Readers,
let me share with you the remarkable journey of West Limerick Independent
Living (WLIL), a organistation of vision and empowerment for individuals with
disabilities in Limerick, Ireland. In 1996, a group of visionaries, many with
disabilities themselves, recognized the pressing need for independent living
services. What transpired was not just the birth of an organization but vision
for change.
Picture this: October 19, 1996, a pivotal meeting at the
Brothers of Charity Buildings in Newcastle West. Led by the indomitable Mr.
Danny Ahern, immersed in Disability Studies at the Centre for Independent
Living (CIL) Carmichael House, Dublin. A diverse crowd, including
representatives from esteemed organizations, witnessed the dawn of WLIL. The
philosophy of the Independent Living movement, elucidated by guest speaker Mr.
Dermott Hayes, Manager of Disabled People of Clare, set the stage for a transformative
journey.
In the embryonic stages, a small committee, including
Michael O'Connor, Danny Ahern, and Gerard O'Connor, laid the foundation.
This
committee burgeoned into WLIL, with founding members like Mr. Tim Leahy, Ms.
Ann Shine, and the late Mr. Danny Ahern (RIP 2020).
WLIL's early days saw engaging presentations by luminaries
like Mr. Joe T Rooney, an advocate from the Dublin Centre for Independent
Living, imparting wisdom on the nuances of the Independent Living Movement.
Dermott Hayes (DPOC) added his voice, sharing insights into Independent Living
in Clare.
Fuelled by a FAS Community Employment scheme, WLIL embarked
on providing Personal Assistant services, ensuring skill development and
employment for the unemployed. The role of a Personal Assistant, or PA,
transcended mere assistance; it became a catalyst for individuals with physical
disabilities to lead lives of autonomy and self-determination.
As WLIL evolved, it extended beyond personal assistance,
embracing peer support, information dissemination, and advocacy. The
organization's geographical footprint expanded to Limerick city, offering more
comprehensive services. Transport services in rural areas facilitated social
opportunities, breaking down barriers.
In 2008, WLIL initiated the Limerick Advocacy Service, a
pilot project later integrated into the National Advocacy Service. The
organization's advocacy extended to campaigns for improved accessibility,
housing, and employment opportunities. WLIL fervently lobbied for the
ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities.
In 2022, after 25 years of dedicated leadership, Mr. Gerard
O’Connor passed the baton to Margaret O’Brine. Today, WLIL remains steadfast in
its commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities across Limerick.
Through unwavering advocacy and service provision, WLIL strives to mold a more
inclusive and accessible society for people with disabilities in Ireland.
In essence, West Limerick Independent Living is not merely
an organization; it's a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and
collective determination. A journey that started in a Newcastle West meeting
room has rippled into a transformative force, shaping the landscape of
independent living for people with disabilities in Limerick, Ireland and
beyond.