DCIL were delighted to welcome Barry Fox-Quamme to DCIL on 12th January 2026
Barry is the Executive Director of the Independent Living Resource Centre in Portland, Oregon, USA. Barry was in Ireland to attend the funeral of Jim McConnell, who was a Derry man who moved to Portland in the 60’s and was a member of the ILR Board as treasurer.
Whilst in the northwest, Barry reached out to us, and we were delighted to welcome him to DCIL.
For the last 20 years, Barry has been the ILR Executive Director at the CIL in Portland Oregon, US, During which time, I have also served as Board President of the Association of Oregon CIL’s for the last 12 years. He also served as a past council member and committee co-chair for more than a decade for the Oregon State Independent Living Council. He is currently serving on the World Independent Living Subcommittee of the NCIL Advocacy Committee, where they are advocating for formal recognition of the D20 within the G20, along with exploring international CIL exchange opportunities.
Barry met with our CEO, Rosaleen and Treasurer Marion, along with Leaders Marc and Mo.
Barry was given a short presentation on the origins of DCIL, the organisation today and the services DCIL provides. Barry also got the opportunity to tour our building and meet some of our staff. Barry also provided DCIL with an overview of the services ILR provides in Portland.
In 1957, ILR began it’s life of community service by providing services to the blind community. In the early years, the agency manually transcribed and duplicated Braille textbooks. They then expanded their services by offering activities such as orientation and mobility, skills training, and crafts. Since 1994, services have been extended to people with all disabilities. Through ILR’s many changes, a common thread is their non-profit status and their perseverance in helping others. By offering the four core services of Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Counselling and Skills Training, Independent Living Resources helps people to help themselves
ILR’s mission is to promote the philosophy of independent living by creating opportunities, encouraging choices, advancing equal access and furthering the level of independence for all people with disabilities. They value personal growth and self-determination aims to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for every stage of life.
Barry met with our CEO, Rosaleen and Treasurer Marion, along with Leaders Marc and Mo.
Barry was given a short presentation on the origins of DCIL, the organisation today and the services DCIL provides. Barry also got the opportunity to tour our building and meet some of our staff. Barry also provided DCIL with an overview of the services ILR provides in Portland.
Speaking on the visit, DCIL CEO Rosaleen said, “I always welcome the opportunity to meet with our state-side counterparts as it provides for the chance to remind ourselves that whilst there are variations in both the services provided and the challenges we face in CIL’s around the world, our core values and principles of Independent Living remain strong, pure and honest. Exploring the offerings of other CIL’s can be extremely beneficial and help inform future development. We look forward to exploring some identified areas of mutual interest further with Barry in 2026 and beyond.”
Before he left, there was an opportunity for a jersey swap with Rosaleen presenting Barry with a DCIL t-shirt and Barry providing Rosaleen with one of IRL’s.
See pictures from the visit below:
