Hi I am Fionn. I am joining ENIL as a volunteer with the ESC program. I am 27 years old and I am from Galway, Ireland. I have been a disability rights advocate for as long as I can remember.
From guest lecturing in universities around the world to setting up my own social enterprise – I have committed my life to improving the lives of disabled people worldwide.
I am the first person in Ireland with cognitive impairment (Down syndrome) to create and manage my own supports. With help from family, i explored the programs of traditional service providers, formed a limited company, proposed my own plan, and, in 2015, agreed to start a pilot project for the HSE (Health Service Executive).
I am a member of and have collaborated with the following groups: The Citizen Network (International Ambassador), The Community Partnership Training Network, The Disability Federation of Ireland, Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland, Down Syndrome International, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Society, Camphill Communities, Brothers of Charity, Clan Beo, Leap, the Galway City Partnership, and the Clare Advocacy Platform.
I am excited to be with ENIL for 6 months to learn about and advocate for independent living at the European level.
Outside of my work I hope to keep up my hobbies of bird watching and playing the fiddle which is the traditional Irish violin.
