Returning to the Pillar Room...
Celebrating 50 Years - of social and political change for people with physical disabilities.
Irish Wheelchair Association celebrated 50 years of progress and development, on the 10th of November 2010. This day marked the founding of the national organisation for people with physical disabilities, and was commemorated by IWA returning to the Pillar Room of the Mater Hospital, Dublin, where eight wheelchair users met on the evening of the 10th November 1960, with a vision and determination to form a movement that would champion the cause of people with limited mobility in Ireland
IWA's patron, President Mary McAleese joined Dr Oliver Murphy, the sole surviving founder member of the Association, for a special ceremony which commemorated the key role IWA has played in bringing many changes and improvements to the lives of people with physical disabilities.
Recalling the first meeting of the Association Oliver spoke about the spirit of optimism and hope, the new-found friendships, and the realization that in many other countries, people with disabilities were living independently that led members of the first Paralympic Team to join with other like-minded individuals to found an organization dedicated to improving the lives of wheelchair users in Ireland.
We could see that the other athletes were better equipped and had a better life at home. The focus in the early days was getting people out of their houses and residential institutions, until then you didn’t really see people in wheelchairs. IWA opened up a whole new world, getting people out for socials every week and bringing them on holidays.
I feel very lucky to be able to enjoy the 50th Anniversary celebrations of an organisation that has been so much part of my life”.
Elsewhere, 20,000 candles were lit at midday on 10th November 2010 in 57 ROC’s nationwide, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Association. IWA members, staff and volunteers came together to remember the key role IWA has played in bringing many improvements and changes to the lives of people with physical disabilities in Ireland. Some of these include equality, access, employment, housing, sport, independent living and advocating for legislative changes
Click here to read the speech made by President Mary McAleese (external website)
