Partners in Mayo's Erris region unite to bring disability awareness into local schools
The Erris Youth Disability Network (EYDN), the IWA DAISY Project and Erris Workability (Mayo North East) have joined forces in a landmark initiative that will see a person with lived experience of disability trained as a disability awareness ambassador – and then bring that message directly into local primary schools.
The collaboration will see one of the Erris Workability clients receive specialist training through the DAISY Project, equipping them to deliver engaging, age-appropriate disability awareness sessions to schoolchildren across the Erris area.
It is hoped that the programme can grow over time, with more people from Erris and north Mayo trained as ambassadors in the future.
The initiative reflects a shared belief that educating young children about disability – building empathy, understanding, and inclusion from an early age – is one of the most powerful investments a community can make.
Martin Kelly, IWA DAISY Project, commented: “The DAISY Project – Disability Awareness in Schools and Youth — is a pioneering disability awareness programme created by the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). Operating nationwide, we are delighted to be expanding our reach through community partnerships in the Erris region and to welcome a new ambassador on board.
“The DAISY Project exists to bring disability awareness to life for young people across Ireland, and we can only do that with passionate, committed ambassadors.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Erris Workability and Erris Youth Disability Network. This is exactly the kind of grassroots collaboration that helps our work reach further.”
Mary Deane, chairperson of EYDN, added: “ Erris Youth Disability Network has always believed that awareness starts young. If we can help children grow up seeing disability as a natural part of human diversity and not something to fear or misunderstand, we are building a more inclusive society from the ground up. We are incredibly proud to see this vision becoming a reality in our own community.”
Rosemarie Mangan, Erris Workability, said: “This initiative is a perfect example of what is possible when organisations come together with a shared purpose. Our client is not just receiving training – they are becoming a voice for disability awareness in Erris. That is hugely empowering, and we hope it is only the beginning of what can be achieved here in Erris and in north Mayo.”
The initiative is seen as a model that could be replicated across the region, with the potential to train additional ambassadors and reach more schools throughout Erris and north Mayo in the coming years. For more information about this unique initiative, contact Rosemarie by emailing rosemariemangan@mayonortheastldc.com or sending a text message to (087) 499 6606.