Tuesday, 8 December 2020

The Centre is delighted to announce: ResPoNCE: Respecting People with disabilities’ Needs and rights in Crisis and Emergency Lead Researcher: Professor Eilionoir Flynn, NUI Galway Project timeframe: Mid December 2020 to January 2023 The COVID-19 crisis has led to numerous new strategies, laws, policies and guidelines around Europe, but how do these affect disabled people? A new project supported by the Health Research Board and the Irish Research Council will look at decisions made during the pandemic in several European countries and their impact on people with disabilities. The research will provide guidance for decision-making bodies to help them maintain their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. What is the issue? Strategic decisions made by countries and healthcare systems in the pandemic may not always support the rights of people with disabilities.  What will the research project do? Using a framework developed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities the project will analyse laws, policies and guidelines that emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, Spain, UK, Italy, Sweden and Germany.  What will the impact be? This project will provide guidance to governments, medical councils and healthcare professionals in order to maintain obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Professor Eilionoir Flynn, Established Professor at the School of Law and Director of the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway, says:  “Emerging research findings, including from the International Disability Alliance and other disability groups, demonstrate that disabled people globally are disproportionately impacted by the current pandemic. Not only are disabled people at greater risk of contracting the virus and experiencing adverse effects (especially those living in institutional settings) but they are also disproportionately affected by restrictions in access to community services and supports. This research will help us to understand in more depth how countries can respond to the challenge in ways that protect the human rights of disabled people".

Wednesday, 1 July 2020

Researchers at the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway compiled this study on global barriers to access to justice for persons with disabilities, commissioned by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The study’s findings hope to inform future debate at the UN about guidelines to ensure effective access to justice for persons with disabilities around the world. Download here: CDLP Final report for UN Special Rapporteur on Access to Justice for Persons wit

Thursday, 18 June 2020

As a result of the postponement of this year’s International Disability Law Summer School we are running a webinar on Disability and Access to Culture, Recreation, Leisure and Sport. On Tuesday 23rd June at 1pm (GMT+1) we will be hosting a webinar via the Centre's YouTube channel with some of our summer school speakers to begin to explore this important and often overlooked topic. Confirmed speakers include Sinéad Burke, Nidhi Goyal (Rising Flame) and Abigail Rekas (University of Augsburg). ** Update ** You can watch back on YouTube   This will coincide with a 24 hour tweetchat #disabilityculture that is open to all bring together the disability rights community to begin discussion on this important issue. Looking forward to seeing you tuned in. Remember you can submit your questions in advance to disabilitysummerscho@nuigalway.ie or submit on the day using the twitter hashtag #disabilitycultureQ&A while the webinar is live on Youtube. The link to our youtube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/user/CDLPNUIG Warm regards,Eilionóir and Maria Summer school team,Centre for Disability, Law and Policy (CDLP)

