How Does an Authority Authorit?

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Thu Feb 01, 2007 02:44

Sean

I find your article interesting but am unsure, if your findings are similar to mine.

Years ago when the NDA was known as the NRB I recall going with a fellow student from Trinity, and both of us feeling distinctly unwanted. We left and put it down to a unformed attitude there.

I live accross the road from the NDa. What a splendid building and what an impressive face over. However again, my feelings are hostile to the person who raises the question on research.

It appears that large amounts of research reports are prepared there and these included mainly academics from those in our universities......those who work better.

Because of neurological difficulties, when in extreme disarray like with Telecom bills going back 4 years, or when I look for help with a PA, or when I sick help because I have left Trinity minus one paper to take. This was a special arrangement 3 years ago when all professors of the BESS department met with my psychologist, mentor and the disabilities officer to establish an alternative assessment for people with disability needs. They back treacked on what the required me to, from 2 essays up to 5. This 3 years later is in ageyance. Surely the NDA have something to add here.

Again the health service fail to provide management of services for people like me who have no numeracy and need to attend several consultant from several vaculties. Personal Assistant exist but the budget is mean and therefore needs based appears to be a dream.

Then I compliment them on their Accessibility Report twice. I receive no reply. I erred. I added on to the accessibility - assistance dogs for people with hidden disabilities. These dogs are be used mose successfully for Autistic children......think of the scope for people like neurological problems, agoraphobia, balance problems. We need only look at the Guide Dog.

These queries and so many more rank no response. Why? Do I have to be an academic to have an opinion as to what disabilities apply to me.

Where are the manners of these people?

I ask how hospitable this beautiful reconstructed double house building is to those with disabilities problems but nbased out in Finglas. I have heard someone who is election campaigning already and who is very surprised and the lack of knowledge out there about our National Disability Authority - has it no teeth? How biased to Science is the research?

I find the FWDI service and monthly brochure excently.

The NDA needs to be a lot more user friendly and correspond with people who have ideas.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics please Fri Feb 02, 2007 12:36

Location 2 large properties converted in Clyde Road adjacent to the American Embassy. A library exists and an area to study.

Board meetings are held around a quite large table. Reserach Topics appear to be desiged on and allocated to either rseearch groups in the universities.

There is such a diconnectedness. Sometimes I go in to the pleasant reception and I help myself to the brochures (all free) on issues about a Disability Code of Practice, Acquired Brain Injury for Childre, Accessibility for people with disability........Here I sought to place some input. I note the NDA have a Health Care page on the system but it is rather dry and dull paper about the practical benefitis of access.

To this I say Hold on: What about the silent conditions, hearing, seeing, TBI, Phobias, Neurological problems. Delight hits me when I hear Mr. Brydon and Cork speak on the Mooney show about autistic children. These people provide dogs for the non sighted people but the interesting point is that they listen out and hear.......those needs of others.

Ken heard about a project in Ontario and he travelled there and now it is established.in Ireland. 20 children have received their dogs. This enhances their lift greatly, it enables supervision, it enables breaking down socialibity threats. Children are free to go to the shops, to go to schools.
I would say to people please keeing giving these chilldren a chance to have a trained dog to englighten a life that could be greatly hampered by inter alia oversensitivity.

Back to the accessbility report from the NDA and its awards. I have written at least 3 times about dogs for people with neurological problems, ill health, balance problems, got preople with phobias and in particular agorophobia. Then there are the benefits to the elderly people - I thought we are promoting independent living in the community. We are trying in Baggot Street and dogs are becoming acceptable and a conversation peace.
Where is our minister for Pets........Why are we at the bottom of the league in the European Europe with a massive history of just putting dogs down.

The NDA never responded. I pass on to them James Joyce.......Dont be so conscious of mistakes and be inclusive and communicate with the grass root to learn more.........James Joyce refers to 'Mistakes are the portals of discovery.

NDA have the perfect location, the view of Herbert Park, Embassies, Tree lined roads near the American Embassy - the real hub off the system. The contribution seems to be more reports and people are getting cynical of the research driven (scientific mould) reports.

