Life Outside the Box –
book and DVD now launched
By Margaret Ann
Foley
A wonderful book
and DVD created by members of the Irish Wheelchair Association was launched by
Sean Murphy, Batchelor in Trouble fame, at Dungarvan library last Thursday 25th
February. Upon my arrival at the library
I was surprised to see the puppets on view from the library window and I must
say they all looked splendid in their new home for the next few weeks. In the warmth and cosy environment of the
library there was a great turnout from the public all sitting down waiting to
hear about the puppets.
Proceedings
commenced with Mark Foley, a service user of the Irish Wheelchair Association,
who gave a full explanation of how the puppets were created from humble
beginnings to what people could see of the finished product on display. If you never knew how a puppet was made then
listening to Mark talking as he gave away a few well kept secrets of how a
puppet is made would make anyone want to find a piece of wood and a few screws to
try one for themselves. It was the most interesting talk and I must
say he had his audience so tuned in you wouldn’t hear a pin drop,
literally.
Mark made sure
to thank everyone who was involved with this project, including our sponsors,
and the library staff for allowing us to exhibit our creations. He also made reference to the fact that we
got very good advertisement of our book/dvd launch in the newspapers and this
was evident by the number of people who were interested by what they read that
they came along to this event. With
their support I can gladly say that all the service users of the Irish
Wheelchair Association felt like stars on the night and some members were seen
signing the book. Even one little girl
who attended had a great chat with Amy Fitzgerald, and wanted to know if the
puppets had names.
After Mark’s
speech he then introduced us to Sean Murphy, of Batchelor in Trouble fame who kindly came to launch the
exhibition. Sean talked about the book “Life Outside the Box” and what that
really meant for people with disabilities and gave the explanation of a few scenarios
in his own life. When he was making his
first video he was asked if he had a degree to be able to make and sell the
video and he said he hadn’t but that if you believe in something and can do
something then what degree does anyone need, sure didn’t he have a camera and
off he went and made his next video. Sean is now after making his twentieth DVD
and is still going from strength to strength.
Sean said that once you were labelled with a disability you were put in
a box and meant to stay there but if you believe you can do something then one
should go after it that life is too short.
“There is no such thing as you can’t.
Do what you like!” said Sean. “The
box is a wicket place to live in. Only you
go into the box, you shouldn’t stay in it.
A box is for keeping things in.
The box doesn’t exist. It is only
in your head. There is no limit to the
human spirit” Sean said and I must say I wholeheartedly agree with Sean. This was why our book “Life Outside the Box”
was created to show that yes even though we have a disability we can definitely
live outside the box. The puppets coming
out of the box that was on display signified us coming out of the box that
society wants us labelled and put in a box, “keeping you in your place. It comes from the hierarchy – government
knows best….”, said Sean. But yes we
have showed that we can succeed outside the box and far beyond.
Sean was also
delighted to meet Pat Coffey a service user of the Irish Wheelchair Association
whom himself and Pat go back a long way as Pat in his time was a musician and
they had played together in their hay day.
Sean
had his audience in peals of laughter with his banter and he ended by declaring
the exhibition open to the public. We
then had a look at the DVD which was playing on the TV and was enjoyed by
all. Lastly, we ended the evening with
some lovely snacks and drinks prepared for by our staff and service users of
the Irish Wheelchair Association whom I would like to very much thank for
supporting us with this project.
The book/DVD is
now on sale in Eason’s Dungarvan, the Library, IWA Office and on-line. See
below for details.
Also, this
project would not have taken flight but for the experience of our resident
artist Corina Duyn who showed us how to make the puppets including the
beautiful outfits worn by the puppets.
Her knowledge and know-how of creating a book and DVD was essential in
fulfilling our dreams and without her this project wouldn’t have happened. We will miss our Monday class and the fun we
had in creating these puppets. Corina,
you will have to think of something else to fill our minds. This project isn’t over yet as the puppets
are going on a journey on the 16th March they are packing their
suitcases (yes, suitcases made for them – literally) and travelling to the
library in Waterford City where this project will be launched from
6.00-8.00p.m. and will be on display for about two weeks there. So do travel with us on this journey and meet
us there on the 16th March in Waterford City Library.
| Once again, may
I thank everyone who helped in any way with this project no matter how small or
how big, your contribution was greatly appreciated and to the public for
supporting this project. It has meant so much to us the service users of the
Irish Wheelchair Association. Proceeds
from the sale of the book will go towards further projects for the service
users. Thank you. |
The Irish
Wheelchair Association (IWA) is a national organisation dedicated to the
achievement of full social, economic and educational integration of people with
disabilities as equal, independent and participative members of the community.
Contact IWA
Waterford City and County Resource & Outreach service on 058 24645 / 087
255 6835 to enquire about services available in the South East area. Visit our website www.iwa.ie for more information on our services and resource & outreach
centres across the country.
This project has been awarded the Create-Artist in the Community Scheme,
funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.