Tuesday, 28 April 2020

Living and Learning Empathy in Covid-19: A Virtual Global Conversation Watch live on Facebook @NUIGalway or playback here. About this Webinar Series  Ironically, even though as individuals, families, communities and countries we have ‘self-isolated’ as a result of the coronavirus, our forced disconnection may in fact lead us to be more aware of each other and connected and like never before. Across civic society we are, and will continue to be, challenged in ways heretofore unseen. Our social empathy for one another may well be the ‘vital secret sauce’ to our survival. In order to thrive, not just survive, the impact of the virus, we will need to create medical, economic and human support scaffolding to make solutions work. As a contribution to help us understand the on-going impact of Covid-19 and ways in which we can all help respond now and, in the future, a series of 12 weekly National/International free to public virtual conversations will be held and hosted by the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (NUI Galway) and The Global Network of UNESCO Chairs for Children, Youth, and Communities in collaboration with Penn State University. Each week the virtual conversation, which will be free, globally accessible, and delivered across time zones to the public, will bring together the views of academics, policymakers and most importantly citizens directly affected by the coronavirus and living with its consequences. This will include a focus on kernel issues for children and youth, parents, older people, families, people living with a disability and communities as well as in differing cultural and international contexts. It is hoped the conversations will assist human understanding and compassion in relation to the coronavirus as well as proposed solutions for societies to connect and cope and become more resilient. The First Living and Learning Conversation in Covid-19 took place on Thursday, April 30 2020 and the series will run weekly for 12 webinars. Each week the conversation will alternate between an Irish and International focus across differing life course and or cultural challenges. All events are free to the public who are strongly encouraged to participate, ask questions in advance, and propose topics for conversations. All conversations can be accessed live through an online platform. All conversations will provide evidence-based knowledge, experiences from people facing the pandemic, and suggestions for what all of us can do to see everyone through this crisis. Webinar Co-Convenors: Prof Pat Dolan, NUI Galway and Prof Mark Brennan, Penn State University Webinar 12: Thursday 16th July, 6pm (GMT+1) Watch live on Facebook @NUIGalway Here or playback Here ‌ ‌ Webinar: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Empathy In this the final week of the Webinar series we focus very much on our understanding and knowledge on Empathy and why it has been and will continue to be so important in coping with COVID 19. We also reflect back on the lessons learned over the previous Webinars, what have been the common experiences across populations and in relation do differing human need. We also consider the life course factors including issues for younger and older persons and challenges and self-solutions from people living with a disability. Importantly we consider the evidence on Empathy and how it can contribute nationally and internationally to not surviving the virus but our thriving into the future. Speakers: Ms. Kate Berardi, Empathy Fellow Penn State University, USA, Dr Charlotte Silke, Empathy Researcher UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President NUI Galway, and joint convenors of the Webinar Series UNESCO Chairs Professors Dolan and Brennan. Moderator: Acclaimed Irish Times Journalist Ms. Kitty Holland. Webinar 10: Thursday 2nd July, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube ‌ Webinar 9: Thursday 26th June, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube Summary/Abstract: Empathy and Ensuring Youth Health and Well-Being during COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted countless areas and challenges where our global society has been impacted. Among the most pressing, but largely overlooked areas, have been the impacts on the well-being of children and youth. This includes the current physical, mental, and emotional challenges facing youth, but also their families and peers. This week our webinar will explore all of these, along with social historical contexts of how crises and pandemics have often left the most vulnerable – children and youth – unprotected.  Most important it will present current cutting edge research as a guide for how children, youth, and families can be empowered to deal with the current and emerging challenges.   Speakers: Priya Prakash, Founder and CEO of HealthSetGo, Global Citizen Award Winner, Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, School of History / UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre NUI Galway, Maria Kypriotou, Senior Youth Specialist Social and Human Sciences Section, UNESCO Headquarters Paris, France, Dr Óscar Prieto-Flores University of Girona, Spain, Dr Bernadine Brady UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway Moderator: Co-Moderated by UNESCO Chairs Prof Pat Dolan (Ireland) and Prof Mark Brennan (USA) Webinar 8: Thursday 18th June, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube ‌  Summary/Abstract: Supporting vulnerable students during COVID-19 – a showcase of the University of Sanctuary and the ALIVE Programme This webinar entitled ‘Supporting vulnerable students during COVID-19 – a showcase of the University of Sanctuary and the ALIVE Programme’ will outline how NUI Galway has responded to our students living in Direct Provision to ensure their safety and ongoing success in higher education.  In addition it will highlight how the ALIVE Volunteer Programme has developed new measure to award and honour students who have been volunteering in community and society. Speakers: Aidan Harte, NUI Galway, Suzanne McKane, Galway City Partnerships, Michelle Dube, NUI Galway, Lorraine Tansey, NUI Galway and Dara Kerins, NUI Galway. Moderator: Dr. Lorraine McIlrath, Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI), NUI Galway. Webinar 7: Thursday 11th June, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube ‌  Summary/Abstract: Youth Media, Literature, and Voice in COIVD-19 The giving and receiving of empathy can take many forms and can be shared in many ways. Perhaps most visible in popular culture is young people exhibiting empathy and raising awareness of societal conditions through music, spoken word, and literature. These outlets are accessible to all peoples, regardless of their social, economic, or political settings. Historically youth have used these to make the wider world aware of the global issues we all are facing. This webinar will showcase how youth are engaging around COVID-19 to share their experiences and open up opportunities for others to positively engage in addressing the pandemic. Speakers: Eoin Dolan, Soundsurfers, Dr Bernadine Brady, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Roisin Hanley & Jack Gaffey, Youth as Researchers, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre. Moderator: Professor Mark Brennan, UNESCO Chair, Pennsylvania State University. Webinar 6: Thursday 4th June, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube   Summary/Abstract: Involving the public and the patient in shaping research during COVID-19 Increasingly, the voice of the public and of patients is influencing and shaping research, improving the relevance and quality of research, and increasing public accountability and transparency, particularly in publicly funded research. The research community is responding with speed to the COVID-19 pandemic, a pandemic that is affecting everyone in society. We will consider the challenges and opportunities of ensuring the ongoing inclusion of the public and patient voice in research during the pandemic, with contributions from the perspective of the researcher, the public, the patient and the research funder, in Ireland, the UK and Australia.  