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'Conversations About Activism and Change: Independent Living Movement Ireland and Thirty Years of Disability Rights' edited by Sarah Fitzgerald

This compelling anthology of interviews features individuals who have devoted their lives to activism. It has been brought together by Sarah Fitzgerald and the Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and commemorates 30 years of that organisation's existence. These are the stories of the disabled activists in their own words and illustrate not just their dedication to their cause, but also the very human aspect of their struggle, underscoring the importance of friendship in sustaining their activism.


It is tragic to witness, the creeping prevalence of anti-science rhetoric within the dialogue of Ireland's Disabled Persons' Organisations (DPOs), particularly when it concerns autistic people. Empirical evidence can shine a light on our way forward, outlining the steps to progress. However, it is crucial to remember that it is the individuals - the ones who are meant to benefit from this evidence - who must ultimately decide the path to follow. Science should serve humanity, not merely exist as an end in itself, devoid of guiding values. Much to their credit, these contributors diligently evade this pitfall. Often the contributors reflect on the alliances and the intersectional work that can not only claim rights for disabled people but also progress other social issues, including the rights of women, children, workers and the travelling community. It is the courage and commitment of communities like these that progress our entire society forward, in so many instances we are led from the margins. Issues that were once on the fringes have been brought into the mainstream by the sustained work of these people. But progress is not linear and the pendulum can swing the other way.

The prevalence of pseudo-scientific thinking will slow our progress, divide our communities and harm those subjected to its many forms of quackery. These are the stories of our leaders, and we owe them, but the journey is far from over; there is a long road left to travel.

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