Over 1,000 people flock to Croke Park for Beyond Limits; Empowering young people with disabilities

Michael McKillop, Mark Pollock, Joanne O’Riordan, Ellen Keane, Adam Harris and Izzy’s Wheels are just some of the speakers that children, parents, carers and other attending Beyond Limits can look forward to this Saturday.

Over 1,000 people will make their way to Croke Park on Saturday, 19^th October for Beyond Limits, an event that will shine a light on the accomplishments and the opportunities open to young people with disabilities.

Beyond Limits will be hosted by Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson alongside two young presenters Jason Hopkins and Karen O’Mahony.

Beyond Limits has been organised by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office as part of their work to raise awareness of the rights of children and young people with disabilities. It brings together speakers, information, demonstrations and activities all focused on children with disabilities.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon said:

“It’s very important to us that children are a big part of Beyond Limits and we have some fantastic young speakers, and young carers, talking about their own experiences. Young people will also be co-presenting on the day.

“Beyond Limits is about removing the disability label, it is about seeing children, the challenges they face and their individual potential. This event has shown that there is a real interest in hearing from these young people and discussing the issues that are important to them.”

Daniel Daly, 16, one of the young speakers taking part in Beyond Limits added:

“I have never allowed my disability to hold me back, and I’m always thinking of ways that we can improve accessibility for those with visual impairments. To make real progress, we need to bring people with disabilities to the table; we need to actively listen to their wants and needs. We need to make sure that we create a society that embraces difference and accepts new ways of thinking”

Guest speaker Mark Pollock said,

“Sometimes we choose our challenges. Sometimes our challenges choose us. What we do next is what counts.”

Julian Benson Beyond Limits presenter said:

“Beyond Limits is a wonderful event as it empowers children and young  people with disabilities to help them to achieve their goals by giving them the tools and resources to succeed and to understand that there are no limits, just opportunities.

Beyond Limits will be broadcast live on the RTÉ News Now and it will be streamed live on the Ombudsman for Children’s Office Facebook page.

ENDS

• 18 October 2019
• Type: Press Release
• Topic: Disability