Ed Jameson got his first personal assistant two years ago and he now has three working for him, providing 24 hours a day assistance.

Having a full-time assistant service meant Mr Jameson could move out of home in Dublin six months ago. He now lives in an apartment in the Irish Wheelchair Association's apartment complex in Clontarf.

"When I was living at home, everything was done by my parents. I couldn't work and couldn't go out much without asking for help from friends."

Mr Jameson has muscular dystrophy and has used a wheelchair since the age of nine.

"The last six months have been good in every way and I wouldn't move home now. I never thought I would have this opportunity but without it I wouldn't have much of a life."

His parents are happy because they don't have to worry about him, Mr Jameson says, but he still sees a lot of them.

His personal assistant for the last nine months, Mr Miroslav Miljkovic, is taking part in an exchange programme run by the Centre for Independent Living in Belgrade.

Mr Jameson works as a research officer with the Centre for Indpendent Living.

Accompanied by a personal assistant at all times to help with daily tasks, Mr Jameson leads an active, independent life. He maintains a working relationship with his assistants but they blend in easily in social situations.