Ciara D’Eath was just 15 when her father asked what she thought about moving out of the family home. The Galway woman, now aged 43, has never let cerebral palsy stand in her way and living independently was no different.
Ciara is now fronting a national campaign for The Housing Agency to highlight disabled people’s journey to independent living.
“I was 15 and my dad said: ‘What would you think of moving out?’ And I said: ‘Are you throwing me out Daddy?,” she laughs.
“And he said: ‘No, we are just trying to plan for the future.’ So it was actually my parents that first brought it to my attention. Because they were obviously thinking about my future.”
Ciara has been living on her own for the past 20 years and says it has been “life-changing”.
“I’ve been to college. I have a degree in social care. I’ve been able to do volunteer work, and work, and just live a normal life as anybody can.
“It’s allowed me to have my own space and see my family when I want to see them and not when I don’t. I know many people don’t have that opportunity so I’m grateful for that.”
Ciara advised others in her position to “give it a go and see if it’s for you”.
“With everything, it has its challenges. I’ve done it for 20 years. It’s second nature to me.
“If somebody’s watching me and they’re like, ‘Will I do it?’ I would say: ‘Give it a go.’
“It’s hard but it’s rewarding. It’s worth it. It can be tough and maddening sometimes. But it made my life richer.”
Ciara is supported by personal assistants whom she says are “wonderful”.
Ciara’s father Rob says when he and his wife first broached the subject of living independently with her, a pilot housing project was setting up in Galway at the time.
“We thought we’d apply and see what happens. We just thought it was an opportunity for her instead of having to live with us forever. It would allow her to have an exciting life of her own, and it’s worked out well.”
The national awareness campaign by The Housing Agency, Journey to Independent Living, highlights that disabled people have the right to live independently. By working together, disabled people, their families and support workers can plan for a future that includes independent living.
Commenting on the campaign, CEO of The Housing Agency, Martin Whelan said independent living means disabled people make their own choices about the future they want to have.
“There are supports available to assist people on their journey to independent living. I would encourage people to visit The Housing Agency’s dedicated website, www.homeandsupportshub.ie, which provides information on housing and the supports available to disabled people.”
Find out more about independent living, and how to access the supports and services available, on www.homeandsupportshub.ie