Speakers: Prof Sean Dinneen, School of Medicine, NUI Galway, Dr Avril Kennan, Health Research Charities Ireland, Deirdre McLoughlin, PPI Ignite @ NUI Galway Public Advisory Panel, Casey Donaghey, Dr Anne Cody, Health Research Board, Ireland, Anne McKenzie, Telethon Kids Institute, Western Australia, Derek Stewart, OBE, Patient Advocate, UK. Moderator: Edel Murphy, PPI Ignite @ NUI Galway. Webinar 5: Thursday 28th May, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube  Summary/Abstract: NUI Galway will present a live discussion with representatives of  The Barça Foundation and the GAA to explore sport’s role as a tool for good in supporting society – with a particular emphasis on the development of life skills such as empathy and identity for young people during Covid-19.  Armagh Footballer Caroline O’Hanlon and Dublin Footballer Jack McCaffrey will provide the players’ perspective in an event that will share stories of humanity and community engagement as well as exploring future connections needed to cope through sport beyond the first wave of the coronavirus crisis.   Speakers: Caroline O'Hanlon, Armagh Footballer, Jack McCaffrey, Dublin Footballer, Yolanda Antin, Partnerships Coordinator, Foundation of Football Club Barcelona, Colin Regan, GAA Community & Health Manager, Kalyn McDonough, University of Delaware, Mark Brennan, UNESCO Chair, Pennsylvania State University, Ria Ramnarine, 3-Star AIBA (International Boxing Association) Coach & Former World Boxing Champion. Moderator: Professor Pat Dolan, UNESCO Chair, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway. With the collaboration of Barça Foundation   Webinar 4: Thursday 21st May, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube ‌‌ Summary/Abstract: This webinar will consider the human rights impact of COVID 19 through contributions from academics, activists and policy makers. Concerns have been raised globally about discrimination in access to healthcare, including the use of medical triage and rationing approaches which endanger the lives of disabled people. This crisis also impacts on the lives of persons with disabilities residing in congregated services or availing of community support (including personal assistance and other support services) which social distancing and self-isolation has rendered increasingly difficult or impossible to access.  We will consider how the rights of  persons with disabilities can be respected, protected and fulfilled during COVID, and what lessons we can all learn from disability activists which may endure beyond this pandemic. Speakers: Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, James Cawley, Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), Peter Kearns, Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), Fiona Anderson, Independent mental health advocate, Frank Conaty, Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality commission (IHREC), National Platform of Self Advocates. Moderator: Dr. Áine Sperrin, Centre for Disability Law & Policy, NUI Galway. Webinar 3: Thursday 14th May, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube Summary/Abstract: “Ubuntu is to say, ‘My humanity is inextricably bound up in yours.” – Desmond Tutu South Africa is known as one of the most unequal countries in the world, and with COVID-19 the country’s challenges are amplified. South African students who are part of MAD Leadership Foundation will share their stories of the challenges they face during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the spirit of Ubuntu seems to be even stronger during times like these. We will also hear how the foundation continues to support their scholars with empathy and understanding during this time. Speakers: Helette Pieterse, Moeketsi Mashibini & Andile Nkabinde, Make a Difference Leadership Foundation, Cape Town, Alan Kerins, Humanitarian, The Inner Winner Institute, Pat Dolan, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway.  Moderator: Professor Mark Brennan, UNESCO Chair, Pennsylvania State University.  Webinar 2: Thursday 5th May, 6pm (GMT+1) Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube ‌ Summary/Abstract: Child Protection is everyone’s business. Equally so, family support is everyone’s business. COVID-19 has deepened the stress for some children, young people and families and created new issues and problems also.   Greater understanding of these issues can lead to enhanced empathy towards those in need. The aim of the seminar is to increase public awareness of protecting children and supporting families in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic and to consider what is being done and what else can be done to ensure we minimise the risk of harms and maximise the potential for support. Speaker: Professor Caroline McGregor, National University of Ireland, Galway, Dr Carmel Devaney, National University of Ireland, Galway.  Moderator: Professor John Canavan, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, National University of Galway, Ireland.  Webinar 1: Thursday 30th April Missed it on Facebook @NUIGalway? Watch it back in full on YouTube    Welcome Address: Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh President, National University of Ireland, Galway & Nicholas P. Jones, Provost, The Pennsylvania State University. Speakers: Professor Pat Dolan, UNESCO Chair, National University of Ireland, Galway, Professor Mark Brennan, UNESCO Chair, Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Dana Winters & Dr. Annie McNamara, St Vincent’s College/Fred Rogers Center, USA. Respondents: Ms Ella Anderson, Youth Researcher, UNESCO Chair, National University of Ireland, Galway & Dr. Kyle Peck and Dr. Ann Echols, Intergenerational Leadership Institute at Penn State. Moderator: Carl O'Brien is Education Editor of The Irish Times. NUI Galway Research Institutes’ Covid-19 Alliance (RICA)The extent and impact of the coronavirus pandemic requires a coordinated research response across disciplines. Five research institutes at NUI Galway have formed Covid-19 Response Groups to address complex challenges in science, data analysis, business, the social sciences and humanities.  

Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Letter to Taoiseach and Minister for Health  29th April 2020 CDLP have jointly sent an open letter to An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, with numerous disability activists. The letter outlines concerns regarding the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 crisis is having on persons with disabilities in residential settings. Download here >> Letter to Taoiseach and Minister for Health (April 2020)

Tuesday, 14 April 2020

Statement on the rights of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 Updated 12th May 2020 We welcome the ongoing work by the National Public Health Emergency Team, the Department of Health, HSE services, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; and the Department of Rural and Community Affairs during this pandemic. We are calling on all state actors to adhere to their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ireland ratified in March 2018.  The UNCRPD articles which warrant specific consideration during the current crisis in Ireland are discussed below. The authors recognise the use of the terms ‘disabled people’ by some disability activists in Ireland. However, this paper uses ‘persons with disabilities’ in line with the text of the UNCRPD. DOWNLOAD Full statement >> Statement on the rights of persons with disabilities (May 2020)

Thursday, 2 April 2020

The rights of persons with disabilities in congregated settings within the COVID-19 emergency Updated 12th May 2020 We recognise the extensive work and sincere commitment of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in responding to the COVID-19 emergency. We appreciate the work of HSE Seclusion and Restraint working group to develop guidelines in relation to people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 emergency. As this is an emerging situation it is important to use the limited information available to in the public spheres. The purpose of this paper is to capture the critical information that may be relevant to Ireland at this time in relation to persons with disabilities residing in congregated settings. This paper will outline the rights of persons with disabilities resident in congregated settings in Ireland under the UNCRPD. It will then look at reports and practices in other countries of how similar services are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will make recommendations as to how to address core issues which have been identified by disability service providers in Ireland. This paper is focused on the operation of residential settings. We acknowledge that persons with disabilities living in the community will also experience significant barriers to the realization of their right to the highest attainable standards of health, the right to live independently and to be treated equally to non-disabled people. Adequate supports must be provided to persons with disabilities who receive support and care from family members. DOWNLOAD Full briefing paper >> COVID-19 Briefing Paper

Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Research Assistant, Centre for Disability Law and Policy Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a part-time (60%) fixed term position as a Research Assistant with the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This position is available from 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020 and may be renewed depending on funding. The Centre for Disability Law and Policy was established in 2008 and is part of the School of Law, and the newly-founded Institute for Lifecourse and Society at the National University of Ireland, Galway. It is dedicated to producing research that informs debate on national and international disability law reform. Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post.NB: Gárda clearance is a requirement for this postSalary: €22,110 - €34,612 per annum pro-rata - for part time contracts  (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)                    Start date: 1st September 2019.Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI GalwayFor information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie Further information about CDLP is available at www.nuigalway.ie/cdlp/ To Apply: Queries about the post should be directed to the Principal Investigator, Professor Eilionóir Flynn eilionoir.flynn@nuigalway.ie Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in Word or PDF only) to Joanna Forde, joanna.forde@nuigalway.ie Please put reference number NUIG 160-19 in subject line of e-mail application.Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 16th August 2019  Please note interviews will take place w/b 26th August. National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer. Job Description: Principal Duties and Responsibilities The successful candidate will provide research support to the Centre Director and Deputy Director on key research projects. These include the following Disability/Visibility, funded by the Irish Research Council and Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (including conference on 3 September 2019) Disability and Human Rights Monitoring, CDLP Winter School, December 2019 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act Training Course, September 2019 and April 2020 The Research Assistant will be also expected to contribute to the broader ongoing research mission of the Centre, including by providing research support for various legislative and policy submissions or amicus briefs at national, European and international levels. Duties: Support the Director to review and organize research paper abstracts for the Disability/Visibility network into thematic groups of relevance to IHREC’s mandate Prepare a comprehensive overview of submissions received to the Disability/Visibility network regarding the future of disability research on the island of Ireland Develop, under the supervision of the Director, a report for submission to IHREC on the research outputs of the Disability/Visibility network and support the co-ordination of submissions for a special issue arising from the September conference. Prepare a series of case studies and updates to the lists of resources and materials used in the delivery of the Centre’s bi-annual Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act training courses. Assist in the delivery of research-led training and interactive group work exercises during the Centre’s bi-annual Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act training courses. Prepare research and training materials for the Centre’s first inaugural Winter School on Disability and Human Rights monitoring, liaise with participants and invited speakers on their contributions, support with travel and accommodation arrangements and identify and make arrangements to meet all logistical and accessibility needs. Manage and contribute to the Centre website. Contribute to ongoing research projects in the Centre. Collaborate with other members of the research team to complete legislative and policy submissions on behalf of the Centre. Assist the Director, Deputy Director and the Business Manager of the Centre in preparing funding proposals. Qualifications: The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in a research environment and strong disability law and policy experience is essential. Applicants must have a primary degree, ideally a Masters degree, in law, social policy or an area relevant to disability or reproductive justice. Candidates should have excellent communication and organisational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about disability and reproductive justice; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills, sensitive to disability and mental health issues. Essential Requirements: Holds a primary degree, ideally a Masters degree, in law, social policy or an area relevant to disability or reproductive justice A minimum of one year’s research experience Experience of event organization and management Experience of research support tasks such as maintaining files following events, analysing feedback and writing reports and maintaining databases. Experience in maintaining websites and social media accounts Excellent and proven ability to work collaboratively within a team. Excellent and proven ability to work independently and use initiative. Fluency in oral and written English. Desirable Requirements: Ability to multi-task and work under pressure. Experience of collaborating and co-ordinating with other members of a research team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.        

