Sir, - I would like to take this opportunity to thank the American Ambassador, Jean Kennedy Smith, for her interest in individuals with a learning disability.
On Friday, June 12th last, her Excellency, The Ambassador, invited recipients of The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Mother's Award to her residence to meet the US Commissioner for Development Disabilities, Ms Sue Swenson, and to hold a day long work-shop. The Commissioner, a parent of a child with disabilities, worked for years as a private citizen to affect change at the highest levels of US government, and now holds a senior position in President Clinton's administration.
As a parent, I was honoured to be invited to take part in the workshop, and to meet such a dedicated and outstanding mother. This was all made possible by the dedication of the Ambassador, Jean Kennedy Smith, to individuals with a learning disability and their mothers.
I congratulate Her Excellency on the dedication she has given our country, both in this field and in the peace process. I take this opportunity to wish her a very happy and long retirement. - Yours, etc., Sally McIntyre,
Recipient of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Award, and RehabPeople of the Year Award,
Falcarragh,
Co Donegal.