Kilmuckridge man shares his journey with Tommy Tiernan

Last month, disability rights activist and Trinity academic Dr Vivian Rath appeared on the popular Tommy Tiernan show on RTE. A person with a disability, Vivian has been a disability activist for many years, campaigning for greater participation of people with disabilities in public and political life. The Kilmuckridge man believes everyone has a role to play in making the world a more inclusive place.

Vivian spoke in the programnme about his own experience, at a young age, of undergoing surgery for a spinal tumour, and how damage caused by that surgery has affected his mobility. He also spoke about the often-times harsh reality of life in Ireland for people with a disabaility. He says people with a disability “need to be at the decision-making table”.

Dr Rath has a degree in pharmacology and an MSc in Business Management where he researched the employment of graduates with disabilities. He has been Director of AHEAD and a founding member of the national third level mental health campaign Pleasetalk.org. He is a member of the National Disability Stakeholders Group, and has extensive experience providing supports to people with disabilities accessing education and employment opportunities. n