Stamp celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Irish Wheelchair Association

8 September 2010

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) was founded in 1960 by a group of 8 wheelchair users, to press for action on issues as diverse as public attitudes towards disability, access to public buildings and services and legislative change. At that time there were virtually no services for people with disabilities in Ireland. Today, the IWA has grown to a membership of 20,000 and has become an important provider of quality services to those with limited mobility throughout Ireland. Indeed many advances in service delivery and public facilities can be directly traced to the advocacy and action of the Association.

The stamp, designed by Steve Simpson, features Oliver Murphy, the sole surviving founding member of the IWA and of the very first Irish team to participate in the Paralympic Games. Joining Oliver on the stamp is junior IWA member Shane Barker, a keen sports fan. The stamp (55c) and First Day Cover are available from the GPO, main post offices or at www.irishstamps.ie.

Speaking today at Dublin’s GPO, Oliver said: “When we formed the IWA all those years ago, we never dreamt that from an initial four pound investment we would overcome many of the obstacles and issues which faced people with disabilities at the time. In the 1960’s many people with disabilities were confined to their homes or residential care. We were determined that our members could join mainstream activities and would be able to live independent and active lives. Today, most of our members live full and active lives, we have overcome adversity and are living proof that you can achieve and overcome any obstacle if you have the right positive attitude”.

Also speaking at the launch Kathleen McLoughlin, CEO of IWA said: “As our ambition is to support people on their journey to independence, we felt it appropriate to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with the launch of a special stamp. We are delighted that the work and achievements of IWA is being acknowledged by An Post, as the Association has played a hugely successful part in the development of services and improvements to the quality of life that people with disabilities can now expect today”.