An overview from Sr. Emmanuel Farrelly, Founder, and Honorary President, of Leitrim Association of People with Disabilities
I was ministering as Principal in the Mercy Secondary School, The Marian College in Mohill when I first encountered disability on a personal level. In May 1993 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. On discovering that I was no longer able to adequately carry the responsibility of this very stressful work load I retired from the educational scene at school level in 1994. For the following two years I found wonderful support from the Leitrim Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The work of The Commission of The Status of People with Disabilities was making the headlines at the time. I was inspired by the work of the Disability Movement in Ireland led by Mr. Martin Naughton and his co-founders in Dublin. I had a dream to introduce a similar Movement to Co. Leitrim. To this end, I took a Diploma in Community Development Practice-Disability Resource Work. It led to the establishment of LAPWD in 1996. The rest is history!
It is my ongoing desire that through the work of the Association, Leitrim people with disabilities will continue to take control of their lives, .........