Beyond Limits: Mayo man Fiacre Ryan one of main speakers

BEYOND Limits - an event for children with disabilities and their families - took place at Knocknarea Arena, ATU Sligo, on Saturday. Organised by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, over 300 people attended.

Beyond Limits is about recognising the abilities and the interests of children with disabilities. It gives young people the opportunity to hear from children of all abilities and from adults who have faced similar challenges to them.

Beyond Limits was presented by disability ambassador and TV personality Paddy Smyth, and Mayo man Fiacre Ryan, who featured in RTÉ's Speechless documentary, was one of the main speakers.

Fiacre delivered a talk titled Speechless but not Voiceless and asked the audience to 'see the world through my eyes as I navigate through yours'.

Fiacre's own words were delivered by his Mum Carmel as he talked about his ambitions, his intelligence and how he experiences life as a non verbal autistic young person. Fiacre then answered a few questions from Paddy about his upcoming book and using his letter board shared with the audience what it is like to write your own book.

Fiacre was joined on stage by an array of amazing young speakers as well as Paralympic champions Katie George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal.

Speaking about the event, the Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, said: “Beyond Limits is all about empowering and inspiring children and young people with disabilities, and also showing how an inclusive and accessible event like this is not only possible - but can offer so much fun and possibility for all involved.

“Children with disabilities are not included or featured enough in society in general. Beyond Limits is about hearing their voices and showcasing their personalities.”

A second Beyond Limits event will take place in Limerick on Saturday, October 15, and tickets are still available on www.beyondlimits.ie. The event will also be streamed live.

Beyond Limits Limerick will be presented by Ellen Keane and will include a performance from Dancing with the Star's John Nolan who has worked with the Free to be Me dance group.