Sir, - At a time when America is mourning the sudden loss of John F. Kennedy Jnr, his wife Carolyn and her sister Lauren, much has been written about John's life but little about his commitment to people with learning disabilities and those who work with them.
As a member of the US President's Committee on with learning disabilities, John Kennedy was deeply concerned about the quality of life, supports and services of disabled people. He demonstrated a keen insight and focused on the relationship between quality of care and the manner in which resources need to be given to workers delivering services.
John Kennedy Jnr established a private foundation, Reaching Up Inc., to provide educational opportunities for people wishing to keep working in the area of learning disabilities. As a member of the President's Committee he was closely involved in producing numerous publications such as Voices of the Next Generation and the highly acclaimed 5-part series on inclusion, With a Little Help From My Friends.
He carried forward the outstanding and continuing tradition of his family in promoting the full and equal rights of all people with disabilities, families and carers. He always answered the call to assist others with a yes.
His passing is a loss to Americans with disabilities but his life is an example of one person working to make a real difference to ordinary people and to society as a whole. It is an example that needs to be followed and honoured. -
Yours, etc. Michael Gogarty, Chairperson, Meath County Network, Irish Council of People With Disabilities,
Trim, Co Meath.