REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE REHAB “SOUND ACCESS” PROJECT CLARENCE HOUSE
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE REHAB “SOUND ACCESS” PROJECT CLARENCE HOUSE, DUN LAOGHAIRE 9 MARCH 1999
I am delighted to have been asked to officially launch the “Sound Access” project and would like to express my appreciation to Finola McTernan, the Project Co-ordinator, for inviting me to be with you today.
I realise that the project has been in operation for some time and that a great deal of work has already been done by many dedicated people in its planning, development and implementation to date. However, it gives me great pleasure to now open it officially and to recognise on behalf of the people of Ireland, the invaluable work that you, both as organisers and participants, are achieving here.
There are a number of aspects of the project which I particularly admire. Firstly, the fact that its focus is on music. Music is universally recognised for its power to break down barriers and to build bridges across cultural, historical and ethnic divides. It is a language that can be understood by all and draws people together, regardles of age, gender, race, or cultural background. It can also provide a bridge between people with disabilities and the rest of our community. Indeed, we have a fine tradition in the past of people, such as O'Carolan and Raftery, whose talent and skill as musicians transcended their disability and earned them the respect and admiration of their community. I hope that the participants on this project, whether you go on to be musicians or sound technicians, will find in music that same transcending power, that capacity to bridge barriers between people.
In Ireland, music has always formed an important part of our heritage. In recent years we have seen the extraordinary revitalisation of Irish musical imagination, both here at home and abroad, where it provides bridges of friendship and understanding with other cultures. This popularity has had very tangible benefits for our economy, with a corresponding growth in employment opportunities for engineers, session musicians, radio producers, broadcasters, sound technicians, managers, and promoters.
Yet there is clearly a shortage in training opportunities for this vibrant and growing industry. That is another reason why this project is so important. Normally, we find that where exclusion or lack of opportunity occurs in our society, it is those who have a specific disadvantage, such as a physical disability, who find it hardest to gain access. Here, refreshingly, we have a pilot project in an economic growth area which is working in reverse: it is people with disabilities who are leading the way. Indeed this project has much value as a model for creating similar opportunities for the general population.
One of the most innovative aspects of this project is the different levels of training and access it provides. “Sound Step”, the foundation element, consists of a six week series of workshops and lectures from professionals in the industry which demystifies the process and helps break down any perceived barriers. Those who complete this element can apply for “Sound Link”, an eight month modular course with practical work experience, leading to a recognised qualification. The third element, “Sound Reach” provides workshops in 12 regional centres for up to 600 participants. Together, these three elements provide an excellent basis for people to progress to further education or employment in the music sector. The structure builds skills painstakingly and as skills are built, so confidence is layered up. That mix of self-confidence and skills is essential in today’s competitive marketplace.
It comes as no surprise to me that the Rehab Group should have been instrumental in developing such an innovative and imaginative project. Over the years, they have led the way in breaking down the barriers in our society that have prevented people with disabilities from realising their full potential. That stunting of talent has proved to be an immense loss both for our society and for the many individuals whose gifts have not been allowed to flourish. While there is still a distance to travel in achieving equality of access, projects such as this provide real milestones of progress.
I know that many organisations and individuals deserve credit for getting the “Sound Access” Project off the ground. As part of the EU Horizon Programme, it has received substantial funding from the European Social Fund; assistance has also been provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the NRB Horizon National Support Structure. Most of all, I would like to warmly commend the Rehab Group, its Chief Executive, Frank Flannery, and all of the individuals who have contributed so much time and energy to the project.
Finally, I would like to congratulate all of the participants for their courage in taking this opportunity to follow their dream within the music industry. I wish you all every success in your future careers.