Benefits of having a PA
The effect of a disability varies with its nature and the individual, but as
with all things life must continue.
What is normal for the able bodied is impossible or difficult for the disabled. Life in nearly all aspects is effected by disability and the craving for "normality" is always with us. To be able to live and function as a disabled person we all have special needs, which require some form of support whether from family, friends or statutory agencies.
The Leitrim Association of People with Disabilities was founded in 1995 to address the satisfaction of those needs in the most realistic of fashions. Adopting the philosophy of the Centre for Independent Living (CIL) it provided a force of Personal Assistants (PA's) for people with disabilities (Leaders) in Leitrim.
I have directly benefited from this service since then and assert that it has enabled me to live a life as near "normality" as it is possible to realize with my level of disability.
Once established, the working relationship with one's PA is the most practical application of the theory of "Independent Living" allowing a level of existence impossible to achieve under current statutory methodology.
In my case having a PA means that each day the matters that we would normally take for granted can be achieved, whether it being getting out bed, washing, dressing, shopping, cooking or travelling. It is the ability to address the ordinary, everyday, practical issues of life that makes LAPWD's service so vital within the community.
Because of having a PA I have been able to participate in events and organisations at local and national level, maintain a level of social involvement within my local community and fulfil academic study.
Without a PA none of these aims could have been aspired to, let alone be accomplished.
I will always be indebted to my PA and LAPWD.