The Right to Ordinary Begins Here

In our first episode, we explore ableism – what it is, where it comes from, and how it continues to shape the lives of people with intellectual disabilities every day. Through honest conversation and powerful lived experience, we look at how discrimination can be built into our attitudes, language and systems, often creating unnecessary barriers to work, education, housing and decision-making. Self-advocate Lydia Fisher shares her personal journey, from overcoming barriers to employment and learning to drive to regaining her right to make her own decisions after leaving Ward of Court. We also hear from Fiachra O'Connor, who explains how ableism shows up in society, why language matters, and what each of us can do to challenge discrimination. Together, the conversation highlights why creating an Ireland where everyone can live an ordinary, self-directed life requires both personal reflection and systemic change. Understanding ableism and how it affects everyday life The lasting impact of institutionalisation Employment and equal opportunities Supported decision-making and leaving Ward of Court Accessible systems and removing barriers The power of language and challenging stereotypes Becoming anti-ableist and creating inclusive communities Resources Resource 1: TL's BLOG - TALILA A. LEWIS Resource 2: Disability Inclusive Language Guidelines Stella Young: I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much | TED Talk  QUOTES \- “You have to keep going to prove them wrong. Because if you just say, okay, you told me I will not do it, you will never know.“ - Lydia Fisher \- “It’s beyond time we reclaim our space and our right to a wonderfully messy, ordinary life.“ - Derval McDonagh \- “Once you have that language and once you understand what it is, you really start to see it everywhere.“ - Fiachra O’Connor \- “It’s not about just being not ableist, but actually being actively anti-ableist and taking those steps to fight and challenge the discrimination.“ - Fiachra O’Connor \- “If you work hard, you can be wherever you like to be in life.“ - Lydia Fisher KEYWORDS #InclusionIreland #TheRightToOrdinary #Ableism #IntellectualDisability #HumanRights #Disability #AntiAbleism #SelfAdvocacy #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #WardOfCourt #DecisionSupportService **Your voice matters. Add it to ours.** Our strength comes from the people and communities we partner with and represent. The more people who add their experiences, knowledge and voices to our movement, the stronger our collective voice becomes. **Become a member of Inclusion Ireland.** https://www.inclusionireland.ie/membership/