A group which supports adults with intellectual disabilities on both sides of the border gathered in Enniskillen recently to mark the completion of an innovative project

To mark the completion of the 'Crossing the Line' project a DVD and booklet were launched and people with disabilities, their families and professionals from the disability sector gathered for the special launch event.

The project focused on three specific geographical areas within the border region: Clones, Co. Monaghan and Roslea; Blacklion, Co. Cavan and Garrison; and Castlefinn, Co. Donegal and Castlederg, Co. Tyrone.

Over the past 12 months the 'Crossing the Line' project has supported some 56 adults with intellectual disabilities on both sides of the border to develop their own person-centred plans and achieve their goals in areas that included training, employment, education, recreation and leisure. The newly launched DVD and booklet are specifically designed to introduce families, friends and carers to the ideas and concepts that underpin person-centred planning and the benefits to people's lives. Speaking at the launch Anne Marie Ward, Chairperson of the Crossing the Line project board, said, "With person-centred planning, people with disabilities are offered the opportunity to make choices and decisions in areas that are important to them and to live their life the way that they want."

Brigid McGinty, Programme Manager, CAWT agrees. "Person-centred planning is a process of continual listening, learning and focusing on what is important to people with disabilities, both now and in the future.

"By working together, we can all support and provide an opportunity for every individual to achieve real and lasting positive changes in their life. The support a person receives should always be active and flexible and never set any limits on a person's dreams." .