I wonder what the expenses are here. Do they engage in cost benefit analysis. I ask this because there are numeracy number of agencies fighting on behalf of their groups of people (all from a central fund) and I bet there is a lot of duplication.....It is something worth thinking about. Mergers and takerovers apply to like of Aer Lingus and Tony O'Leary and they do to cut costs and make profits.............Let us not forget this serious endeavour so that when people with disabilities get their promised tranche of government funds...............Equity, Justice, Integrity, Fairness will be the words that surround it. Let us not forget the starving communities in the mental health field and those addicted to drugs and alcohols. Ideas like the film Patch Adam are seriously needed here.

We must find reasons and promptly and particuly while children are you.....I read a very good book on Fear recently........it explained to much about the link between fear, anxiety, stress, the stigma, the shame the stories.......

I am no asking directly for the NDA on my behalf to review the concept of assistance dogs. They can contact Ken Brydon in Cork.

I need a dog to walk the short distance I have. The problems are neurological, phobias, psychiatric.

Chronic Fatigue syndrome means walks are short and coffee is the bonus. I sit outside O'Briens in Baggot Street and Insomnia. But if the rain starts there are some spurious rules and regulations that dogs can's sit inside the shops. This is not the case in America or Europe.

All we need is a pass from say NDA to present, like the bus pass, or the people with disabilities pass.

The other point I make is being asked to leave public houses in the D4 area. I have my own theory........Smell is often underated and not have same my self I can easily make this statement. I was greatly pleased to note an article on the Reuters Screen that there is a link between the importance of smell, its loss and alzheimers..........We live in the world of the net. For people with health complications there is a mirth to be found to help you identify with your problem and needs.........I ask State Sponsored Bodies to leave aside the us and them and working in a collegiate with the research team, patients and the computer.

I note that Carmichael Houser provide rooms for over 40 services, the there are the Health who have their own services. Then there services run by the Brothers of Charity, the Nund, then there is the Council for Independent Living and so many more.

Does anyone know how all of these unit interact with the NDA? If it an effective way or has competion set in. Remember the funds that will be granted with cause some of the units to be closed and this is worth assessing now. Mergers often work very well and Critical for people with Disabilities is to have strong consolidated involved support behind them?

Quotation:
SuperPower 2

'America is gangsterism for the private of the few'
Vanessa Redgrave Actor and Political Activist.

by Kevin T. Walsh - Social Justice and Ethics Mon Jun 04, 2007 21:31

Yesterday in the Sunday Independent, the Rehab Group has dismissed rumours of financial impropriety in the Disabilities training organisation, a leak was circulated to the media, prior to the General Election.

Chief Executive, Angela Kerins, said at the weekend there was no truth to claims that large expenses were being drawn from the chairty or that new auditing procedures were implemented as a result.

I disagree. Sometime ago I wrote an article on the scandal of research funding in Ireland which costs the taxpayer a massive Euros75 m per annum. It is amazing that Frank Flannery, former Chief of Executive of Rehab, now Enda Kenny's political guru, a decent man, I believe that.

In Enda's contract, taxpayers have a right to see the result of the hard earned money which is poured into these organisations. The salaries of the staff is on par with Ministers - so Miss Kerins let us forget the word charity please.

In the last two years, I did some research: Out of 100 people living North of O'Connell bridge, only 3 knew where the National Disability Authority was on Clyde Road, Dublin 4. These people win awards, at lavish parties, for communication and work within disabilities throughout Ireland. I do not believe this Whoever is the spin doctor, Bertie will be soon chasing him for a job in Fianna Fail (or should I say her).

I will tell you why I don't believe. My partner is bipolar, with ABI and my nephew John had a car accident last year and has front lobal brain damage. I phoned the NDA across the road from me for any help in leaflets e.g. Aware, Rehab, etc. based in the West of Ireland and assistance regarding John. Their response was clear - they deemed it not to be in their remit. They were prepared to do a favour - I will see what I have here and I will post it on. It beggars belief - NRB, stands for National Disabilities Association (independent government body). My nephew John is sadly disabled mentally with a brain injury so why the bullshit bureacracy and red tape. To get help for John right now, it is like chasing the rainbow. My sister is paying out Euros 2,000 a month for a private nurse to help her.

