After a 4-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Praxis Care, a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disability, autism and mental ill health, revived their annual conference in Ireland. The “Making the Right Connections” conference focused on advancing inclusion and empowerment for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Held at the CityNorth Hotel & Conference Centre in Co. Meath, the conference convened 150 stakeholders, experts and advocates to delve into pressing issues and pioneering solutions in the field.
Professor Roy McConkey, serving as the conference chair, set the tone by urging action to match rhetoric on inclusion. He highlighted the potential for Ireland to become a more inclusive society to match its reputation as a friendly country.
Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State for Disability, echoed this sentiment, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. She said, “Conferences like today help us to consider the key concerns at the heart of our work: how we build more inclusive and responsive communities.” Minister Rabbitte lauded Praxis Care’s longstanding efforts as they celebrate 40 years as a charity in 2024 and called for a rights-based approach to disability.
Keynote speakers provided invaluable insights and recommendations. Professor Malcolm MacLachlan encouraged attendees to consider technological innovations ‘liberating’ rather than a threat, giving staff more time to provide focused care. Dr. Geraldine Boland shed light on the social isolation experienced by many individuals with disabilities, shown through her research.
Speakers from the charity sector weighed in, as well. Peter Brabazon, CEO of Specialisterne, highlighted the importance of inclusive workplaces and outlined practical steps for employers to support neurodivergent applicants.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm and an individual with autism himself, asked, “I have to adapt every day for a world not built with me in mind. When is the world going to meet me halfway?” He shared powerful survey data that showed the lack of true acceptance in Irish society of autistic people. He gave reason for hope, however, providing examples of communities and events that are adapting to be autism-friendly.
Dr. Martin Canavan explained how Praxis Care uses research to inform practice. He took attendees through the innovative implementation strategy being used to facilitate application of an autism framework consistently throughout the charity, which has 2000 staff dispersed throughout the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
The highlight of the conference was Luke O’Daly, who introduced a video of a day in his life where he independently goes out in his community. Conference attendees heard about his journey from a non-speaking child who did not want to leave the house to a man who can spend an afternoon out on his own, interacting with people at the library and shops in Navan.
As Amanda Gray, Director of Care and Development at Praxis Care, said in her remarks, “We need our communities to adapt and welcome the people we support as valued members of their community, who participate and contribute in a meaningful way and have the same opportunities to experience the positive outcomes.” The charity hopes that this conference will help attendees to move forward to help make these adaptations possible.
Photo caption above: Praxis Care CEO Carol Breen, Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte, Praxis Care resident Luke O’Daly, Praxis Care Director of Care and Development Amanda Gray
