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April 2025: Message from the CEO
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I was proud to introduce DFI Member's Self-Advocacy Toolkit at our launch earlier this month with a message that starting the journey is the most important thing. I reflected on this for this month's newsletter. It highlights just how many of those journeys are happening across our network.
At the launch of the Self-Advocacy Toolkit, there was a powerful energy in the room. Self-advocates like Ethan Gannon and Jane Spillane spoke with clarity and courage about the difference that advocacy has made in their lives. It was clear that their inputs encouraged others to start their advocacy journeys.
The toolkit, developed with and for people with lived experience, is a practical resource designed to support that kind of transformative change in organisations and communities. If you haven’t yet explored it, I strongly encourage you to do so.
We’ve also been actively engaging with the HSE as it rolls out new Health Regions. At our recent Strategic General Meeting, we brought together HSE leaders and our member organisations to explore how the Community and Voluntary sector can have a meaningful seat at the table in shaping regional healthcare. DFI will continue to work hard to ensure the voice of disabled people is front and centre in this evolving landscape.
Meanwhile, members of the NACIL Leadership Network, representing 17 DFI member organisations came together for Strategy and Impact training. It's inspiring to see leaders reflect on their organisational journeys and explore new ways to plan for sustainable, long-term change in a shifting health and disability landscape. This kind of collaboration and learning strengthens the entire sector.
We're also delighted to welcome two new member organisations this month, Usher Syndrome Ireland and the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, DSiDC. Both bring unique and vital perspectives that will enrich our collective work.
Finally, I’d like to highlight an opportunity to join our team: we’re recruiting a Policy and Advocacy Officer to support our strategic work. If you, or someone you know shares our vision for an inclusive society, I hope you’ll consider applying.
As always, thank you for the work you do, and for the many ways you continue to show up, speak out and lead.
Kind regards
Elaine Teague
If you have been forwarded this newsletter please consider subscribing to get your own copy sent to you by email. Click here.
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Spotlight
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DFI Member's Self-Advocacy Toolkit Launch
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“Where you start is important but the fact that you start is most important.” That was the message from DFI CEO Elaine Teague as she addressed participants at the workshop-style launch of the DFI Member's Self-Advocacy Toolkit. Her call to action was simple and effective: start the process.
The toolkit provides a best-practice, easy-to-use guide on where to begin and how to move forward with self-advocacy.
There was a strong sense of purpose in the room as self-advocates shared stories of how advocacy has changed their lives.
Self-advocate Ethan Gannon spoke about how it changed his perspective and gave him the confidence he neded to speak up.
"Years ago I would never be in this room but since being with Rehab Group, I’ve learned self confidence and speaking up for myself,” he said.
The toolkit was piloted and tested by self-advocates and front-line workers across five regions.
Jane Spillane, who was part of the DFI Self-Advocacy Toolkit pilot programme spoke about the importance of knowing your rights and asserting them.
“It’s about speaking up for your rights and that you have the right to be heard,” she said.
About the Toolkit
Our members-only toolkit contains a suite of practical resources for people with disabilities, front-line workers and organisations to embed and sustain self-advocacy in their organisations and in their lives, to create meaningful change.
Key sections include:
- Understanding Self-Advocacy: Explains its importance in promoting independence, decision-making, and inclusion.
- Types of Advocacy: Covers self-advocacy, peer, group, citizen, and professional advocacy.
- Setting Up a Self-Advocacy Group: Offers a structured approach, including planning, member recruitment, goal setting, and facilitation tips.
- Practical Tools: Provides meeting agendas, facilitator guides, and checklists to track progress and ensure engagement.
- Real-World Impact: Showcases case studies, like Sarah’s story, where self-advocacy led to tangible community improvements.
- Alignment with Policies: Connects self-advocacy to UNCRPD, HIQA, New Directions, and national disability strategies, ensuring that advocacy efforts contribute to broader systemic change.
These sections promote citizen engagement, participatory decision-making, and community inclusion, ensuring that people with disabilities have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies and services that affect them in their organisations and in their communities.