Over a year ago, a group of HSE staff booked into a hotel in Dundalk for a weekend. They called it a get-together to enhance and improve patients lives. They wined and dined all night. The tab in the morning for the taxpayer was Euros7,500. I would love to know Miss Kerins view on this.

There is one big fan club out there and the dope i.e. the taxpayer is paying for it. We urgently need a form of regulation on these charities and government boards.

Some people in these fan clubs sit on various boards and their expenses (which the taxpayers pay) is beyond justification morally and Ethics. Some of these people make Bertie's tent look like a Regatta.......

One more comment, I would like to applaud Professor Gerald Morgan, Trinity College, tonight. Regarding difficulties he has been encountering in Trinity, he raised the challenge, 'Bring in the Gardai or I will'.

In the meantime the Provost, Mr. Hegarty, seeks the return of Third Level fees......I wonder why? Maybe it has something to do with Mad Mullah and associates, retreat to Turkey, during the weekend - I think they call them Junkets.....

I believe that McDowell plans to give a lecture on Human Rights.......Could this be in Turkey! Turkey! Turkey!

Kevin T. Walsh
Quotation
Order.....Denis Diderot (1713-84) French Philosopher
'Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order!

'Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control'

Michelle adds this
Communication is essential - but something is lacking when you can't just convey what it is you mean and brain damage impacts sight, senses, hearing and short term memory. Sounds simple and irrelevant but it is far from it......
A RTA means TBI to neurological. Two neurological units for those who pay and those who don't are not feasible.....Let us wake up and improve practice.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Inclusion and Ethics Thu Aug 09, 2007 19:36

This is the Statutory body appointed solely to inform the Government on the needs of people with disabilities.......

Yes, Kevin - it has an ideal location on Clyde Road (Embassy land) Dublin 4 with a library overlooking Herbert Park and far from what I would call over-used by the general public.

The board room excels - the academics, researchers, profile people meet to discuss projects that end up as submissions to enform the Government about the whole of area of disabilities. They call it a systemic approach.

The publications are to be found in the front area but as the years progress, their standard becomes less enlightening.

The lack of any ability to communicate with a punter with disabilities who asks for advice is a major flaw in the system.

It leads the punter seeking help in the end annoying everyone, the ministers, the represenative bodies e.g. Aware, Comhairle etc.

Simply, I absolutely need the assistance of a PA.....you outline the cumulative list of illness where one begets another......and all you find out is that Mental Health problems do not qualify for a PA.

Who stands up for who?

You hear Dr. Delanty a.m. on the radio talking about Neurology in Ireland and the underfunding. Then you have a situation where mental health is almost at crisis levels with a Monday to Friday service with no cover for the weekends; the long weekends; Christmas.

Something positive I must report on. In 2004 I received bills from Eircom that basically overcharged me for Broadband. Neurologically the use of the phone is a problem for me, complicated by aphasia. The email is there my only means of communication. I wrote nearly 30 articles on Indymedia - I wrote to Noel Dempsey, I wrote to Mr. Brougan, I wrote to Com-Reg, the regulator many times and endlessly to Eircom.

Kevin came to my rescue recently. He gave me understanding and the voice that makes people listen. Now I pass on to people - select your cause, empower yourself to make a written submission and find the voice to make it impact.

The CEO officer from Eircom met with me last week. All is settled now and equitably. The only concern I expressed was the need for Corporates to listen to vulnerable, people with disabilities and to be aware of Depression and the ability to talk to someone when in need, and the need to be neurologically ahead - because the web is powerful to those who are limited due to brain damage.......

Let us clear be clear about research.......there are many people with serious experience of their condition, be it Chronic Fatigue, Mental Health, neurological, intellectual disability, empower these people back to education, by facilitating and providing a personal assistant for say three hours a week to guide and direct them as to how to manage their life effectively and taking account of the deficits.

Thank you Eircom but it took a person who could talk the walk who could take the lame duck and put his heart where is mouth is and realise the falsity of services for the vulnerable......I was a lucky one.....I received a donation to my favorite Charity and I again thank Eircom for this respect.

What intrigues me more is that I got little response from people on Indymedia about my case but isn't life a video of the past.

