The Art of Inclusion

When leaving the new library in Dun Laoghaire on Saturday, I was surprised to come across an exhibition being held by Downes Syndrome Ireland (DSI). The ‘Here I am’ exhibition (more on the exhibition photographed by Dan Murphy here). All…

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Loneliness is the only real disability

David Pityonak in his paper Implications and Recommendations For Policy Makers (2003), stated that loneliness is the only real disability (see the paper here). The Loneliness of the Service User People who are in services are lonely. They have very…

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The Mental Health Go to Guy

This time last year, the College lost one of its true friends, Mark Logan. Mark, if you did not know him, worked for Rehab in Galway, loved his family, music and Chelsea Football Club amongst many other things.  In the…

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Choice as an alternative to ultimatums

‘Choice is a powerful alternative to punishment.  If the person’s behaviour challenges you, help him to find more desirable ways to express the needs underlying the behaviours. Instead of ultimatums, give choices (e.g. “Bill, I know you’re upset.  What  would…

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