Campaigner for disabilities delivers inspirational address

The term inspirational is overused, but in the case of Hub 21’s debut exhibition ‘Grow Thrive Shine’, it feels like an understatement. The wonderful display features portraits of children and adults with Down Syndrome who attend the Hub’s service, captured by their resident photographer Dalia Guzauskaite.

The launch in Carrickmacross Civic Centre on Monday, March 9 was a showstopper too, where Dubliner Mei Lin Yap delivered a keynote address that left everyone present speechless. The free exhibition, which lives up to its name runs in the Civic Centre foyer until the end of March.

Hub 21 Manager Caitriona Crosby described the 44 children and young people featured in the exhibition as the heart of Hub 21.

“This exhibition is our way of celebrating all that they are and all that they can achieve,” Caitriona enthused.

That boundless potential of those attending Hub 21 was emphasised by guest speaker Mei Lin Yap, who Caitriona hailed for “breaking barriers and championing a more inclusive Ireland”.

Taking to the podium, Mei Lin said her family provided her foundation: “My story begins, like so many others, with someone who believed in me before I fully believed in myself, my mother. Growing up with Down Syndrome meant the world didn’t always expect much from me. But I learned early on that expectations are not limits. They are starting points.

“I grew because people gave me opportunities. I grew because I was encouraged to try, to fail, to try again and to discover what I was capable of. And every time I pushed through a barrier, I realised something powerful. I am not defined by what others think I can’t do. I am defined by what I choose to do.”

Involved with the Special Olympics all her life, Mei Lin found her strength in swimming. With the World Down Syndrome Swimming Organisation, she competed in many countries including Ireland, UK, South Africa, Canada, Portugal, Taiwan and Italy winning medals galore.

“People with disabilities know what it is like to struggle and are willing to work hard but may need additional support. I am proud of the achievements I’ve worked so hard for in my career, in my advocacy and in my community. I’ve spoken on national stages, represented people with disabilities and helped shape conversations about inclusion in Ireland.”

Mei Lin reflected on how her experience studying in Trinity College helped shape her.

“It took a while for me to break down barriers and become accepted. Having the opportunity to be a university student and be exposed to normal experiences of college life really did help shape me and build my confidence. I feel inclusion and acceptance were key to my success and development.” This course helped her secure an internship, which led to a permanent role with Cpl Recruitment as a People Experience Administrator.

“With Cpl I am now living my dream. I feel included and valued in the workplace,” she told the Hub 21 launch. In addition, Mei Lin is an Ambassador Liaison Officer with the Twitty Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin.

“My employment in both roles is significant because it demonstrates that individuals with disabilities can thrive in professional positions, contributing meaningfully to their fields. My dual roles not only challenge societal values but also inspire broader efforts towards improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities.”

Furthermore Mei Lin has helped launch a digital skills education app, making digital literacy available and accessible to those with intellectual disabilities.

“All of this is proof of what is possible when people with ID are given equal opportunities to thrive and lead and are supported to reach their full potential. I have spent my life helping people understand that people with intellectual disabilities are not small dreams. We are big possibilities,” she continued.

Mei Lin was eager to show young people with Down Syndrome that they deserve to be seen, heard and supported. In this regard there remained “a lot of work to be done”.

“I am acutely aware that Ireland ranks the lowest in the EU for disability employment at only 32%. We must do better. We must encourage and support employers to hire people with disabilities. We must build systems that include, not exclude,” the advocate for equality exclaimed. “To the children and young people with Down Syndrome here today, I want you to know you deserve every opportunity to be seen, heard and valued. Not because of what you achieve, but because of who you are. As we celebrate here today, let us also make a promise to continue breaking down barriers, to continue challenging assumptions and to continue building a society where every person with Down Syndrome can Grow Thrive Shine,” Mei Lin concluded, bringing her speech back to the exhibition’s title.

Her inspirational address received rapturous applause from the large attendance gathered to launch the exhibition and rebrand the Down Syndrome Centre North East as Hub 21.

Caitriona noted it was seven years to the day the service was launched at that very location. She acknowledged families, friends, supporters and community members who accompanied them through that period of growth, learning, partnership and progress.

“March is a particularly special month for our families. We led up to World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st day of March, chosen because of the triplication of the 21st chromosome. We raise awareness, celebrate achievements and continue to promote inclusion for people with Down Syndrome across Ireland,” Caitriona commented.

Based in Carrickmacross the charity covers the entire North East region: Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath, Armagh and Longford. The centre provides a range of free and heavily subsidised services, dedicated therapies and community supports to help children grow, learn and thrive – the genesis of the exhibition.

Hub 21 is made up of dedicated staff, therapists, teachers and facilitators, who bring professionalism, compassion and commitment to their daily roles. The charity could not function without volunteers – Caitriona thanked them all. Furthermore, there wouldn’t be a Hub 21 if it were not for the drive of the board, who identified the need for the service and made it happen. The centre manager thanked: “Hub 21 may have started as a dream, but it’s sustained by people. People who believe in inclusion, opportunity and community.”

Chief Executive of Monaghan Co Council Robert Burns congratulated Hub 21 on the event and for the work they do throughout the region from their base in Carrickmacross. If he were to sum up the service in one word “inclusivity” would be it. He noted the portraits captured the innocence, hopes and possibilities of the children and young people featured.

Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District Paul Gibbons (SF) pledged the support of the elected members too, acknowledging the presence of his colleagues Councillors Noel Keelan (SF), Colm Carthy (SF) and Peter Conlon (FG).

“I want to welcome the stars of the show,” he said of the children and young people who feature in photos. “I’ve had the most fabulous 45 minutes walking around reading the stories, speaking to parents, service users and staff about the wonderful facility we have in Hub 21. I’m so proud it’s in our area. The work they do is absolutely fabulous and we can’t highlight it enough. It’s very obvious to me and anybody that spends any time here that the work of Hub 21 is absolutely invaluable. We want to see people and children reach their potential. That’s something that is very obviously happening here and Hub 21 is a major part of that.”

Caitriona thanked Julieann O’Reilly and Jim Gartlan from Monaghan Co Council for facilitating the exhibition at the Civic Offices; Manor Farm for their generous sponsorship of the event; Patrician High School, Inver College and Creative Monaghan, for kindly donating easels for freestanding portraits; The Parlour Event Hire for lending a touch of pizazz.

A debt of gratitude was also owed to everyone who donated to, fundraised for or sponsored Hub 21, which allows the team to support 140 children across the region, with new families joining the community all the time.