A groundbreaking Clare book is to be released as an audiobook following a donation of funding by a local county councillor.
The boom, ‘We Are Human Too’ was co-produced by Clare-based Disabled People’s Organisation, Clare Leader Forum, and co-written and edited by well-known Activist Ann Marie Flanagan.
The book was written as a historical record and to spotlight the voices, experiences, and rights of disabled people, advocating for substantial State reforms.
Funding to turn the book into an audiobook was announced by North Clare Green Party councillor, Liam Grant.
The decision to fund the audiobook came about at an event celebrating the book in Corofin where Ann Marie and Dermot Hayes are from and where the movement was founded over 30 years ago.
“This publication is a testament to our community’s spirit and commitment to equality,” said Grant.
“By funding the audiobook, we are removing barriers and ensuring that the powerful message of inclusion and equality is accessible to all.
“We must do better for disabled people and with the help of this book we will. We need to ensure disabled people’s voices are heard and their families voices as well.
“A major overhaul is needed on how the state supports disabled people. A special thanks Ann Marie and everyone involved for enlightening me.”
Padraic Hayes, chairperson of the Clare Leader Forum, expressed gratitude for the support.
“This is an incredible act of allyship by Cllr Liam Grant. Making the book available in all formats, including audio, will make it accessible to so many more people. We are deeply grateful for his generous support,” he said.
Brother of Donnacha Rynne, also co-founder of the Disabled People’s movement in Clare with Ann Marie, Dermot, Thomas Connelly (RIP) and Decal Considine, Davóg Rynne, multi-talented artist, storyteller and social justice activist will work with Ann Marie and the Clare Leader Forum on the recording of the audiobook version.
“We have written the first and only socio-political book by disabled activists and researchers for everyone on how the State views our independence in the 100 years of Ireland’s. We track 30 years of disabled people’s emancipatory activism,” said a spokesperson from the Clare Leader Forum at the book’s launch earlier this year.
“We decided to write this book to ensure history is written through the lens of disabled people’s activism. This book includes 100 voices of disabled activists and allies from Clare and across the country, past and present.”
The print version of “We Are Human Too” is available online and in-store at Banner Books in Ennistymon, Kilrush, and Ennis Book Shop, furthering the reach of this important work.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.