Thursday, 1 August 2019

Congratulations to our colleague, Dr Shivaun Quinlivan, and to our former colleague, Prof. Gerard Quinn, whose work was cited yesterday by the Irish Supreme Court in a landmark decision on disability equality law. Other work by Dr Quinlivan, and by students of the LLM in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy, was previously incorporated in the General Comment on Article 5 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The General Comment, which addresses equality and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities, was adopted by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities last year. Dr Quinlivan and Prof. Quinn are experts in disability law, and the citation of their work is a testament to the quality of their research, and to its national and international impact. The incorporation of wording by our LLM students in the General Comment demonstrates the very high quality of their work also, and their strong commitment to social justice. Our congratulations to all concerned, and also to Dr Quinlivan, who led the group, on this wonderful achievement. The full decision of the Supreme Court is available at: http://www.courts.ie/Judgments.nsf/09859e7a3f34669680256ef3004a27de/0036387fa70d0e74802584480046ab2b?OpenDocument The General Comment on Article 5 of the CRPD is available at: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/crpd/pages/gc.aspx

Friday, 8 March 2019

Pictured is Emily Cukalevski, winner of the Centre for Disability Law & Policy Gold Medal for Excellence 2018. Emily came first in her LL.M International and Comparative Disability Law & Policy class in 2017/18.

Wednesday, 10 October 2018

On September 3 2018, Andrea Broderick was chosen out of 7 academic nominees of high calibre and was awarded the prestigious Edmond Hustinx Prize (€ 15,000) for her recent research activities on equality and accessibility for persons with disabilities. According to the jury awarding the prize: ‘In a short period of time, Dr. Broderick built up a very good reputation in the field of disability law and the law of equal treatment [generally]. She publishes in the major international journals in this field and is in the final stage of [co-authoring a textbook] on International and European Disability Law to be published with Cambridge University Press. She is also in high demand as a speaker at conferences around Europe and a much-appreciated lecturer in a range of different courses in both Maastricht and Hasselt [University]. The Edmond Hustinx Prize will provide her with vital resources to undertake this research’.Andrea Broderick is a graduate of NUIG, where she completed both her undergraduate and Master studies. After having undertaken the LLM in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy offered by the CDLP, Andrea went on to complete her PhD at Maastricht University under the framework of the DREAM (Disability Rights Expanding Accessible Markets) network of researchers.

Tuesday, 18 September 2018

A new European-wide training network for early stage researchers in the field of disability rights has received €4.1m in funding from the European Commission’s Marie Curie programme. This network is known as the DARE Project (Disability Advocacy and Research for Europe) and will be co-ordinated by the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at the National University of Ireland, Galway, with the collaboration of 7 partner institutions: the Institute for Social and Political Sciences (Portugal) , Maastricht University (Netherlands), University of Leeds (UK), the European Disability Forum, the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities, the University of Iceland and Swiss Paraplegic Research.Dr. Eilionóir Flynn, Principal Investigator at NUI Galway said “The primary aim of DARE is to equip a new generation of researchers to respond to global challenges facing persons with disabilities and policy makers. Its goal is to give legitimacy, through research, to the lived experience of persons with disabilities, as a basis for law reform.” Fifteen Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) will be recruited across the network on a full-time basis over three years starting in September 2019 and will explore and develop recommendations for disability law and policy reform in light of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. All of the researchers will also have the opportunity to gain invaluable and funded work experience with leading civil society and public service organisations such as JUSTICE (UK), AGE Platform Europe (Belgium), the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Switzerland), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (USA), the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (Belgium), Pi Consultancy (Netherlands), University of Limerick (Ireland), Lumos (UK), Christian Blind Mission (Ireland), European Social Network (Belgium), European Association of Palliative Care (Belgium), Pi Consultancy (Netherlands) and Vision Sense (UK).

