1 Áiseanna Tacaíochta Realising Equality through Active Participation Michael Doyle Director of Assisted Living Services

Slide title header here sub-header here 2 Why did Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) work in partnership with and support Áiseanna Tacaíochta (ÁT)

Slide title header here sub-header here 3 Challenges Overcome  Securing HSE approval  Establishment of companies  Realignment of funding  Employment of staff in these services  Responsibility for administration of service etc.

Slide title header here sub-header here 4 ÁT & IWA Working Together  Support with processes and procedures  Support with transfer of current PA’s  Agreement and support with regards to individual funding streams.  Active participation on the ÁT advisory committee.

Slide title header here sub-header here 5 Why was there a need for Áiseanna Tacaíochta To achieve Direct Payments for its members By achieving Direct Payments through ÁT it has highlighted the many challenges and hurdles which need to be addressed in the Irish context for Direct Payments to be a reality for all.

Slide title header here sub-header here 6 Why MUST Disability Organisations Play Their Part  The availability of Direct Payments is essential for our members to ensure that they have choice and control of their own services.  There is a responsibility on organisations to promote and participate in the introduction of a practical model of Direct Payments which is available to their members.

Slide title header here sub-header here 7 Congratulations to the members of Áiseanna Tacaíochta on having had the courage and tenacity to bring an idea of how to achieve Direct Payments in Ireland to a reality.

Slide title header here sub-header here 8 Thank you