Blind senator says iPad lightens load

SENATOR Martin Conway had his first operation on his eyes to save his sight at six months old.

Since then, the Clare senator has had a dozen other operations to maintain 20% of his sight.

Earlier this year, the Ennistymon man won a seat in the Seanad on the administrative panel, to be the first visually impaired Oireachtas member in living memory.

He said yesterday: “I was born with congenital cataracts, as was my father and my grandfather, but I am the first member of my family to go into politics.”

The north Clare man said the surgery at six months old was “pioneering”.

He said: “I have 20% sight, but I would be, legally, considered blind.”

Now, the senator is taking advantage of the latest Apple iPad technology to download Oireachtas documentation that makes light of his visual impairment.

He said yesterday: “As the first visually impaired member of the Oireachtas, I want to commend the Leader of the Seanad, the ICT Unit in Leinster House, the Bills Office and the Library and Research Services for their efforts over the last number of months in identifying ways to help me access information. They have done their utmost to ensure that I have the same access to information as everyone else.

“This sends a clear message that the Houses of the Oireachtas are willing and able to accommodate people from all backgrounds. Over the last number of months I have worked with the various sections in identifying the best way to accommodate my needs.”

He said: “From my point of view, the iPad allows me to magnify print to a very large font so I can read material with comfort.

“This is evidence that people with disabilities can achieve their full potential once they have the suitable services and facilities.”

Senator Conway said being educated in a mainstream school without the assistance of special needs assistants “toughened me up”.

He was first elected to Clare County Council in June 2004, representing the North Clare area and was re-elected in 2009, topping the poll.

The senator is a graduate of UCD with a BA in Economics and Politics.