Members of DFI's Self-Advocacy Advisory Group spoke about the importance of the toolkit as a way to approach advocacy and hear from the voices of lived experience. Watch John Fulham here and Dr Caroline Winstanley here.
To find out more and to access the toolkit, click here.
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DFI Strategic General Meeting Focuses on HSE Health Regions and Voluntary Sector Engagement
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DFI is working with with the HSE and other key partners to ensure that the voices of disabled people, and the organisations that support them, are heard and represented.
With the ongoing HSE restructure and the rollout of new Health Regions, it's more important than ever to understand how the HSE plans to engage with the Community and Voluntary sector.
At our Strategic General Meeting last Thursday, we were pleased to welcome Ray Bonar, HSE General Manager from the Organisation Change Unit, and Dr Andy Phillips, Regional Executive Officer, REO for the South, to speak about these developments.
DFI’s Director of Advocacy, Emer Begley set the scene by sharing what we currently know about the new Health Regions, and highlighting both the opportunities and the potential challenges. She also outlined DFI’s key advocacy priorities in this evolving landscape.
Ray Bonar then provided an overview of the HSE’s plans for regional partnerships with voluntary organisations, including proposed governance structures, timelines, and the next steps in building meaningful collaboration across the sector.
Following this, Dr Andy Phillips spoke about partnership principles and commissioning, focusing on how services can be more effectively planned, funded, and delivered. He emphasised the importance of building trust, supporting innovation, and creating more equitable, community-led healthcare.
DFI will continue to play an active role in shaping how the voluntary sector contributes to the future of health services and in ensuring that disabled people’s needs and rights remain front and centre.
You can view or download the presentations:
In the meantime, we're asking members who would like their organisation profiled to the Regional Executive Officers and the teams in the areas in which they operate, to complete the below regional surveys.
HSE Dublin and North East:
HSE Dublin and Midlands:
HSE Dublin and South East:
HSE South West:
HSE Midwest:
HSE West and North West:
Each survey takes about five minutes to complete. If it is easier for you, Cathy can email you a word document to fill out instead of the online survey. Give her a call on 086 384 7440 or email
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We're Recruiting! Join the DFI Team
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DFI is recruiting a Policy and Advocacy Officer to join our dynamic team working to advance the rights and inclusion of disabled people in Irish society.
This is a full-time, ongoing role based in our Dublin office, with hybrid and remote working options available.
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering our strategic policy and advocacy work, grounded in the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
We’re looking for someone with:
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A relevant primary and/or post-graduate degree
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At least two years’ experience in policy, research, advocacy or campaigns
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A strong commitment to human rights and equality
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Excellent communication, analysis and relationship-building skills.
DFI is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including people with lived experience of disability. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and staff.
View or download the full job description here.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to jobs@disability-federation.ie
Deadline for applications: 11am, Tuesday 22 April
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Wayfinding Centre to Support Accessible Transport Design and Training
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The Wayfinding Centre offers a safe, indoor environment that replicates real-world public transport scenarios. It is designed to reflect the full travel experience, including lighting, acoustics, physical hazards, and the built environment surrounding public transport.
The five pillars of the centre are:
- Inclusive Transport – Training and collaboration with transport professionals
- Confidence Building – Familiarisation on transport for people with disabilities
- Tertiary Integration – Embedding inclusive transport in education curricula
- Professional Development – CPD for built environment professionals
- Accessibility Benchmark – Establishing a national benchmark for accessibility
The centre provides practical training and hands-on experience for people with access needs, offering a controlled space to build confidence when navigating transport systems.
It also serves as a shared resource for transport staff, designers, academics, policymakers, and built environment professionals, offering opportunities for upskilling, collaboration and co-design.
By bringing together people with lived experience and key transport stakeholders, the centre aims to support inclusive thinking in transport planning and delivery.
The Wayfinding Centre is part of Vision Ireland Services.
Find out more.
