ICCL Statement on the Death of Donal Toolan
The death has occurred of Donal Toolan, leading activist for disability rights, actor and former member of the Council of State. Donal previously served for many years as a Board member of ICCL, as well as being a founder and coordinator of the Forum for People with Disabilities.
Speaking today, ICCL Executive Director Liam Herrick said:
“Donal made an enormous contribution to defining the rights of people with disabilities as a question of fundamental human rights. He was a fearless and brilliant campaigner who believed passionately that people with disabilities must lead the fight for dignity and justice for all those affected by disability in all its forms. Donal also was committed to a broad human rights agenda and stood in solidarity with all those seeking justice in Irish society.”
“Perhaps most significant, in terms of Donal’s contribution to human rights in Ireland, was his commitment to shining a light on the human rights of those who lived in “closed spaces”, including disabled children and adults.
Through his activism, his journalism and his artistic expression, Donal helped change the landscape for disability rights in Ireland in a profound and lasting way. His death is an enormous loss to the world of arts and broadcasting, but especially to the human rights and disability rights community in Ireland ”
“The Board and staff of ICCL wish to extend their deepest sympathies to Donal’s family and his large circle of friends, and to all in the disability rights community for who Donal was such an inspiration.”