Longford's James carries baton for disabled activists

A disabled activist from Drumlish took to the streets of Brussels last week calling for better rights to be provided to disabled people across Europe.

James Cawley and 300 other disabled activists marched to the steps of the European Parliament under the Freedom Drive campaign, which was set up in 2003 by the late Irish disabled activist Martin Naughton.

The campaigns purpose is giving the disabled community in Europe a chance to make their voices heard in all policy decisions concerning them.

“Martin himself was a great activist, ensuring disabled people had independent living supports as opposed to being institutionalised, so I feel it's very important that younger activists keep carrying that baton,” said Cawley.

The campaign, which ran from Monday, September 23 until Wednesday, September 25, included the march, a hearing in the European Parliament and various workshops.

James Cawley, a long time activist in the disabled community is no stranger to lobbying for better support and legislation to be provided to himself and others. Cawley spoke to the Longford Leader regarding the campaign in Brussels.

“The first day was full of workshops on independent living, ableism, the barriers disabled people face in the European and global context.”

"The ‘Reclaim Their Rights’ march was an opportunity to show our policy and decision makers and elected representatives that disabled people are here and we are visible. We are proud, we are strong and it's important that they listen to our views rather than just service providers," Cawley explained.

"It's important that disabled people's rights are heard and that was really powerful and showcased in a great way when many MEPs came out to meet us outside the Parliament and hear our views and concerns."

Cawley also attended a hearing held in the European Parliament. The hearing was hosted by MEP Katrin Langensiepen, the first female member of parliament with a visible disability, and highlighted the importance of disabled people not only in politics but in all facets of life.

"We had experts and politicians listen to our concerns," said Cawley.

“There were opportunities for us to provide feedback but also for them to support us in a dialogue.

“The hearing itself lasted two hours and discussed many topics, from employment, to independent living, to current sport, to intersectionality, that we all have multiple identities and that disabled people should have agency, choice and control over their lives.” recalled Cawley.

The trip came to a close with a conference celebrating 35 years of the European Network of Independent Living (ENIL). The conference focused on actions that could be taken going forward on a European and national level.

The trip not only provided activists like James with networking opportunities, invaluable knowledge and expertise on topics such as independent living and intersectionality but the tools to implement them in their home countries on a national level.

“I know for one as a disabled activist from little old Longford I'm going to continue with that engagement on a national level and the European level with our MEPs. After all that's what we put them in for, they have a mandate and it's really important we continue to engage with them on the issues that impact on our lives,” concluded Cawley.