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Members Newsfeed
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NACIL Leadership Network Embarks on Strategy and Impact Training
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This month, members of the National Alliance of Centres for Independent Living, NACIL Leadership Network, made up of 17 DFI member organisations, came together to strengthen their strategic thinking and long-term impact.
Delivered in two parts by Hannah Grene of Barncat Consulting, the Strategy and Impact training invited participants to step back and take a fresh look at where they are and where they want to go.
The first online session helped participants reflect on their own organisation’s stage in the strategic planning journey. This was followed by a dynamic in-person session, where they explored new approaches to planning that will help them thrive in an ever-evolving health and disability landscape.
The training emphasised how a clear and purposeful strategic plan can help organisations not only survive, but succeed, sustaining the vital services they provide while staying true to their core values.
Funded through Training Links, this collaborative learning initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the sustainability and strength of independent living centres across Ireland.
The Network will continue to meet and support each other in the months ahead, building leadership, vision, and impact together.
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Welcome New DFI member: Usher Syndrome Ireland
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We are very pleased to welcome Usher Syndrome Ireland as the newest member of DFI.
Founded in 2021, Usher Syndrome Ireland is a dedicated charitable organisation working to support individuals and families affected by Usher Syndrome,a rare genetic condition that causes combined hearing and vision loss.
Through information sharing, research, education, advocacy, and peer support, the organisation is building a strong, empowered community where no one has to navigate the journey of Usher Syndrome alone.
We are delighted to have Usher Syndrome Ireland as a member. Their commitment to lived experience and inclusive advocacy brings important perspective, and we look forward to collaborating with them in the years ahead.
To find out more about their work, visit their website.
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Welcome New DFI Member: Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, DSiDC
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We are also very proud to welcome the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, DSiDC as the newest Associate member of DFI.
Based at St James’s Hospital, DSiDC is a national centre for excellence in dementia, committed to promoting best practice in all aspects of dementia care. Through its educational programmes and research, the centre plays a vital role in transforming public understanding and awareness of dementia.
Central to their approach is a commitment to ensuring the voices of people living with dementia, and those who support them, are heard and respected.
DSiDC brings a fresh perspective to DFI’s membership, deepening our collective understanding of the intersection between disability, ageing, and dementia.
Their insight and expertise will be a valuable addition to our network, especially as we continue to advocate for more inclusive, person-centred health services.
To learn more about DSiDC’s work, visit their website.
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Health Updates
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Save the Date: DFI’s National Health Advisory Forum 19 May
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📅 Date: Monday, 19 May
⏰ Time: 11AM – 12:30PM
📍 Online
DFI is excited to invite our members to the upcoming National Health Advisory Forum, where we’ll explore how the HSE Health and Social Care services can work in genuine partnership with experts with lived experience, including patients, service users, and family carers.
Our keynote speaker, Iolo Elian, HSE Assistant National Director for Patient and Service User Experience, will discuss the development of new Partnership Councils within the HSE National Centre and six Health Regions.
These councils aim to create meaningful spaces for collaboration, ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience help shape healthcare services at a strategic and policy level.
This is an important opportunity to learn, contribute, and be part of the conversation on improving healthcare through partnership.
Register here.
📩 To stay updated, contact Lisa.
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Explore a Career that Changes Lives: Join the Virtual Career Fair on 15 May 2025
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Are you looking for a career that makes a real difference? Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or simply curious about opportunities in the health and social care sector, the Virtual Career Fair on Thursday, 15 May 2025, is your chance to take the next step.
This free, fully virtual event will open the door to exciting career opportunities within the HSE and its Partner Organisations, with a special focus on the rewarding world of disability services.
Discover Your Path
Explore a wide range of career options, including:
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Apprenticeships
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Healthcare Assistant/Support Roles
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Social Care Work & Social Work
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Occupational Therapy
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Speech & Language Therapy
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Physiotherapy
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Psychology
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Dietetics
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Nursing, and more.
Whether you're starting out or looking to pivot into a meaningful new role, there’s something for everyone.
