School of Nursing & Midwifery students raise €270 for the Cork Rebel Wheelers.

5 Nov 2014

Photo L-R; Ms Denise o Dwyer, Mr Paul Ryan (Irish wheelchair Association), Ms. Zoe Russell and Ms. Orla Shanley

Living with a physical disability- a personal story’

As part of raising an awareness of disabilities, 1^st year intellectual disability and general nursing students were invited to a talk given by Mr. Paul Ryan who himself is living with a physical disability.  Paul is an avid sailor, sportsman and Olympian medalists and has enjoyed a very successful career particularly in sailing. Paul was one of three athletes representing Ireland in the 2008 Paralympic Games and they were placed 9th overall in the Sonar Class.

Paul’s talk was open, honest, inspirational and motivational. He reiterated that if we as individuals and healthcare professionals expect less of people with disabilities we will get less…people with disabilities can achieve and fulfill their potential once we change our attitudes and beliefs to one of ‘can do’ rather than ‘can’t do’.   The students decided to give something back and raised €270 for the Cork Rebel Wheelers, a multi sports club which supports youngsters from 5-18 years of age. The donation was presented to Paul as a token of appreciation for sharing his personal story. This is part of a module titled ‘Promoting Health, Supporting Inclusion the Potential Contribution of Nurses to the Care and Support of People with Disabilities’ which is led by Ms Lynne Marsh. 

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