Wednesday, 25 July 2018

Every year, the Law School offers tutorials to our undergraduate and LL.B. students in the core Irish law subjects. Applications are invited for tutoring positions in the following subjects: Administrative Law Company Law Constitutional Law Contract Law Criminal Law Land Law Law of Equity Law of Torts Applicants must hold a 2.1 undergraduate law degree. If you are interested in tutoring in the academic year 2018/209, please submit a one page CV to Tara Elwood, Law School, NUI Galway by Friday 10 August 2018, indicating your preferred subject area(s). Interviews will be held week commencing 20 August 2018.

Tuesday, 10 April 2018

Report calls for policy change to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to direct their own services and live independently  A report published by Dr Eilionóir Flynn the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway, calling for policy change to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to have greater choice and control over their service provision, was recently launched at the Disability Federation of Ireland by Senator John Dolan. The report entitled ‘Independent Living: An Evaluation of the Áiseanna Tacaíochta model of Direct Payments’ was undertaken by Professor Gerard Quinn and Dr Sinéad Keogh from NUI Galway, examines if direct payments, where individuals with disabilities purchase services and direct their own care, creates a better quality of life than that of the traditional model of service provision, at no extra cost. Professor Gerard Quinn from NUI Galway, comments: “The past number of years have seen a global shift from a welfare system, which has treated persons with disabilities as dependent, passive recipients of ‘care’, towards a growing recognition of the need for a new approach that enables persons with disabilities to assume an active role in the society in which they live. This has been mirrored in Ireland by the growing demand by the Irish disability community for control and choice over how they wish to live their lives and the services they use.” The report reaffirms the findings of international literature that point to considerable benefits for users of direct payments, arising from greater flexibility, choice, independence, continuity of support and the customising of support packages. It also highlights the need for a policy change in Ireland in relation to how services are delivered for persons with disabilities’ and emphasises the need for a change to the current model of service provision in Ireland. Key findings from the report: The Direct Payments model of service provision, facilitated by Áiseanna Tacaíochta, places persons with disabilities at the centre of the decision-making process, recognises their strengths and preferences and gives them the confidence, support and means to shape the way in which their care is provided by transferring choice and control over funding decisions to them and allowing them to identify their unique individual needs. Not only does the Direct Payments model of individualised funding offer more clarity and transparency as to how public funds are spent but the Direct Payments model demonstrates cost savings and cost efficiencies. The report estimates that eighteen people achieved cost savings of approximately €136,000 in one year by directing their own services, such as hiring their own personal assistants and taking on the administrative burden that comes with running their own companies. The report makes four key recommendations: The need for the Direct Payments model and other models of individualised funding to receive further funding and support from the Government. The importance of the requirement of a single assessment tool to evaluate individuals’ resource allocations based on individual goals, the impact of disability, family circumstances and living arrangements. The transformation of the disability service provision model to permit persons with disabilities to more easily move their service provision from one Community Healthcare Organisation to another. Individualised funding budgets being extended to the purchase of equipment, aids, and other goods and services that relate to the healthcare needs of the individual following an assessment. Commenting on the results from the report, María Soleded Cisternas Reyes, United Nations Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility, said: “This report shows that without a doubt, direct payments, as a model of service provision, works to give independence back to persons with disabilities. Being in control of one’s services enhances well-being and empowers individuals. Direct Payments is a step in the right direct for service provision in Ireland.Professor Theresia Degener, Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Professor of Law and Disability Studies (Protestant University of Applied Sciences, RWL, Germany), said: “This report comes timely just before Ireland will ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In our General Comment No 5 the CRPD Committee has emphasized that direct payment is key to realizing the human right to independent living. This excellent evaluation of ÁT Model of direct payment will help the Irish government to fulfill its duties under Article 19 CRPD.”Mairead McGuinness MEP, First Vice-President of the European Parliament, said: “The positive evaluation of the direct payments model should come as no surprise, as giving people control over their lives is central to giving people the chance of a better quality of life. This report is hard evidence that giving disabled people a say in their level of care and support enhances and empowers, the current model of supplying what services we think disabled people should have is less effective in meeting their needs and enhancing their wellbeing. As a model of care, it deserves support and wider implementation.”To read the full report, visit: https://www.nuigalway.ie/centre-disability-law-policy/research/publications/For further details about the report contact sinead.keogh@nuigalway.ie

