Deputy CEO, NRH, and Catherine Cornall Clinical Specialist Brain Injury Clinic NRH. Please join us in congratulating Mark😊 #HumanitarianAward #IWAAdvocacy #NRH

We are so grateful to and in awe of these four ambitious and generous cyclists who took on a huge cycling challenge to raise funds for the Irish Wheelchair Association Mallow Branch in memory of their late friend Michael O'Connell, who was passionate about IWA, and their inspiration. So far they have raised over €7,000 and still counting.👏👏 Read all about it here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ejh9TmNb