www.pwdi.ie

  CLARE NETWORK OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES  

What is PwDI?

People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI) is the only national cross disability organisation funded by the Government. PwDI wants to help all people with disabilities to take part in and influence the decision making process that impacts on their lives and opportunities. Cross disability means that PwDI is for all people with disabilities,whether those disabilities are physical, emotional, intellectual or mental. We also want to include and welcome parents, partners, carers and groups of people with disabilities to join PwDI. 

Local Networks

The PwDI has networks in all counties in the Republic of Ireland. They make sure that PwDI reflects the voices of their members when speaking on disability issues at local and national level. PwDI members in each county elect a network committee, which usually has 10-15 members. Network committee organise activities at county level and represent the organisation and its members locally.

The Clare Network of P.W.D.I. 

• We are a cross-disability organisation which also supports parents and carers.

• We work on the ground in areas of common concern.

• We keep up-to-date with changes in legislation that affect the lives of people with disabilities. The Clare Network links at national level through the local board member.

• We have taken part in regional seminars highlighting the changes needed to improve the lives of people with disabilities. (9 350 people with disabilities in Co. Clare -CSO 2006)
  

• Local meetings are held once a month where issues are raised and channelled to the appropriate agencies.

• The organisation takes part in awareness raising activities to celebrate International Disability Day (3rd December).

The Clare Network is represented on local committees including:  

• The County Development Board

• Fas

• H.S.E.

• Clare Community Forum

CONTACTS:

• Chairperson (National Board Member): Tom King -086 3517365

• Network Support Officer: Dermot Hayes - 087 9038002

• Support Secretary: Maureen Hand - 087 2771674

• Treasurer: Maeve O Sullivan

• Secretary: Anne Marie Casey

Background

Our strength lies in our members and in the Local Networks. They make it possible for PwDI to focus on matters that affect people with disabilities in their day to day lives. 400,000, or 1 in 10, people have some form of disability. PwDI is the umbrella organisation which brings people together locally and nationally to work on common issues that affect all people with disabilities.

Equality, human rights and the dignity of people with disabilities are on the top of our agenda and we will make sure that the voice of the 400,000 disabled people in Ireland is heard loud and clear!

REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE STRATEGY FOR PWDI

PwDI has achieved much progress through the commitment and dedication of its members over the past number of years.

It is still a developing Organisation with a mission to significantly influence and inform policy decisions that impact on the lives and experiences of people with disabilities in Ireland.

PwDI is your Organisation, aiming to meet your needs and expectations. Four regional conferences will held in June. All members of PwDi were invited to attend to express their views on the future direction of PwDI.

The aim of the exercise was to produce a document resulting from consultation with membership on their hopes, expectations and aspirations for the Organisation. This will become the working document for the Company and guide its direction over the next number of years.

Strategy 2003 - 2006

PwDI's first Strategic Plan was launched in March 2003. The priority areas for PwDI in the next three years are:

• Lobby

• Communication

• Training / Education / Employment

• Research

• Promotions / Membership

For more information contact our web-site   www.pwdi.ie