Tuesday, 3 April 2018

The Centre for Disability Law and Policy (CDLP) and Irish Disability Studies Association (IDSA) are delighted to announce they will host the 2nd poster presentation evening at the 10th International Disability Law Summer School (see flyer: Poster Presentation). Where:            The Institute for Lifecourse and Society, NUI GalwayWhen:             Tuesday 19th June from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.Cost:                30 euro payable on the day. Light refreshments will be served.   The aim of this poster presentation is for researchers from any discipline related to disability to present and discuss their work with colleagues in an informal setting. We would welcome those who wish to present their poster to attend the full day of Summer School.  The theme for Tuesday is Introduction to Intersectionality and will include panels on Legal Capacity and Personhood, and Community Living. How to Submit Applicants should submit their expressions of interest by email to  cliona.debhailis@nuigalway.ie on or before 18th May 2018, emails should have the subject line “ISDA Summer School Poster” Any further questions regarding the poster presentation should be directed to Clíona at cliona.debhailis@nuigalway.ie 

Thursday, 22 March 2018

Congratulations to Elizabeth Kamundia, a graduate of the programme at the Centre for Disability Law & Policy, who has been appointed as a Senior Human Rights Officer at the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights. Elizabeth was a DRSP Scholar at the CDLP and was awarded the inaugural Gold Medal for the programme having graduated top of her class in 2012.

Wednesday, 7 March 2018

Four students of NUI Galway are organising a Project of Equality, ‘Disability Open Day’, being held in the ILAS Centre, NUI Galway on the 15th March 10am to 3pm.The event is aimed at raising awareness about disability among our current students and staff, as well as motivating secondary school students and young adults with various capabilities, who are interested in continuing on to college. The open day takes the form of an exhibition and talks from 10pm to 3pm. It is funded by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Project Grand of NUIG and organised by four students of the college, some with a disability themselves. Download the poster here: Disability Open Day, 15th of March in NUI Galway The Schedule for the event is: Registration 10.00am-10.30am, Exhibition 10.30-11.00am, Presentation/ Talk 11.00am – 1.00pm Refreshments 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Project Team: Eliona Gjecaj, Colman O’ Connell, Eamon MacGiobúin and Cansu Akkoyun     Any Queries please contact Eliona GJecaj at elionagalway@gmail.com 

Thursday, 1 March 2018

Congratulations to our CDLP colleague Dr María Laura Serra whose PhD thesis just won the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Pilar Azcárate gender and equal opportunities award! Laura also recently published a monograph based on her thesis titled "Mujeres con discapacidad : sobre la discriminación y opresión interseccional".

Tuesday, 30 January 2018

The Committee for Employment & Social Security in the states of Guernsey have appointed Dr Shivaun Quinlivan and Dr Lucy-Ann Buckley of the School of Law and the internationally-acclaimed Centre for Disability Law and Policy to advise progress on the development of Disability Discrimination Legislation. They will advise the Committee on which country's legislation would be most appropriate for Guernsey to model its disability discrimination legislation on. They will assess the approach taken in a number of countries based on evaluation criteria which will be agreed by the Committee in consultation with key stakeholders. This will underpin the shape of the future legislation. It is hoped that a model law will be identified by the end of March, following which proposals will be developed regarding how the model legislation should be tailored to the Guernsey context. The Committee is aiming to consult with the public on developed policy proposals before the end of 2018. Further information can be found at the official website at the states of Guernsey.

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

A two-day conference will take place between January 20-21, 2018 on 'EU-China International Disability Employment Law: From Sheltered Workshops to Supported Employment in the Open Labor Market - a Mutual Challenge.' at the Shanghai University of Finance & Economics, China. This conference will bring together some leading disability law and policy experts from both Europe and China for an open exchange of experiences and perspectives on the global effort to move persons with disabilities away from sheltered employment and toward employment in the open labor market with appropriate support.The conference organizers are the Law School, Shanghai University of Finance & Economics and Shanghai Zhijun Public Interest & Law Institute: the co-organizers are the Centre for Disability Law & Policy, NUI Galway and the Disability Law Hub, School of Law, University of Leeds.A conference programme can be downloaded here: Shanghai conference Programme

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

The Centre for Disability Law and Policy are delighted to announce that the 10th International Disability Law Summer School will take place from Monday 18th June Friday 22nd June 2018 in Galway. The theme will explore Intersectionality. The Summer School seeks to equip participants with the insights and skills necessary to translate the generalities of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into tangible reform for persons with disabilities.We look forward, as usual, to a world-class Faculty and participants from around the globe including persons with disabilities, civil society groups, advocates for disability law reform, academics, lawyers, policy makers and policy analysts. More information and draft programme will follow in the New Year.Information from the 9th International Disability Law Summer School .REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2018