Hear from the Experts
Gain inspiration and insight from service users and professionals who are passionate about their work. Don’t miss our stellar keynote line-up, including:
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Bernard Gloster, CEO, HSE
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Mary Doran, Disabilities Workforce & Resourcing Lead, HSE
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Adam Harris, Founder & CEO, AsIAm
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Claire O’Cleary, CEO, CORU
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NMBI – Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
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Plus, powerful voices from people with lived experience.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Enjoy 30 days of on-demand access, packed with resources like:
Whether you're tuning in from home, school, or work, this event is designed with flexibility in mind.
Ready to Get Started?
This could be your first step toward a purpose-driven career in disability services.
Register now at Working in the Disability Services (Ireland)
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To sign-up to DFI's Health Update please email Cathy McGrath cathymcgrath@disability-federation.ie.
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“We Still Don’t Have the Same Chance” – AsIAm Launches 2025 Report on Autism in Ireland
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Marking World Autism Awareness Day, AsIAm has published its Same Chance Report 2025, exposing deep and persistent inequalities faced by Autistic people in Ireland.
Based on responses from over 1,400 autistic individuals and families, the report paints a stark picture: 86% say they still don’t have the same chance as others to live, work, or participate fully in Irish society.
Despite growing public awareness, autistic people continue to face long waiting lists, discrimination, and systemic barriers in healthcare, education, and community life.
CEO Adam Harris called for urgent action:
“Awareness alone is not enough, autistic people are asking for the same chance to belong. No more, no less.”
📊 Key findings include:
- 84% waiting over a year for HSE supports
- 70% say the education system isn’t inclusive
- 92% want the right to access therapies enshrined in law
- 79% face significant extra costs linked to being Autistic or caring for someone who is autistic.
A powerful case study featuring nine-year-old Jane highlights how everyday activities like going to the cinema can become inaccessible due to misunderstanding and exclusion.
🔗 For more info, click here.
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Global Disability Summit Sets New Target
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Over 4,500 participants from nearly 100 countries gathered in Berlin for the 3rd Global Disability Summit, co-hosted by the International Disability Alliance, IDA, the Governments of Germany and Jordan, to accelerate global disability inclusion.
At the heart of the Summit was a powerful new commitment: that 15% of development projects must directly focus on disability inclusion, a significant leap from the current 6%.
This 15% target is outlined in the Amman-Berlin Declaration, adopted by over 80 governments and organisations, including the government of Ireland who endorsed the declaration.
Across 60+ sessions, more than 800 commitments were made by governments, donors, and civil society – including support for inclusive education, assistive technology, and expanding the participation of Disabled Persons Organisations, DPOs, in funding and decision-making.
Highlights include:
- UNICEF pledging to allocate 10% of its budget to children with disabilities by 2030.
- IDA launching a leadership programme for 80 young persons with disabilities.
- Jordan announcing a €115 million investment to transform inclusive education and healthcare systems.
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The Summit reaffirmed a clear message: inclusion must be achieved with, not for, persons with disabilities and that true progress means creating environments where everyone can thrive.
📝 Learn more about the Amman-Berlin Declaration here and follow the commitments here.
At the summit, the latest Global Disability Inclusion Report was launched and Inclusion International have created an Easy Read version of the Global Disability Report: Making the Global Disability Inclusion Report (GDIR) Easy to Understand.
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Let’s Get Working: Advancing Inclusive Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities
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On 26 March, the National Platform of Self Advocates, in partnership with Inclusion Ireland, hosted the Let’s Get Working! conference in Dublin, a key milestone in promoting workplace inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
Part of a Rethink Ireland-supported project, the event brought together over 300 self-advocates, employers, and policymakers to tackle the systemic barriers to meaningful employment.
Speakers, including Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D., IHREC Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick, and leaders from Trinity, EY, and the Oireachtas, highlighted the urgent need for policy change, accessible pathways, and better supports.
