Offaly Disability Equality Network (ODEN) was established in 2018 by Offaly Local Development Company and is a network of disabled people, people without disability services, organisations, businesses & arts communities in the county. ODEN aims to be the voice of disabled people and works to identify barriers and campaign for better accessibility and inclusion for disabled people in Offaly. OLDC supports ODEN with SICAP programme funding and co-ordinator. Other member organisations include: Inclusion Ireland, Independant living Movement Ireland, Offaly Public Participation Network, Muirissa Foundation, Laois Offaly Education Training Board, Rehab Care, Garda Siochana, Tullamore Chamber, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Irish Wheelchair Assocation, Employability Midlands, MS Ireland, Offaly Centre for Independant Living, Anam Beo, National Learning Network, Epilepsy Ireland. ODEN meets monthly and is facilitated by SICAP community development workers.
Recent actions have included an 'Any Bag Any' Dog Fouling Stencilling Awareness campaign in Tullamore, Clara & Ferbane. ODEN hosts Make Way Day events in September each year. Make Way Day actions draw attention to things that block the way on our streets and make the live of people with disabilities difficult. People with disabilities & disabled people were consulted to tell us about their experience of access and being part of the community in the county and in May 2023 the ODEN Accessible Offaly Comhairle na nOg to develop a Disability Awareness Programme aimed at second level schools in the County.
If anyone is interested in joining or wants more information about ODEN please get in touch with network facilitator Declan Costello at 087 6991226 or dcostello@offalyldc.ie.