Friday, 1 December 2017

On 22nd November 2017, the initiative Community Living for Europe: Structural Funds Watch launched a Report in the European Parliament co-hosted by Mairead McGuinness, MEP (EPP) and Vice President of the European Parliament and Iskra Mihaylova, MEP (ALDE) and Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development. This report concerns the role of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) with respect to the transition from institutional to community-based living for children and young people, including those with disabilities, adults with disabilities and older persons in European Union Member States. It contains examples, both positive and negative, that demonstrate how the Member States have implemented the ESIF regulations, how they are currently using or are planning to use the ESIF to support the transition to community-based living, and provides concrete recommendations for the current and next funding period post 2020. Neil Crowther, Gerard Quinn and Alexandra Hillen-Moore “Opening up Communities, Closing down InstitutionsOpening up Communities, Closing down InstitutionsOpening up Communities, Closing down Institutions: Harnessing the European Structural and Investment Funds” (Community Living for Europe: Structural Funds Watch, November 2017) Further information is available at www.communitylivingforeurope.org or by contacting Alexandra Hillen-Moore, Initiative Coordinator on communitylivingforeurope@nuigalway.ie.

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

The Irish Disability Studies Association (IDSA) and the Centre for Disability Law and Policy were delighted to host a poster presentation at the 9th International Disability Law Summer School on June 20th. The poster presentation was open to researchers from any discipline related to disability and disability advocates to discuss their work with colleagues and Summer School participants in an informal setting. We received posters from 36 individuals and organisations and the event was attended by over 110 delegates.The poster presentation was adjudicated by Professor Amita Dhanda, Professor of Law and Head of the Centre for Disability Studies at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, University of Law, Hyderbad, India, and prizes were awarded for the best student poster and the best advocates poster. The winner of the best student poster presentation award was Emily Loughlin, PhD Candidate at NUI Galway for her poster on Exploring Community Living from a Lifecourse Perspective - Toward Lifecourse Policy Options. The winners of the best advocate poster presentation award were Christina Burke and Brian Donohoe from the Inclusive Research Network (IRN) for their poster Our Homes. Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who took part.

Monday, 24 April 2017

The Centre for Disability Law & Policy and NUI Galway and its family of alumni around the world mourns the loss of Donal Toolan. Donal was one of the founders of the disability rights movement in Ireland and an inspirational leader. He spoke with great moral conviction and clarity – and was never afraid to speak out. He challenged deeply held assumptions and was always especially attuned to hypocrisy and double-think.The Director of the Centre, Prof Gerard Quinn said “We have now lost Donal. And we recently lost Frank Mulcahy and Martin Naughton. Together they were the best generation. They reminded people that the founding ideals of this Republic over 100 years ago concerning the inherent equality of all citizens was just an empty myth for several generations of people with disabilities. But they were equally clear that it was also an ideal worth fighting for. Its time now for a new generation to emerge and take the baton. Donal lit a bright path for them. We mourn his loss, treasure our memories and will try hard to send the next generation on their way in his –and their –honour.”Prof Gerard QuinnDirector

Friday, 17 March 2017

The CDLP is happy to announce the publication by the Asia/Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions of a Manual on the role of NHRIs in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities (2017).Two of its staff - Prof Gerard Quinn and Ms Abigail Rekas-Rosalbo - were directly involved in its production. We congratulate the Asia/Pacific Forum for the opportunity to work on the project and hope and expect it will have a positive impact among NHRis around the world.The Manual can be downloaded here: http://www.asiapacificforum.net/media/resource_file/Human_Rights_and_Disability_Manual.pdfFor more on the outstanding work of the Asia/Pacific Forum on disability rights, visit: http://www.asiapacificforum.net/human-rights/people-disabilities/

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

The CDLP in conjunction with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has commenced a global research project on disability-specific forms of deprivation of liberty, with funding from the UK Department for International Development. This research plans to examine deprivations of liberty operating at three levels: formal (state regulated), informal (community-driven) and in the private sphere. Formal deprivations of liberty will include those regulated and sanctioned by the state (including detention in hospitals and social care homes). Informal deprivations of liberty will include actions undertaken by the community (e.g. prayer camps and shackling). Deprivations of liberty in the private sphere will focus on people deprived of their liberty in the family home or other private settings, in light of the positive duties of the state to prevent arbitrary and discriminatory deprivations of liberty affecting persons with disabilities.