Caoimhe Cusack

My internship at MDAC gave me the opportunity to gain insight and awareness of the challenges facing both persons with disabilities and those who work in the disability law field.

On arriving at MDAC I was extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to participate in the “Mental Disability Law in Practice” summer university course. Having the opportunity to attend seminars on the CRPD and participate in discussions on topics like institutionalisation and discrimination as well as taking part in Strategic Litigation Clinics was extremely educational.

For me the biggest eye opening experience was my visit to a social care institution which houses people with intellectual disabilities. It was an incredibly insightful experience. Talking to staff and people living in the institution was very educational and thought provoking. It taught me more than any text book could have.

Before I began this internship I believed that law was the most effective tool for the promotion of social justice. However, I began to realise through participating in the summer school and observing the work of MDAC that advocacy and research and monitoring can be very effective tools also.

This internship at MDAC has given me an understanding of the work of an international NGO and of the different ways to enhance human rights.  

The staff at MDAC are really friendly and are lovely to work with. As an added bonus, Budapest is an amazing city with loads to do and see.

My time in Budapest and MDAC will not be forgotten.

Caoimhe Cusack

Intern summer 2012