Spokeout
April 2025

How is it April already? We are loving seeing the gardens in our Community Centres across the country come to life.

There is so much talent and creativity across so many areas among our members. From talented gardeners to talented writers. We encourage you to read our featured extract from Alex’s book “The Jedi in a Wheelchair.” Alex is part of the IWA family in Portlaoise and recently completed our Self-Advocacy course.

This month’s edition of Spoke Out really showcases the power of storytelling. IWA Personal Assistant, Peter shares how he went the extra mile during the snowstorms in January and Rob O’Bryne shares his tale of resilience and determination to become a business owner.

On the fundraising front, we’re calling on the females in our community to take part in the upcoming Women’s Mini Marathon plus our Mobility Life features a range of innovative products that can be fitted to wheelchairs helping to navigate some more challenging terrains.

Our advocacy team are working hard on our Pre-Budget submission and they are calling on you to have your voice heard by filling in the survey included. It’s vital that our Pre-Budget submission reflects your needs so please do take some time to fill that in.

Lastly, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Access: It’s No Joke campaign launched on April Fools Day. Throughout the rest of the week we are sharing video from you, unscripted and unedited. Make sure you are following us on social media and if you haven’t had a chance yet make sure you check out our Access: It’s No Joke website page today.

Thank You,

Pam

Print this edition
Spotlight on:
Rob O'Byrne
Be part of our Pre-Budget Campaign
Also inside:
Why join our multi-sports clubs, braving the elements for our members, plus lots more

In this issue:

  • Spotlight on: Rob O’Byrne
    Turning his passion for fitness into a business
  • Advocacy
    Get involved in our Pre-Budget Campaign
  • Fundraising
    Help to make a difference to the lives of our members
  • Sport
    How youth involvement in IWA-Sports Clubs helped shape the lives of two wheelchair basketball greats
  • Volunteers
    East Cork IWA Branch - Over 50 years of Support & Friendship
  • Mobility Life
    A look at motorised wheelchair attachments
  • Going the extra mile to support our members
    "My first thought was would I be able to get to Pat" - Assisted Living Service PA Peter Ryan
  • The Jedi in a Wheelchair
    How one IWA member is using storytelling and self-advocacy to find his voice—and inspire others.
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