Paddy Slattery

What does Offaly Centre for Independent Living Ltd mean to me as a Leader?

That's very simple, yet almost impossible to put into a few words. It's like this. How can you describe the value of a person's dignity without measuring their personality first? And to do that, you must first get to know the person in question. That's kind of what it's like trying to explain or dissect the body of this organisation. To me, the CIL is more than what it suggests. Unlike Ronseal, that does exactly what it says on the tin, the philosophy of CIL almost understates the actual potential of its function. For me, it's not just about living an independent life, but the importance of understanding this basic essential human right. The need for belief and acceptance from the wider reaches of our society that all people with a physical or sensory disability deserve an equal opportunity in life. And this is what OCIL Ltd has established. It doesn't just provide, but it advocates also. And what does this mean to me? Well, simply put ... its priceless. I know I like to dramatise my words, but this I can say wholeheartedly, without exaggeration.

Not only do I lead my life without physical restrictions, but my family can too. For what it's worth, I've been wheelchair bound almost 12 years now and not a day goes by that I don't feel blessed to be alive. And not only that. I also have greater ambitions than I ever thought possible before I became disabled with not a shadow of doubt in my mind that I will achieve them! This is down to the Personal Assistance provided on a daily basis by OCIL Ltd. Here I'm not just talking about technical or physical assistance, but the personal care and understanding bestowed on a person, which is the fundamental source of a persons self-confidence and desire to live a fulfilled life. So, again I ask: what does the service provided by OCIL Ltd mean to me? And the answer which is actually a question whats the meaning of life? It is that simple.