Press Release

Special Olympics star Sharon Geraghty from Brookfield, Tallaght to attend the inauguration of Opportunities day for people with disabilities 2007 in the Katherine Tynan Suite, The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght on Tuesday 20^th February at 10:00 a.m.

The Special Project on Long-Term Unemployment (SPLTU) Tallaght is a Community Development Project established in 1990 under the Department of Social Welfares Community Development Programme and funded by the Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. SPLTU started working with communities in Tallaght who were affected by long-term unemployment, poverty and/or social exclusion. The current focus of work of SPLTU is in the areas of community health and well-being (including mental health), disability, sexual orientation and anti-racism.

SPLTU takes this opportunity to invite you to the inauguration of the Opportunities day for people with disabilities 2007 a one-day event on 20^th February. The event will be held in the Katherine Tynan Suite, The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght and will start at 10:00 a.m.

The Mayor of South Dublin County, Eamonn Maloney has kindly agreed to speak at the inauguration and the Special Olympics star Sharon Geraghty from Brookfield, Tallaght will also attend.

More than 20 organisations working in the field of disability in Ireland have confirmed their participation on the day. Each organisation will have an information stand which will be staffed throughout the day till 4:00 p.m. providing information on the services they provide.

The purpose of the day is to bring all the service providers together under one roof and provide an opportunity for people with disabilities in the Tallaght area to access information at a more personal level in areas like education, health, employment and training, social welfare entitlements, transport and community and voluntary services. The event will be attended by people with disabilities, carers, service providers, employers, government departments and community and voluntary organisations.

The Social Inclusion Unit of South Dublin County Council has provided the funding to SPLTU in organising this event. Tallaght Partnership, Disability Federation of Ireland and Local Community Volunteers are part of the Organising Committee.

For any further information please contact:

Mathews Thayil

Community Development Worker

E-mail: mathews.spltu@gmail.com

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