This Wheel’s On Fire

Greystones’ Margaret Kennedy has become one of the first two people to complete the new Limerick University postgraduate Level 9 certificate in Posture, Seating & Wheelchair Mobility Across The Life course.

The course – which was run in conjunction with Enable Ireland SeatTech – was designed by Dr Rosie Gowran, following years of specialist work to improve standards of provision of wheelchairs in Ireland.

Margaret and her twin sister Ann – who both suffer from the same rare neurodegenerate disease – are well known for their impassioned campaigning on behalf of wheelchair users in this country, with the former stating that she chose the Limerick University course to learn what an appropriate wheelchair and seating service should entail, and how skilled assessments should be done. Margaret also wants to be ‘fully aware of what occupational therapists, physiotherapists and HSE services should be providing’.

The postgraduate certificate will now make Margaret more equipped in the sisters’ campaign to provide the proper wheelchairs to those who need them. “It’s not just a piece of equipment,” says Margaret, “but a part of a person’s whole identity. It is now up to the government and the HSE to upgrade wheelchair and seating services in Ireland, provide funding that is meaningful and efficient, as the service as it stands remains at almost Third World standards.”

You can find out more about Margaret and Ann Kennedy’s DAG:T [Disability Action Greystones: Together] right here.