An Appreciation of Jacqui Browne
Our members are deeply saddened by the news of Jacqui’s untimely passing. Her death leaves a void in our campaign for rights and equality that simply cannot be filled. Yet, at the same time, her legacy is the birth of a DPO sector and a culture of co-creation that simply would not have developed without her guidance, humour, strategy, and commitment.
Jacqui believed deeply in the idea of “nothing about us, without us” and the rights model of disability.
Her life, activism, academic achievements and advocacy are a testament to her breaking of barriers that every disabled person faces in their day-to-day life. She broke those barriers with determination and patience, with an assertive attitude when required, and a smile and handshake wherever possible.
Jacqui was a Board Director of the Independent Living Movement of Ireland and a member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s (IHREC) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). Jacqui was chairperson of DESSA – the national Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency, a board member of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Irish Thalidomide Association. She was actively involved as a patient advocate in IPPOSI – the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry and a EUPATI Fellow, part of the European Patient Advocacy Training Initiative.
Jacqui, as an independent advocate, was a leader in setting up the DPO Coalition, and following that the DPO Network. Her guidance and leadership over the last years have resulted in our successful campaigns for the Government to recognise their responsibilities towards Disabled Person’s Organisations’ (DPO) representation under UN CRPD. She led our group through difficult discussions, meetings, and negotiations.
Her legacy is the growing understanding in Irish society that co-creation of disability policy, with disabled people through their DPOs, leads to successful, timely and effective services and supports that unlock the potential for disabled people to be fully integrated in our community and to realise their potential.
Jacqui cannot be replaced, she was a unique individual, full of life, love, strength and humour.
We will carry on her work with respect and admiration for her life’s work and her ambition for us all.