Tipperary DPO launches to provide a pathway for disabled people to impact decision making

It was an important day for disabled people in Tipperary last week, when a new organisation launched which aims to collaborate, promote and pursue human rights for disabled people. The new Tipperary Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) launched on October 29 at the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel.

The new Tipperary DPO will give disabled people in Tipperary the space to come together and make peer connections and avail of training to enable them to challenge the structural and attitudinal barriers that affect them. There is power in numbers and Tipperary DPO is a cross impairment so disabled persons can join irrespective of their condition or impairment.

One of the organisers for the group, Nicola Meacle, explained why disabled people in Tipperary should think about joining the organisation. “Having a DPO in Tipperary will ensure that disabled people in the county can advocate collectively for their rights, and engage in meaningful dialogue with decision-makers.

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"Local policy decisions play a huge role in shaping the lives of disabled people, ILMI will support Tipperary DPO through the delivery of capacity building training to members so that they can represent the disabled community in decision-making spaces. If people don’t speak up, things will never change,” she said.

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr John Carroll, opened the launch and explained to the room the importance of the new organisation for disabled people across Tipperary. “For a long time disabled people were told what’s best for them, that’s no more. They will now be able to come together and address challenges and influence decision making,” he said.

Marie O’Brien joined the organisation recently and explained why others should also join the new DPO. “We are much stronger when we work together and support each other as disabled people.

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"There are times when I’ve felt frustrated,” said Marie. She explained the worries she has about things like the lack of disabled parking spaces in Tipperary and the need for more reasonably priced and accessible rural transport options in the county.

“We need better support services so people can stay in their homes. Disabled toilets in hospitals are also in an appalling condition. These are all reasons why people should become involved with the new group,” said Marie.

Derek Spaight who is a member of the group also said that disabled people should be more involved in policy making decisions. “We should be listened to and asked our opinions,” he told the room.

Peter Kearns who is the DPO Development Officer said “It’s taken 20 years to get to this point but Ireland is still ahead of the rest of the world.”

Kearns said that the establishment of the group is not all about protest but also about change.

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer, spoke at the launch saying that policy change only happens when disabled people’s voices are heard. “This DPO is about being able to have your voice heard and to have barriers eliminated that prevent that,” he concluded.

Any person wishing to join the new Tipperary Disabled Persons Organisation can contact Nicola at tipperarydpo@gmail.com or on 087 718 9237.