Episode 5 of This is Me – Making Plans for Alan will open the door on the life of Alan Keady. Where does a 21-year-old man living with an intellectual disability fit into Ireland today?
When Alan was born his parents Nuala and Michael had no idea what was wrong with him and nor did his doctors. They went from doctor to doctor, ‘I was told I was a fussy mother with a very fussy child, but I knew there was something wrong with Alan’, explains Nuala. At 21 he is good-looking, with an endearing personality, a hearty laugh, a very active social life and a learning disability. While he knows he has a disability and he knows about William’s, he doesn’t really know what William’s is. He has no fear of strangers and studies your face for emotional expression. He is very sensitive, eager to please and affectionate. Small successes are key to Alan’s future independence – cooking, buying clothes and getting a job.
In 2000 his father Michael died suddenly. Alan constantly spoke about Michael and the things they’d done together. He would visit the grave regularly. Nuala admits she found it difficult to be there for him, as she too had to grieve. ‘It was impossible to motivate him to do anything.’ In the end, doctors had to prescribe him anti-depressants and he continues taking half a tablet a day to get him through this.
Making Plans for Alan explores how disabled and able-bodied siblings come to terms with one another. From an early age Jason and Alan knew they were different from one another. Jason was too young to understand. Jason didn’t want to be seen with ‘his fool of a brother’. With time things have improved and Jason and Alan are very close. Bringing up two teenage sons on her own is tough. Jason is doing his Leaving Cert this summer. He hopes to study pharmacy. He explains everyday things to Alan so he can understand the world around him better.
He started work experience in the accounts department of Galway University Hospital in April. It’s been organised through St Joseph’s Training Centre, which he goes to everyday. Another Alan, Alan Craughwell, plays a big part in Alan’s life. His time with Alan means two things – a break for Nuala and independence. They go to see their beloved Connaght play rugby, shop for sports gear and grab a pizza.
On his 21st birthday, Nuala reflected on her life with Alan ‘seeing him so happy and seeing what he has achieved has made it all worthwhile.’ Jason and Nuala are looking forward to Alan maturing and they hope he will ‘someday’ be able to look after himself and maybe keep an eye on Nuala and Jason too.