L’ARCHE Ireland and Northern Ireland has launched their Christmas appeal, which this year aims to challenge perceptions around people with intellectual disabilities and to highlight their contributions to society.
‘Through L’Arche Eyes’ (#ThroughLArcheEyes) is the title of the campaign that will guide L’Arche’s events and fundraising efforts during this season.
The campaign’s aim is to re-focus the discussions about disabilities to target the right problems.
Speaking at the launch, Diana Walsh, fundraising and outreach coordinator for L’Arche Ireland and Northern Ireland, said sometimes when looking at disabilities, people tend to be short-sighted.
“They stop at the disability and forget to see the person,” said Ms Walsh. “But the issue is not the disability; it’s the way we look at it. The real questions should be about inclusion; about personal encounters without prejudices; about the kind of societies we want in the future.”
L’Arche’s mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities.
Mairead Boland-Brabazon, chief executive of L’Arche in Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “We work together with people who have intellectual disabilities to highlight the unique contributions they make to others and to society.
“We are privileged to see these contributions first hand. We have witnessed their unique perspective on the world, their ability to hone in on the importance of human connection, kindness and joy.
“They have a great ability to bring the best out in people and to be an amazing unifying force.”
To transform views on intellectual disabilities, L’Arche is inviting people to change their point of view and see the contributions people with disabilities bring to society.
As a symbol, they have designed two pairs of eyeglasses, which can be downloaded from their website or posted to whoever is interested.
The organisation is inviting everyone to ‘wear, share and donate’: Wear the glasses as a symbolic commitment to see beyond the disability. Share pictures and videos online using hashtag #ThroughLArcheEyes and #WearShareDonate. Donate offline or online through their website www.larcheireland.org or their Facebook page: L’Arche Ireland.
•L’Arche works with over 100 people with intellectual disabilities through its four communities in Dublin (Baldoyle), Kilkenny (Callan and Kilmoganny), Cork (Togher Road) and Belfast (Ormeau Road).
To find out more about the campaign and to donate, visit www.larcheireland.org/ThroughLArcheEyes
