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Welcome to Spoke Out, Irish Wheelchair Association's membership magazine.

Dear contact.firstname,

We hope you enjoyed seeing some of the widespread Halloween celebrations across IWA's centres as much as we did and we look forward to the next celebratory season, but we won't mention too much about that just yet.

October was a tough month for the whole of the IWA community due to the strike action which was due to take place on October 17th. We know that whilst the strike action was called off at the eleventh hour, much stress and concern had already spread. We want to sincerely thank you for the huge outpouring of support we received during those weeks. We would also like to thank those who came forward to bravely share their stories with the public. This collective power really helped to make a real impact and put pressure on the decision-makers to return to the table to discuss the issue of pay parity. Thank you!

Looking forward to this edition, Jamie from Kildare shares his experience with our Driving School and the impact it has had on his life. For those adventurers, we are delighted to share the opportunity to take part in IWA's inclusive Abseil at Dalkey Quarry in Dublin which has been rescheduled for November 18th. On the Advocacy side of things we invite you to have your say on our upcoming Transport Campaign so make sure to fill in our quick survey which is linked below. 

As always if you need us our Customer Care Team can be contacted at at customercare@iwa.ie or call us on 01-8186485.

If you would like to share your story with us, simply drop us an email at news@iwa.ie with your contact number and we will give you a call. 

Thank you.

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Each month we'll bring you a spotlight feature on a member, service, volunteer or employee. If you would like us to feature something here please email us.

     This month our spotlight feature is on our Driving School.

“The positives are huge whether you are driving for the first time or returning to driving.” 

Learning how to drive is a rite of passage for most people. 

There is nothing quite like that feeling of independence and freedom when you get behind the wheel of a car and can drive off on your own for the very first time. 

Jamie from Kildare knows all about it. He passed his test in April after attending lessons at Irish Wheelchair Association’s Motoring School, which operates nationwide. 

Like many learner drivers, the 24-year-old was a bit nervous starting off. But he said: “I overcame that very quickly”. 

Jamie admitted that he always suspected he would learn to drive one day but it was his mother ‘who pushed him to do it’.

Read on for the full story.

‘Getting Nowhere: Time for True Access’

Our Advocacy team continue to work on real issues that affect people with disabilities across Ireland and we would love to hear from you on this Transport Campaign titled: ‘Getting Nowhere: Time for True Access’. 

With this campaign, due to launch in 2024, we hope to unmask how hazardous, inaccessible transport infrastructure is posing a very real threat to people with disabilities, and infringes on your daily lives. 

This is your chance to input into our work or to get involved, so please take a couple of minutes today to complete our transport survey here.

Fundraising is vital to Irish Wheelchair Association and we would like to thank those who recently came out in support of our Annual Fundraising Day, took part in the Dublin Marathon and to those who continue to support our fundraising efforts across the country.

With that in mind, we are delighted to bring back our Abseil which has proven popular in past years and we promise is so much fun. This is the ultimate day out for adventurous types and those who would like to tick an abseil off their bucket list. The event is limited to 60 places and is likely to book up quickly so don't delay, sign up today!

Here's what you need to know:

The Dalkey Abseil is an exciting fully inclusive fundraising event organised by IWA. It involves descending the majestic Dalkey Quarry cliffs. It's an awe-inspiring experience that pushes your limits while supporting Irish Wheelchair Association. 
📆 Saturday, November 18th 
🤝 This event is fully inclusive 
💪 Making a difference together 

Find out more or sign up today on our dedicated webpage here.

November will see another action-packed month for IWA-Sport, with the Para Powerlifting National Championships taking place in Clontarf on November 18th. Ten Irish powerlifters will be taking over the IWA-Sport Hall in this first competition since taking part in the World Championships in Dubai, earlier this year.

There's plenty of Wheelchair Basketball happening both at home and abroad. Our women's national squad, Emerald Rollers made their competitive debut in England and at home, the Irish Wheelchair Basketball League is in full flow. 

For the full update on sport and how you can support our athletes, please follow this link.

PS: We'll be celebrating International Day for Persons with Disabilities on Dec 3rd with the #PurpleLights Campaign. Check out our social media for full details.

Thank you to our supporters and funders.

Áras Chúchulainn Blackheath Drive Clontarf, Dublin 3.

Tel: 01 818 6400 | Email: info@iwa.ie

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