On September 26th, Sinn Finn, who is a native of Mayo and is a resident living in a Disability Services centre in Sligo, gave a presentation at the National Sharing Day hosted by the HSE Disability Services National Quality Improvement Office. The National Sharing Day, which has been running since 2019, is an opportunity for disabled people to share their experiences on how they have been supported or challenges they have faced due to their disability. The event provides a platform for disabled people, service providers, policy makers and indeed the wider community, to learn and reflect on the experiences of disabled people. The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act was chosen as the theme for the 2024 National Disabilities Sharing Day which took place in Dublin Castle with a huge audience in attendance and many others who joined virtually.
In her presentation, Sinn highlighted the importance of empowered decision making for individuals with disabilities. Sinn said “ Self Advocacy is very important to me. I always speak up for myself. I love attending our meetings on Thursdays. Advocacy teaches me about making my own choices”. Sinn talked about her love for Sligo Rovers, “I love Sligo Rovers, Football is my passion. I really enjoy going to their matches. I chose to go to one of their games this year. I had a great time”.
Self Advocacy is about understanding one’s rights, speaking up, taking action and taking control of one’s life. It is about communicating and representing one’s needs, views or interests. Disability Services in the Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo area have developed a Self Advocacy strategy which is being implemented through an accompanying action plan. To hear from Sinn that Self Advocacy is very important underpins the importance of further development in this area.
Ciara Lynam, Social Worker in HSE Disability Services, Sligo/Leitrim, and who supported Sinn to attend the event with a member of her staff said, “We are very grateful to Sinn for her bravery in sharing her story. Events like this remind us of the importance of assisted decision making support for individuals with disabilities”.
As part of the National Sharing Day event, people with disabilities from around the country gave very powerful verbal presentations with video supports and also presented wonderful posters and artwork that depict their experience of assisted decision making. Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, also attended the event and gave a keynote address.
Last updated on: 14 / 10 / 2024
