This week, MCS were honoured to welcome internationally renowned disability activist, writer, designer, and Director of accessibility enterprise ‘Tilting the Lens’ Ms. Sinead Burke. Ms. Burke has visited the White House, is a member of the Irish Council of State and has appeared on the cover of British Vogue magazine twice all in a bid to voice the need to equality and inclusion in design. Born with achondroplasia, Sinead Burke always felt excluded by the fashion industry and thought she wasn’t taken seriously because of her aesthetic. In both her TED Talk ‘Why Design Should Include Everyone’, and her book ‘Break the Mould’, Ms. Burke seeks to challenge people’s perceptions.

When visiting MCS, the special guest spoke to all first-year students about the importance of equality for those faced with various disabilities, and she asked them to appreciate some of the challenges in which people in this category face daily. Sinead reminded the first years that she depends on the kindness of strangers so frequently in her day-to-day life, and she urged them to be aware of restrictions that people face and require help with. She informed her audience that 70% of people will tackle disability at some point in their life. When sharing her story with the MCS listeners, she explained how she forgets that she is a little person, and that she would not be the same person that she is today if she was average height. Students were then provided ample time to ask Ms. Burke some questions, one of which was: If now given the opportunity to be average height or remain the same, which would you choose? Sinead responded by saying, “the idea of me changing to be tall would transform my personality. Being disabled does not define me, but it has shaped everything that I do and how I see the world. I’m very confident and happy to stay being me”. Afterwards, Sinead spent time admiring some of the school’s Junk Kouture design creations in which she was keen to discuss with teacher Ms. Pamela Keogh and her senior pupils.

Before Sinead departed, it was fitting that she assisted MCS in raising their anti-bullying kindness flag outside of the school building. Ms. Sinead Neilan representing the MCS Care Team, addressed Ms. Burke, some staff, and students, stating that the Cineáltas (kindness) flag was a symbol of the school’s commitment to respect and equality. Ms. Neilan said “that by standing together, we send a clear message: bullying will not be tolerated here”. She said too that Ms. Burke’s core message will be remembered in MCS while the flag is flying high.