"Disabled Children And Young Adults Are Not Pawns In Political Campaigns"

Tuesday, 1 March 2022 10:17

By Caoimhe Harney

The Independent Living Movement Ireland has said.

Disabled children and young adults are not props or pawns to be used in any political or fundraising campaigns, says the Chair of the Independent Living Movement Ireland, Des Kenny.

Chair Des Kenny commented: "As disabled adults who were once disabled children we can confidently say that it is never okay for us to be reduced to being spoken about to highlight campaigns or advance political ends, whether for parents or organisations.

"By doing so, we as disabled people are once again denied our voice, our agency and our humanity.

"We cannot allow this situation to continue. It has to stop. If you want to hear disabled children’s or young disabled adults’ voices, talk to them.

"There are Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) who are organised and led by disabled people, and if you want to know about disabled people’s voices, come and talk to us."

Des Kenny spoke with Ciara Noble on Tuesday morning's Kildare Today:

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