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FEBRUARY 2007
Project to improve lives of disabled people
A new project has been launched by Donegal soccer hero Packie Bonner
in a bid to improve the lives of disabled people in Inishowen. The
project will begin on Thursday 22nd February
The Gateway to Opportunity Programme is being funded by the cross
border Consortium under the European Union Peace II Programme and
part financed by the Irish and British Governments. The partnership
between the Irish and British Associations for spina bifida and
hydrocephalus (Iasbah and Asbah and Inishowen Rural Development
(IRDL) will mean that young disabled adults can now access an exciting
range of training and support to improve their career prospects,
boost their self confidence and self esteem
The project which will target the areas of Inishowen, Coleraine,
Derry and Limavady, will run until June 2008 and hopes to attract
all physically disabled people between the ages of 18-30, not just
those with spina bifida or hydrocephalus.
Speaking at the launch Packie, who is a patron of Iasbah, said
that the Gateway to Opportunity Project provided an exciting opportunity
for young disabled adults throughout the northwest to avail of training
and peer support in an informal setting which he believed would
prove to be a positive and rewarding experience for all participants.
Julie McGrory, Gateway to Opportunity project worker, said, "It
is our aim to deliver a host of opportunities to all young disabled
adults through a variety of mediums including training, signposting,
encouragement and by offering peer support. By the end of the project
we hope people will have experienced the positive benefits of being
involved in a community project and give them a lifelong zest for
community participation and learning while perhaps most importantly,
having fun."
Colin Power, chief executive of Iasbah said, "Despite advances
in recent years, many big challenges still exist for people with
disabilities. For many there is little access to transport, education,
work and social contact generally, especially in the rural areas
like the north west. This project should help address these issues
and enable more people to have more enjoyable and varied lives."
The project will begin with a photography initiative delivered
by Artlink in Buncrana. Training will take place in Inishowen and
Derry and will culminate in a photography exhibition by the students.
All physically disabled people aged between 18-30 are welcome to
take part and transport is provided where possible. Other training
themes include: 'us & them too', healthy eating (and cooking)
and sports abilities.
To find our more about the project or to register contact Julie
McGrory on 086 600 2929 or email juliem@asbah.org
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