A general election is just around the corner and IWA’s Advocacy Manager Joan Carthy is encouraging all Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) members to firstly make sure they are registered to vote, and secondly to use their vote wisely on polling day.
By wisely Joan means voting for a candidate that will commit to fighting for the rights of people with disabilities if elected, as IWA campaigns to try to ensure that disability is a priority in the next Programme for Government.
She told SpokeOut: “Members of Irish Wheelchair Association can play their part in helping to achieve this in a number of ways. Make sure you are aware of IWA’s election manifesto and when prospective candidates come calling to your door looking for your vote engage with them and ask that they make a commitment to deliver what we are seeking in our manifesto.”
IWA is also holding a number of stand-alone hustings around the country in advance of polling day. Our first event took place in Portlaoise on Monday (November 4th) with a fantastic turnout from both members and potential candidates. Housing, Transport, Access and the cost of disability were all hot topics and members got the opportunity to share their stories and opinions.
She points out that as part of its advocacy campaign IWA also has a facility on its website which allows members to send an email to candidates asking them to prioritise the rights of people with disabilities in the next Programme for Government.
“It couldn’t be easier. Just select your constituency from the drop-down menu on your right, it will take you to a prepared letter. You can add to it and personalise it as much as you want, or leave it as is. But do get involved and send it, making your voice heard.
Joan said: “We want to put disability front and centre stage in this general election campaign. We believe that people with disabilities and the disability sector have been abandoned by successive governments and that needs to change. If candidates want the vote from people with disabilities, they need to commit to this change.”
She added: “Everyone should be able to live a life of choice and equality. There is an ongoing crisis in the disability sector which is fundamentally one of funding.”
And she warned that there is a serious risk that, over time, voluntary organisations will be unable to fulfil their service arrangements to the HSE in the absence of this not being addressed.
“This general election is a chance for change but we have got to make our voices heard.”
There a number of ways in which you can have your voice heard.
- Attend one of the hustings listed below.
- Let candidates know what your key issues are when/if they knock on your door canvassing.
- Email candidates in your area. Use our easy tool here.
The following Hustings are open to members to attend if you can.
Thursday, November 14th – Galway – Start time: 11am – Event held in conjunction with Rehab – Location – Shantalla Community Centre, 46 Ashe Road, Co. Galway, Eircode: H91 A4VW.
Friday November 15th – Carlow – Start Time – 12pm – IWA Centre – R93 K3H4.
Tuesday, November 19th – Limerick – Start Time: 11:30am – Event held in conjunction with Enable Ireland at Enable Ireland Adult Services, Quinn’s Cross, Mungret, Co. Limerick, V94 DF89.
Thursday, November 21st – Start Time: 11.30am – Event held in conjunction with the National Disability Services Association at IWA Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AW62.
