2nd Year ASIAP Students Host Successful Disability Rights Awareness Event
The 2nd Year ASIAP Students at Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) hosted a remarkable Disability Rights Awareness Event on Tuesday April 30th 2024, featuring distinguished guest speakers who brought valuable insights to the discussion.
The event was called Your Voice, Your Vote.
Among the speakers were:
Art O’Leary
Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission (An Coimisiún Toghcháin)
Art O’Leary, with an illustrious background as the former secretary general to the president (2014-2021), offered invaluable expertise in constitutional matters. In 2023, he assumed the role of Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, bringing a wealth of experience to the discussion on voting rights and electoral processes.
Hugo MacNeill
TCPID Ambassador
Hugo MacNeill, a distinguished Trinity College and Oxford graduate, is renowned for his outstanding rugby career with Ireland, Leinster, and the British and Irish Lions. Beyond sports, Hugo has excelled in finance as a director at Goldman Sachs. His involvement in politics, having contested Seanad Éireann elections in 2020 and 2022, underscores his commitment to civic engagement. Recognised with an OBE in 2023, Hugo proudly serves as the Ambassador of TCPID, advocating for inclusivity and empowerment.
Students engaged in discussions with the guest speakers surrounding the significance of voting and its role in creating positive change within society. Despite acknowledging the importance of voting, several challenges were identified:
1. Confusing Instructions: Some individuals found the voting instructions unclear.
2. Identification of Voting Papers: Difficulty in distinguishing between different voting papers.
3. Simplification of Language: Requests for simpler language to facilitate better understanding.
4. Accessibility of Help: Awareness needed regarding available assistance for voting.
5. Limited Support Hours: Concerns raised about the limited support available during specific hours.
6. Rushed Voting Experience: Some felt rushed due to queues and time constraints.
7. Accessibility of Polling Stations: Issues with accessibility and barriers at certain polling stations.
Despite these challenges, the event highlighted positive aspects, including the friendly and helpful attitude of staff at polling stations and the accessibility of some stations.
Moving forward, students proposed several recommendations to improve the voting experience for individuals with disabilities:
Creation of easily understandable and accessible ballot papers.
Utilisation of technology for translations and easy-to-read formats.
Provision of support throughout the day, well-advertised and accessible to all.
Ensuring all election materials are accessible, including support for homeless individuals.
Increased representation of disabled people in elections.
The guest speakers addressed questions from students regarding voting, barriers to voting, and the political landscape for disabled individuals. The collaboration between TCPID and the Electoral Commission proved fruitful, with plans to address barriers to voting in the future.
Dr Vivian Rath, who co-ordinates the Disability Rights module, remarked there was a few potential future politicians or senators from the student planning group that would be brilliant public representatives with lived experience of disability, to which the guest speakers both agreed.
As students continue their journey in advocating for disability rights, they draw inspiration from the valuable contributions of Art O’Leary and Hugo MacNeill, whose dedication to fostering inclusive communities is truly commendable.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, raising awareness about disability rights and the importance of inclusive participation in the democratic process.
Click here to view the Your Voice, Your Vote student presentation
