November TCAID: In Focus - IDS-TILDA Wave 5 Launch
Longitudinal Dynamics in the Ageing of People with an Intellectual Disability
Date: Tuesday, 28th November 2023
Location: Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152 - 160 Pearse St, Dublin, D02 R590
The event commenced with a captivating musical performance by Emma Kinsella, Eoin Hayden and Sean Sheekey from Viewpoint Self Advocacy Group at Sunbeam House. Their exceptional talent and dedication were met with a well-deserved standing ovation, setting a positive tone for the entire launch.
Emma, Eoin and Sean were accompanied to the stage by Tommy Breen, Musical Supporter and Rob Quinn, Musical Supporter to Eoin.
Emma, Eoin and Sean were supported by Catherine Craven, Support Worker to Emma, Liz Hayden, Eoin's Mother, Steve Browne, Viewpoint Chairperson, Ed Byrne, Viewpoint Vice Chairpersonm, Ian Harte, Support Worker to Ed and Eileen Kelly, Viewpoint Facilitator.
The Dean of Research, Prof. Sinead Ryan, opened the event, emphasising the importance of the research presented in IDS-TILDA Wave 5. Prof. Ryan's insightful remarks underscored the commitment of Trinity College Dublin to advancing knowledge in the field of intellectual disability.
The report was formally launched by Minister of State for Disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte, TD. The Minister’s address reflected the government’s acknowledgement of the significance of research on the ageing of adults with an intellectual disability. Her address emphasised the importance of IDS-TILDA in shaping policies and support systems for adults with an intellectual disability.
Prof. Mary McCarron, Principal Investigator, IDS-TILDA, presented invaluable insights into the latest findings from the Wave 5 report. People aging with an intellectual disability are in better health, living in their communities, with more opportunities, and having greater control in how they live their lives but women's health, oral health and dementia findings remain a real concern. IDS-TILDA provides and will continue to provide essential evidence for the success and challenges in current policy and practice for people aging with an intellectual disability. Where policy and practice need to continue to improve is also highlighted throughout the Wave 5 findings.
Dr. Eilish Burke, Health Fair Lead and Ms. Jean Moynihan, Research Nurse Manager were joined by Mr. Christopher McEvoy, IDS-TILDA participant to talk about the Health Fair process and their experiences. Mr. McEvoy described his initial apprehension, but that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt the benefits.
Following the inaugural session, a thought-provoking panel discussion took place, moderated by the renowned broadcaster, Olivia O'Leary. The panel featured representatives from key organisations, including Inclusion Ireland, the Health Service Executive, Temple University, the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, TILDA, and Avista. The diversity of perspectives offered a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in addressing the longitudinal dynamics of ageing in people with intellectual disabilities.
Panel: Prof. Mary McCarron, Principal Investigator, IDS-TILDA Prof. Philip McCallion, Co-Investigator, IDS-TILDA, Professor and Director, School of Social Work, Temple University, Philadelphia Dr. Rosemary Gowran, Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme for People with Disabilities Dr. Alison Hartnett, Chief Executive Officer, National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Dr. Jean Lane, Senior Physician, Avista Ms. Derval McDonagh, Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Ireland Dr. Mark Ward, Senior Research Fellow, TILDA
Ms Mei Lin Yap, Ambassador Liaison Officer, TCAID, closed out the launch with her final remarks.
"I think this report is so important because it's all about understanding how to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. It's vital that we recognise the different needs, and gaps in health provision, so that we can live longer, healthier, and happier lives. And isn't that what we all want—to create a happy and healthy future together?!"Reports to download
- Longitudinal Dynamics in the Ageing of People with an Intellectual Disability - IDS-TILDA Wave 5
- Longitudinal Dynamics in the Ageing of People with an Intellectual Disability - IDS-TILDA Wave 5 - Accessible Easy Read Summary
