Unlocking Freedom through Adult Education Conference

Thursday, July 5, 2018 - 17:00

The conference explored the role of adult education in supporting people with intellectual disabilities living independently in the community.

The Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath opened the conference stating that: “It is society’s job to ensure people with disabilities thrive. We are going to focus on abilities”. The conference explored the challenges of de-institutionalisation policy and implementation strategies for independent living. Delegates explored concepts of freedom and human rights and discussed the need to have their ‘voices heard’ in all areas of policy development and implementation. Workshops and a panel discussion provided opportunities for further discussion.

Department of Adult and Community Education, Maynooth University was represented by Laura Burke, Mark Smith, Bernie Grummel, Camilla Fitzsimons, Jerry O’Neil and Josephine Finn. They delivered a workshop; participated on an expert panel and provided a keynote presentation.

The Disability Federation of Ireland led the project in partnership with four European disability agencies and two universities.

View the respective newspaper articles related to independent living:

The Times, London.

The Irish Daily Mail.