First Focus Group - UCD YFG

Thursday, 6th November

Hiya guys!

As Rachel mentioned at the end of her last post, our first focus group took place in UCD - the greatest place on earth, and not enemy territory AT ALL. It was Rachel's first time coming out to UCD - most of our meetings up until then had been in town or in Trinity. She arrived, looking more official than I could ever hope to look, and I think its safe to say, a lot more collected than I was. I was an absolute bag of nerves, convinced I was going to blank and forget absolutely everything our campaign was about... and in front of my own branch too! 

UCD 

We decided to get some coffee before heading over to the meeting room early to go over the presentation and psyche ourselves up for the event. We didn't even make it out of the Student Union Shop before disaster struck... Rachel spilt her coffee all over the front of her top. After a short delay, we were back on track and arrived in the Ag building to present our campaign. Thankfully, my nerves were completely unnecessary.... the presentation went off without a hitch! 

On to the debate! It was a lively debate, almost everyone seemed to have an opinion, concern or question about the Bill... it was fantastic to get their feedback. I think we were both nervous that no one would really care about it, but that definitely wasn't the case. The motions that we proposed that night were:

• UCD YFG would support a will and preferences approach to intellectual disabilities rather than a best interests approach as outlined in the Persons with Disabilities (Capacity) Bill 2013
• UCD YFG would support a functional approach to disability rather than a status based approach

Both motions were passed, the first was passed 17 to 3, and the second was passed unanimously. It was amazing to hear the widespread support for our campaign, especially from the committee members. Both Richard Looby (Chair) and  Tom O Sullivan (Vice Chair) were particularly supportive. The support from Trinity was also noted, with their PRO Emma Purser, making the long trek out to support us on our first focus group! 

It was a fantastic start to our campaign and had us both delighted and brimming over with excitement for the next focus group in Trinity. 

All the best! 

Patricia =)