ROSALEEN (Rosie) MORIARTY-SIMMONDS BSc. (Hons)
Born in 1960, Rosies impairment is four limbed phocomelia caused by the drug Thalidomide.
Rosie graduated with a BSc., (Hons) Degree in Psychology through Cardiff University in 1985.
After graduation, Rosie joined the Civil Service and remained with the Department of Trade and Industry at Companies House Cardiff until 1993 at Executive Officer level.
Rosie formed the RMS Disability Issues Consultancy in 1995 out of a genuine desire to deliver quality training in the field of Disability Equality and Disability Issues.
Rosie is married and has one son.
In June 2007, Rosie completed her autobiography entitled “Four Fingers and Thirteen Toes ”. Details of which can be found here.
Rosie has a particular interest in radio and television work. She has worked with BBC 2W and ITV 1 Wales on various projects covering human interest and the politics of disability; through to being a guest presenter for the BBC during the 2008 Royal Welsh Show – one of Europe’s premier agricultural and country shows.
In addition, Rosie has presented a radio documentary series for BBC Radio Wales to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of Thalidomide onto the British and Commonwealth markets.
Rosie’s most recent television project has been a mini documentary/short story for Sky Real Lives -- Short Stories – Thalidomide : Rosie's story.
Rosie is also passionate about empowering disabled people, and has been involved with:
- The Thalidomide Society
- The Contact Trust – Enabling unemployed and disabled people to gain media experience
- The Cardiff & Vale Coalition of Disabled People - As a member since its formation in 1996, and as Vice Chairperson in 2000-01; formerly a Trustee Board Member and Chairperson of the Coalition Access Group
- Ty Gwyn School Cardiff - School Governor with responsibility for Disability Equality
- Cardiff High School Disability Group -- an ongoing association with the school as a mentor for the students, on disability issues and changing attitudes.
In the specific area of Disability Equality, Rosie has worked with a number of local, regional and national groups:
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (formerly the Disability Rights Commission):
- As member of the Disability Equality Trainers panel
- As stakeholder/partner in awareness raising
- As advisor on Human Rights (web education) “Dignity Drive” project
- As advisor on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities
The Welsh Assembly Government:
- As independent advisor and member of the assembly Government Critical Friends network
- As stakeholder/advisor on the Focus Group and Pierhead Involvement Group promoting the work of the Assembly Government on the International Day of Disabled People and use of the Pierhead Building as a community facility for use in events and conferences
Disability Wales:
- As trainer and seminar facilitator
Wales Millennium Centre:
- As a member of the Customer Panel promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and disability access
The Disability Equality in Education Network:
- Promoting Disability Equality in education
STEPHEN SIMMONDS BA (Hons) LAW
Stephen graduated through the University of Glamorgan formerly the Polytechnic of Wales, with a BA (Hons) degree in law.
Stephen has practiced as a Solicitor throughout the South Wales coastal belt from Newport to Porthcawl.
Stephen is responsible for providing managerial, corporate and administrative support to RMS. Stephen also assists with the preparation and presentation of Training sessions and the preparation of Feedback and Analysis Reports at the conclusion of our training contracts.