Taking Control Conference  October 18, 2008
Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley

 This was organised by a committee from different groups/agencies who are committed to pursue an agenda for change.  They were Inclusion Ireland, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary/Muiriosa Foundation, Down Syndrome Ireland, Autism LifeCare Trust, Rehabcare, Partners for Change, NIID - Trinity College., 

The conference was opened by:

Minister John Moloney, whose responsibilities include disability and mental health

Speakers:

Why we're here
Seamus Greene         View handout,   View Powerpoint Presentation

Vision for the Future
Geraldine Graydon       View Presentation

What Happens in Britain
Steven Rose          View Presentation        View handout

Steven has worked with people with learning difficulties since 1974. He is Chief Executive of Choice Support which is one of the first large learning disability providers in England to fully embrace the Self Directed Support agenda. He is also Editor of Community Connecting magazine and a Director and founder member of the Association for Supported Living

Alternative Service Solutions
Stephen Williamson (Scotland)       View Power Point Presentation,      View I Can go the Distance
He  is the main facilitator in a company called EQuality where he works with other experts when required to deliver a truly focused and tailor made service.  Stephen is also the parent of a young man named Kim who despite being destined for “Special services” lives in his own flat and works as part of his week using self directed payments

Vicki Cammack  (PLAN Canada)      View Power Point Presentation,       View Connect with PLAN
 Vickie is someone who finds and implements innovative solutions in the social sector. She is a recognized Canadian source of inspiration, innovative ideas and demonstrable solutions related to community, citizenship and disability.  Vickie is a co-founder of PLAN and co-author of ‘Safe and Secure - Six Steps to Creating a Personal Future Plan for People with Disabilities’.

Julie Simpson (Australia)     (No presentation available)
Julie is Executive Director, Parent to Parent Association Queensland Inc.  For a number of years Parent to Parent Association. has been involved in seeking desirable futures for people with a disability, and their families, as they make transitions throughout their life.

Bernie McWilliams (Clifden)     View presentation
Bernie is currently involved in setting up living supports in Clifden for her son David who has autism.

Vivien Soave (England)     View Presentation
Vivien’s sister Donna  has severe learning disabilities and autism with little to no verbal communication.  She has carried around a label of being challenging when really just trying to have her feelings understood.  She lived in residential care settings from age 13yrs-43yrs.  Now, she has her own home, staff team and a better life all round.  Vivien will talk about how she achieved this.

Susan Taylor (Northern Ireland)  View Presentation
Susan is a project worker with Vela Microboard Association, Northern Ireland.  She is committed to the concept of empowering individuals to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their carers.

Where to from Here?
James O'Grady       (No presentation available)
Policy Advisor in the office of the Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health

Nuala Coughlan      View Presentation
Nuala was a service user with the Brothers of Charity in Clare and is now living on her own with support.  She was supported at the conference by Bisi Badewega

Brendan Broderick     View Speech
Brendan is CEO of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary/Muiriosa Foundation