President Mary McAleese will address the workshop and meet with participants at 12 noon. A long healthy life in the community is today's aspiration for Irish people with learning disabilities. They can expect to live at home in the community for many years, often as their parents become elderly. A comprehensive package of family support, such as short-term and respite care, is a sound investment.
Respite care can supplement long-term family care, but there are other gaps in the support provided.
The event is sponsored by Co-operation North and by Ulster Bank Limited. Keynote presentations will be made by Professor Gordon Grant, University of Sheffield and Helle Mittler, Manchester . Small group sessions will also take place, during which participants can share their own experience of respite care to date and state their priorities for the future. 30 June 1998.