Cork’s Midsummer Festival took place over the last two weeks and is rooted in the arts and cultural venues around the city. My son Diarmuid has been a member of Suisha Inclusive Arts since it began in 2014. It is part of the Art and Culture Department at Cope Foundation. When Suisha was formed, it was definitely a case of Diarmuid being in the right place at the right time.

The group meet every week and the actors and their mentors have been working on their production, Home Sweet Home, for two years with professional inclusive artists Al Bellamy and Jodi O’Neill. Eoin Nash is Manager of the Arts and Creative Therapies at Cope Foundation and he has been the driving force behind Suisha Arts since its inception. Andy Forrestal, staff member, supports and mentors the actors throughout the year.

It really is Diarmuid’s magic space. Two of his classmates from school, Aoife O’Sullivan and Paul Fitzgerald are also in the group. The three are great friends and have known each other for 30 years now.

People with intellectual disabilities need a voice and they very often find their route to meaningful expression through art and drama.

Over the last number of weeks Suisha was full on rehearsing, every day, often from 10am until 4pm or later. Diarmuid didn’t miss one practice; except when it clashed with his other love, CADA. He has been attending CADA Performing Arts for at least 15 years. Run by Creative Director, Catherine Mahon Buckley, who is a very special mentor and friend to Diarmuid, CADA is an inclusive dance, drama and music class that takes place every Friday night. They too had an end of year dance show in the Firkin Crane.

Family taxis

This is the time of year that Diarmuid loves; he takes it all for granted as the family taxis are out in force dropping him and collecting him afterwards. His siblings, Julie, Philip and Colm are never found wanting. All Tim and I have to do is to ask them. His two sister-in -laws, Aileen and Elaine are on board for him too. Still, Tim and I do a fair share of the running. Once you have a family member with an intellectual disability, there is a level of support needed that never goes away. That baton of support passes to siblings as parents age. I try not to worry about Diarmuid’s future but it is often on my mind. Nevertheless, seeing his enthusiasm as he gets out of the car for rehearsals or performances is a joy to behold. He is animated, confident and ready to be the actor of his dreams.

Home sweet home

The story of Home Sweet Home was written by the actors themselves so the story embraced their lives and their right of wanting to live in a place of their choosing.

In this scenario, they decided that the story would be about a group of artists living together independently. A newly elected fictitious government doesn’t agree with the concept and so the group are faced with losing their home. They fight back through their talents of rap, dance, music and drama. They protest through song and video. The video goes viral and the whole tone of Home Sweet Home becomes quite political.

I think it hit the right note – reminding us that people with disabilities have rights and expectations of living a happy and fulfilled life.

Home Sweet Home was a relaxed performance which meant that people were free to get up and move around if they needed to do so in the venue, UCC’s Granary Theatre. It was also completely accessible with Irish Sign Language, audio-description and closed captioning in use throughout the performance. Diarmuid had lots of lines and dance moves and he delivered his parts with passion and style. I was very proud of him. Some cousins attended which was very special.

It is really important that these productions are supported. Families find it hard to ask people to attend, so take the initiative if you see inclusive artistic productions advertised. It means the world to the actors. Being asked for his autograph on the beautiful programme booklets was the icing on the cake for Diarmuid.