From legislative gaps to transport challenges and discriminatory pay, the conversation focused on removing real-world obstacles and delivering on the right to work under the UN CRPD.
With Ireland’s upcoming National Disability Strategy on the horizon, this conference sent a strong message: employment is about more than income, it’s about dignity, equity, and participation.
📝 Full report coming soon.
📱 Read more on the event here
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New NDA Research Highlights Progress and Ongoing Challenges in Disability Policy
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The National Disability Authority, NDA has released a series of new publications covering digital accessibility, inclusive housing, employment, and political participation.
Web Accessibility Monitoring (2022–2024):
NDA’s latest EU Web Accessibility Directive Monitoring Report assessed 232 websites and 8 mobile apps, finding gradual progress in compliance but with significant variation across public bodies.
Universal Design for Homes:
The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD), in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland, launched a new Internal Layout Checklist to support inclusive home design from the early planning stages.
Final Review of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES):
The review of CES (2015–2024) found key gains in education and employment supports but persistent challenges, including the disability employment gap, career guidance shortcomings, and coordination issues.
Article 12 and Legal Capacity:
A new Background Paper on Supported Decision-Making finds that while Ireland’s new legal framework marks major progress, it does not fully meet UNCRPD standards on legal capacity.
Disabled Voices in Politics:
New research on Disability, Diversity and Identity in the 2024 Local & European Elections explores the lived experiences of disabled candidates with intersecting identities.
Explore the full reports on nda.ie.
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Events and Consultations
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Have Your Say: Help Shape Ireland’s National Disability Survey
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The Central Statistics Office, CSO is gearing up for a new National Disability Survey, a follow-up to the 2006 survey that has shaped key policy developments over the past two decades.
This is a vital opportunity to ensure that the lived experiences of people with disabilities are reflected in national data and future planning.
DFI is proud to sit on the advisory group supporting this work. As part of the process, the CSO is establishing specialist subgroups to dig deeper into key areas that need better data and understanding. These include:
Each subgroup will explore what data is needed, why it matters, and how it can be used to support better outcomes for disabled people in Ireland.
We Want Your Expertise
DFI has been invited to nominate individuals or organisations to take part in these subgroups. If your organisation has expertise or interest in any of these areas, we’d love to hear from you.
Deadline to apply: Wednesday 30 April.
🔗 Submit your expression of interest here
📄 See the DFI nomination protocol
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Reshaping Healthcare, HSE 6 Health Regions
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Mental Health Reform’s Coalition Conversations webinar series is back for 2025, with the first webinar focusing on Understanding the HSE’s Regional Restructuring.
This webinar will explore the shift to six new regional health areas, explore the potential impacts on services, communities, and professionals, and provide space for your questions and insights.
Whether you work in health, policy, advocacy, or simply want to stay informed, this is a session not to be missed.
🗓️ Thursday, 24th April
🕒 10am to 11am
🔗 Register Today
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Navigating the Social Welfare System: INOU Online Training
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The INOU is running a practical workshop on understanding the social welfare system.
Details
📅 Wednesday, 30 April 2025
⏰ 10am–12pm (2 hours, online)
💶 Fee: €55 (INOU members) | €70 (non-members)
📩 Contact: John Farrell, membership@inou.ie
Gain essential insights into the Irish social welfare system with this tailored INOU training. The session will:
- Demystify decision-making processes
- Explain how to use operational guidelines
- Show when and how to use Reviews and Appeals effectively
- Offer practical tips to avoid and resolve issues.
Ideal for staff supporting people on welfare, this training equips participants with tools to confidently navigate complex systems and better support their clients.
🔗 For info, click here.
🔗 To book, click here.
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Summit 2025: Ireland’s National Gathering for Changemakers
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📅 Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
📍 Venue: Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin 3
🎟️ Fee: €150 for Members | €300 for Non-members
Join sector leaders, staff, and volunteers at Summit 2025, Ireland’s premier conference for charities, community groups, and social enterprises. This one-day event is your chance to connect, collaborate, and be inspired.
