Enabling Participation and Contribution
Introduction
DESSA is about promoting disability rights in Ireland.
The purpose of DESSA is to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability and their families can participate equally as full citizens.
We do this by to eliminating barriers to enable disabled people to reach their potential and participate fully in their community.
Our Remit
DESSA’s core remit entails the delivery of:
- Direct training
- Advocacy
- Information Support Services
to individuals and families with lived experience of disability and to organisations supporting them.
DESSA also works to develop the capacity of organisations in the Community & Voluntary sector to enable disabled people to actively engage in community life.
Social Inclusion
This is a social inclusion strategy, the aim of which is to provide opportunities for people to fully participate in and contribute to, the social, economic and civic life of their communities.
Proven Track Record
DESSA was established in 2001 as an independent, not-for-profit organisation which is committed to supporting and defending the rights and interests of disabled people and their families.
DESSA is a national community development organisation, with charitable status and is core funded through the Scheme to Support National Organisations fund by the Department of Community & Rural Affairs.
This fund is a key element of the State’s support for the role of the sector in contributing to the development of strong and vibrant civil society and in improving outcomes for those most disadvantaged.
Rights, Not Charity
DESSA’s mission is to pursue the active involvement and full participation of disabled people in Irish society. At the heart of this is the belief that people who experience disability are citizens with rights, not objects of charity.
DESSA’s work is based on the Social Model of Disability. This recognises that attitudes, practices and structures are disabling rather than individual impairment. This prevents people from enjoying economic participation, social inclusion and equality.
This Strategy uses the term ‘disabled person’ in recognition of the disabling barriers that exist within society and DESSA’s commitment to their removal.