CHRONOLOGICAL TIME SCALE OF EVENTS LEADING TO REALISATION OF L.A.P.W.D.

13. OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF L.A.P.W.D. by MR. MERVYN TAYLOR, T.D.
8th May 1997 Minister for Equality and Law Reform (1992 -' 97)

This day has gone down in history as a very significant landmark in the lives of the disabled people of Leitrim. Over one hundred people turned out in solidarity and support. There was an open invitation to all people with disabilities and their carers, assistants, friends and representatives of official organisations and, public agencies, as well as all public representatives. Mr Martin Naughton addressed the gathering as he did at the very first ever such meeting one year previously to the very day. The key-note address was delivered by Mr. Mervyn Taylor who performed the official launch.

Part Two (The Book of Evidence) contains full details of this event as published in the local media. It also reveals a flavour of the advertising efforts in the lead up to the official launch. The timing of this event coincided with the lead up to the General Election of 1997. Every effort was made to use this to best advantage in terms of lobbying on behalf of people with disabilities.