CHAMPIONS IN IRELAND
Belfast NI - Robert (Rab) Kelly Unite
I was told about this by a member of the union and told why do l not go for it.
I feel that the disabled is not getting much help, a lot of people that are going about trying to help the disabled are not disabled and this is were l want to try and change this so disabled people can join and know what they need to help them selfs and other people that are in the same need as them selfs.
I want to get the disable to come out and have the voice to speak for themselfs.
Belfast NI - Joan Foster NIPSA
I have always been passionate about helping people.
This is a great way of helping people get access to information and make a network of contacts. The Website could become a one stop shop, which would be great.
Belfast NI - Sam Foster UniteA
I am interested in disability issues. I would like to help people who become disabled during their employment to remain employed, wherever possible, through reasonable adjustments.
Belfast NI - Bernie McCrea Unite
email me
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My name is Berni McCrea. I am a retired Health Visitor and currently sit on Fair Employment Tribunals on a seasonal basis & do other voluntary work with a local charity. I was a Local Accredited Rep for 20 years and on a number of occasions represented members who had a disability eg work-related stress, a member who was the sole carer of a relative with Parkinson's, chronic depression.
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| As Secretary of Staff Side Committee negotiated with Management the introduction of Sickness/Absence policies which needed to address the needs of people who's disabilities resulted in periods of absence for eg corrective surgery.
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It was important that these absence periods should not be considered to be 'sick leave' and result in disciplinary procedures.
In the same capacity liaison with management to address access needs for staff with disabilities and also to challenge management to become involved in supported employment for people with disabilities.
I currently serve on the Fair Employment Tribunals in N. Ireland and other voluntary work.
I am actively involved in CPHVA committees and in regular contact with health visitor colleagues and also in colleagues in the Health Service Sector. Organised (with others)the Disability Champions Conference in N. Ireland in April 2004. I have links in the N. Ireland region with disability organisations and serve on a government departments committee responsible for providing employment support for people with disabilities.
I served on the DERNAC Committee representing Northern Ireland for 8 years I am currently on the Disability Committee of Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions & also On the Disability Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions I have family members with disabilities. I would very much like to see the Disability Champion project develop in N. Ireland and want to help promote and support it in any way I can.
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Belfast NI - Geraldine Mooney Unison
Another Unison member told me about this role and I wanted to find out more information about Disabilities Rights so I can help disability members in my workplace.Be able to speak up for themselves and open the doors to opportunities in education training and the workforce.
I've now finished the disability champion course and so I have learned a lot Disability Rights the tutor is clear about explaining things and it no for her to repeats if you didnt the first time
Belfast NI - Myrtle Parker Unite
My Union Rep in my office told me about Disability Champions. By getting involved I hope to help people with impairments and take on a new and challenging role as disability champion. The course looks exciting and interesting.
Belfast NI - Harry Wade Unite/CMA
I wanted to learn more about disabled people and their needs. To educate both the employee and the employeer to the needs of disabled people.
It's been a great course, plenty to take in. I am learning a lot
Carlow ROI - John Keogh Unite
Dublin - Ben Bishop TUI
Dublin - Siobhan Browne ESBOA
I currently hold the office of Equality Officer in my union with responsibility for the full range of equality issues including disability. I though the idea of championing disability was a great way of raising awareness and the profile of disability issues. It is also an execellent way of encouraging colleagues to take up the cause and get involved. The training course is a very practical, comprehensive one that is very accessible.
Dublin - Rosheen Callender SIPTU
Dublin - Teri Cregan SIPTU
Dublin - Ciaran Gogarty ESBOA
I'm a Disability Rep. and Access Officer, and I'm completing a Certified Accessibility Auditing Programme at the moment. Becoming a Disability Champion will help me to help colleagues with disabilities more effectively. Congrats to AMICUS for this great equality initiative.
Dublin - Pat Kenny CWU
Dublin - Maire Mulcahy ASTI
Dublin - Belinda Perry ESBOA
I found out about the course thur our Equality office Siobhan Browne.
It was a way of gaining information on disability issues, The idea of disability champions is a great way of raising awareness and the profile of disability issues.
Dublin - Joe Roe CPSU
I found out about the course though ICTU and got involved because I have been campaigning for years on disability issues. I thought the course was excellent.
Dublin - Carol Scheffer CWU
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I am the Union's equality officer and I needed more training and information on disability issues. It was an excellent course, it paves the way for our future activities on disability. It was also great networking with other Champions
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Dublin - Ann Speed SIPTU
Dundalk - Maureen Madden CSPU
I have a disability myself and i'm very interested in disability issues. I thought that the course was very interesting and I hope that it will make a difference.
Fermanagh - Maire Masterson INTO
Leopardstown, Dublin - Mike O'Connor CWU
This training course was brought to the attention of CWU NEC members by our equality officer. I am aware through family and work experience that this country is a difficult place to live in if you have a disability or illness or when you become older and I wish to help people in these situations. It is not going to be easy to get private companies to give priority to disability issues, especially in getting them to employ people with a disability.
Newry NI - James Larkin PCS
I found out about disability champions from a hyperlink within the TUC Health & Safety website. For some 15 years I have been a trade union rep holding various posts at local level. From the outset I had a keen interest in disability issues. I have a number of extended family members who have a range of disabilities. I myself have a 6 year old child with quadriplegic cerebral palsy which has given me a real insight into the hard issues surrounding people with disabilities. Despite the best intentions of DDA legislation there are still numerous obstacles to overcome if the theory of equality is to become a reality. Frustration has fuelled my determination to make a difference in this area. I am keen to develop my awareness and skills to enable me to assist others in a more complete manner. I am of the belief that for too long employers have taken a blinkered approach to disability issues instead of concentrating on ability.
Newtownabbey NI - Patrick Cluskey CWU
Waterford ROI - Imelda Firth@gmail.com Unite
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