One cute bucko suggested I should get a boy friend; get out more and pay the 'f....' bill in his words not mine. Tonight I say to him - David beat Goliath part 2. Well done to the Vulnerable..

Michelle Clarke

Aspiration (1908-1989) US Film Actress
'Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work'

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Wed Sep 26, 2007 20:37

Did anyone see David McWilliams programme - the Generation Game on Monday night. Dublin Airport is the hub to our economy, in a way similar to Ellis Island in the 1800's. It is a class interaction of human beings embracing an unknown diversity for Ireland.

Consumerism is at every level, with the popularity of makeup artists, to apply potions to the faces of travellers making Dublin Airport, the 6th in the world to spend on make-up.......add to this makeup for politicians.....all in fact who need a face..... a face to say how sincere, committed and otherwise they are. The people who will never be part of the underclass - the real consumers, spending money, be it salaries, or investments, or even other irregular sources. It is a lot to do with lack of self-esteem, fear of ageing and just filling in time versus the more philosophical type of person.

What a surprise I got in today's Irish Times. Living near the NDA and occasionally taking some of their research reports from their waiting area, I become a little more self assured, that I am not so odd - that others with needs are unheard.

I believe that the NDA must have some authority in relation to the inadequate Mental Health Services in Ireland. I believe that mental illness, emotional problems, and physical disabilities can combine to form Chronic Disabilities, with a low opportunity to gain independence, or work or education.

Today Trinity host a conference. There is a survey that suggests stark views on people with disabilities.

What a surprise, I say..........Reports are not necessarily creating success stories.......? So what can we all do?

The NDA yet again have conducted the survey that found that only 36% of Irish people think children with mental mealth problems should attend school as other children........

The NDA use the word 'Stark'. What a surprise? They have luxiourious offices on Clyde Road for nearly a decade. They have access to the research of the so-called cream of society, the academics, the elite. If the results are stark to them, they need ask a simple question of themselves -Why have we failed so dismally.

I will say because you have no manners. If someone has 4 hours in a day due to multiple disabilities and they make an extreme effort to seek help - the NDA function is to act in a humane way - not as if a they are inhibited by a job specification that is so tight that it is irregular about courtesy to those who keep them in a job.

The reports excel......detail is perfect.....but you try find rehabilitative programmes or options for people with brain injuries......operating in Ireland or the UK, through a member of their staff.......well then you will wait. There is a lack of ability in this country to integrate the person with disabilities, who may be shy, or lack awareness skills, in a hands on way. Ceremonies, conferences, drink, can distort the reality of a lot of people within the silent epidemics. If you are not for show, you really are not in..

David Williams has tapped into an Irish erraticism of spending, appearing, seeming, property owning, coke/heroin smoking people who appear to be the new landed gentry, with their tokenism charity.

There are too many homeless, there are too many suicides, there are too many children casualities of dysfunctional homes (and being professional) doesn't exclude people here ....... there is too much social exclusion. We need health, we need money for it, we need psychiatrists who become champions like the famous Mr. Patch Adams, to give us hope. We need compassion, understanding and a universal love back into the system for a revived new socially motivated Island of Ireland.

67% special needs organisations, happened to be those against the integration.......lets start thinking - 'we need the diversity in Unity, that John Hume spoke of'

To end: Accessibility. Yes the NDA report is detained, award winning and compliant with the EU consensus.

But I wrote several times.......about Dogs for people with disabilities. A dog just like a wheelchair can be about accessibilty on a bus, to the theatre, to a coffee shop like O'Brien's, Insomnia........

A dog for a person with disabilities can collect the post, pick up the phone, fill the washing machine.

For a person with Obsessive Compulsion disorders, it can defocus them, for a person with severe agoraphobia, it can draw them out of the home, for a child with Aspergers/Autism, it can reduce social inhibitions making it possible to enter a supermarket, for the elderly, they can regain sweet memories and have a reason to say hello.

Dogs deal with drugs and ought to be in pubs and public places for obvious reasons, if we are serious about drug dealing.

There are several sites on Indymedia about Dogs.....Disabilities etc.

I ask the NDA why they do not hear us when we ask about why Accessibility excluded dogs........