Chapter 15. Partnership and Assistive Technology
in Ireland
Overview
When one looks back at how AT and people with
disabilities have moved forward in the past
10 years, one notes a sense of positive change
and accomplishment. However, there still is
a considerable way to go before universal design
and service are part of everyday living. Rehabilitation
professionals can move forward only by developing
true partnerships and recognizing the abilities
of all stakeholders. The European Union and
the Irish government must play a key role in
providing the legislation and infrastructure
to create a more inclusive society that celebrates
diversity. This will enable researchers and
developers in Ireland to view people with disabilities
as a unique cultural group and will ensure that
new developments in technology will consider
the economical, political, social, and legal
rights of people with disabilities in the new
millennium. Efforts must be made within this
new framework to influence, lobby, and infiltrate
the power infrastructure to make significant
changes throughout global society.
The services delivered by CTS and the two projects
APHRODITE and STATEMENT are examples of how
an AT service can be delivered within the framework
of a social model. This model focuses on enabling
and empowering people with disabilities, which
leads to their inclusion in all aspects of community
life. Systems change is a slow process; it can
be achieved only by having fundamental principles
that are adhered to and implemented. Heumann
(1998) stated that a lot of effort has been
put into system change in rehabilitation and
AT service delivery without much reward. However,
progress can often be slow at the beginning,
and the liberation that is sought can be achieved
only by working together. As a road sign in
Africa says, "The road is too rough to
drive slowly."
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