Máiríde Woods, writer, researcher, AT Board member Was a parent of a daughter with a disability Involved in parents’ organisations and with St Michael’s House Ex Citizens Information Board – Advocacy Section AT Board member’s perspective

Principles of dignity, respect & as much autonomy as possible> managing your own care package

Equality and diversity – on AT’s Board Who should be on a Board? People who think like us? Accountants? Solicitors? Other specialists? Just people with disabilities? Other minorities? AT’s board has a variety of members who are committed to choice & independence for people with disabilities.

Oversight Corporate governance Responsibility Reports Grant applications Meetings Boards: engine and/or brakes? Ordered Finances Keeping to commitments Encouragement More meetings… More reports… Hard truths & priorities Reminder of life being the art of the possible…

Getting new concepts to work Enthusiasm for greater independence Demonstrating benefits through enabling efficient management of direct payments Managing direct payments gives the person with disabilities an active role in decisions about priorities within his own company Individual choices can be catered for – e.g. more PA time for pigeon-fancying, less for cleaning Person with disabilities becomes a sub-manager rather than a recipient Role model effect is considerable in changing perceptions Opportunity to learn in respectful dealings with funders.

Designing models of independent living is a learning experience & one where people need sensitive support. As a support organisation, AT is building greater competence & efficiency in people with disabilities who have started to run their own services, having formed their own small companies. AT demonstrates the power of peer support services that are respectful of the person’s moves towards independent living & which use natural supports (family, friends). Services need to be simplified -complexity excludes!

Walking the walk requires change Lots of policy documents wax lyrical about: direct payments participation on an equal basis consultation with people with disabilities control & choice changing role of service provider variety of service provision …of person with disabilities & of funding bodies..competence, hard work & judgment on part of person managing own service. trust & professionalism from funder (HSE) personal support, advice & mentoring from Support body (AT) high governance standards from Board

Those who do not learn from clichés are destined to repeat them… By going out & doing it, you are showing that it can be done!