Beyond Limits 2019 – Empowering Young People with Disabilities

Beyond Limits; an event for children and young people with disabilities will take place on 19^th October 2019 in Croke Park with 1,000 children, parents and carers expected to attend.

Where: Croke Park, Dublin

When: Saturday, 19^th October 2019

What’s it about? Empowering children and young people with disabilities, showing them the opportunities open to them, talking about the issues they want to talk about, highlighting inclusiveness, talking about the role of technology.

Who is it for? 1,000 people will attend on the day. We are aiming for at least 500 young people, alongside 500 parents, carers, siblings or those who work with children with disabilities.

Opening: The event will be opened by President Michael D Higgins

Speakers: Inspirational speaker Mark Pollock, Paralympians Micheal McKillop and Ellen Keane, Disability Rights Activists Joanne O’Riordan, Adam Harris, and Lousie Bruton, comedian Tanyalee Davis and theatre performer Mairead Folan. Natalya O’Flaherty will be creating a special spoken word piece which she will perform alongside children with disabilities.

Performance: We are working with the National Youth Orchestra Ireland to create a collaborative piece with children of various abilities that include the Bluestacks Choir, Donegal and St Paul’s Special Needs School, Mallow, Co. Cork. We are also working with the Billie Barry Stage School to create an inclusive collaborative dance piece.

Exhibitors: We will have an extensive exhibitor’s area which will include demonstrations from an array of sports and technology displays. Education providers, as well as employers who offer opportunities to people with disabilities will be there.

Breakout Sessions: We want to allow for more detailed and meaningful conversations on issues affecting children and families with disabilities. Some of the topics to be covered include technology, inclusion in sport and physical activity, relationships, the UNCRPD, supports and services, mindfulness and parent’s issues.

Partners: We are working with Special Olympics Ireland who are coordinating volunteers for the day. RTÉ 2FM are also partnering with us to promote the event and issues affecting children with disabilities.

Outcome: In order to organise this event we conducted a consultation with young people with disabilities. The overwhelming message from the children was that they do not see themselves as disabled and that disability is diverse. Beyond Limits is not just a one day event. We want to generate a conversation about disability and how it affects young people in Ireland. We want to show others how they can include children with disabilities on a large scale and we want to leave behind a lasting legacy that promotes inclusion on all levels. Only 1,000 people can come to our event on the day but we want this event to be a conversation on disability in all communities.

How can you get involved?

• Come on the day. Tickets will be available in the coming weeks.
• Exhibit – showcase the work you are doing with people with disabilities. Contact beyondlimits@oco.ie.
• Spread the word.

 

• 25 July 2019
• Type: Press Release
• Topic: Disability