What to Expect:
🎤 Powerful Speakers: Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister Jerry Buttimer TBC, Madeline Delaney, Alexandrina Najmowicz, and DFI’s Elaine Teague.
✨ Inspiring Stories: We Act 6x8 Storytelling, lived experiences from across the sector.
💬 Member-led Sessions: Deep dives into collaboration, sustainability, social finance, nature restoration, and more.
🤝 40+ Exhibitors: Meet key service providers supporting our work.
🧘♀️ Networking & Reflection: Three floors of networking space plus a dedicated Quiet Room.
Whether you're leading an organisation or volunteering on the ground, Summit 2025 is your space to recharge, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible.
🌟 Together, let’s shape a stronger future for our communities.
🔗 For the programme, click here.
🔗 To register, click here.
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Supporting Disabled Parents Conference
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📅 Date: Thursday, 1 May
📍 Venue: Castleroy Park Hotel Limerick
🎟️ Register here. Free to attend
The University of Limerick invites you to a conference that brings together professionals from parent support services, disability services, and parent representatives to focus on a vital but often overlooked issue: supporting disabled parents.
This cross-disability conference aims to:
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Build stronger peer support networks
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Spark collaborative research
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Bridge the gap between services and lived experience.
Whether you work in frontline support, policy, advocacy, or research – or have lived experience as a disabled parent, this event is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead change.
This event is free to attend, thanks to funding from the Health Research Board and a UL EHS Seed Fund.
For more information click here.
To register click here.
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Help Shape Ireland’s Next Suicide Prevention Strategy
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Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D., has launched a nationwide public consultation to shape Ireland’s next suicide reduction policy.
This is a crucial opportunity for individuals, groups, and organisations to share their experiences, insights, and recommendations on suicide prevention.
Why Take Part?
Your feedback will help inform and shape the new strategy following Connecting for Life, ensuring that Ireland’s approach to suicide prevention remains effective, compassionate, and forward-thinking.
📅 Survey Deadline: 18th April
🖥 Complete the survey here.
This is a critical moment to have your voice heard. This is a timely opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to the development of a new, innovative strategy aimed at reducing suicide rates in Ireland.
Please share with your networks and encourage participation.
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Have Your Say on Sustainable Mobility
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ILMI is hosting two online discussion spaces to gather ideas for their submission on the National Sustainable Mobility Action Plan 2026-2030.
The zoom sessions take place on the 30 April, and the 7 May, from 11am to 1pm on both days.
The National Sustainable Mobility Policy, NSMP is a strategic framework aimed at increasing active travel (walking, wheeling, cycling) and public transport use to help achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
These sessions are an opportunity for you to shape policy and ensure your voice is at the heart of sustainable mobility planning.
Be part of the conversation! For details and the registration link contact ILMI’s Policy Officer: Michael Seifu
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Shining a Light on Unpaid Care: UN Calls for Input on Rights of Families of Children with Disabilities
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The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is preparing a landmark report for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, focusing on the invisible, unpaid, and often unsupported care provided by families of children with disabilities, particularly mothers.
Families are the cornerstone of care, yet without sufficient formal supports, this reliance can come at a cost. For people with disabilities, this may mean a loss of autonomy, exclusion, or risk of abuse. For caregivers, especially women, it can lead to poverty, isolation, and mental health challenges.
The report will examine:
- Gendered dimensions of caregiving
- Gaps in social protection, education, and health services
- Impact of cultural and legal systems on family roles
- Human rights-based and inclusive care systems
The Rapporteur aims to link disability rights with women’s and children’s rights frameworks, and is calling for submissions from governments, civil society, DPOs, and parent groups.
📅 Deadline: 30 April
📩 Submissions can share experiences, good practices, and data.
This is an opportunity to influence international policy and ensure gender-responsive, disability-inclusive support systems are prioritised globally.
🔗 For more info, visit here.
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National Student Engagement Network Heads to Maynooth
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Get ready! The next National Student Engagement Network event lands at Maynooth University on Wednesday, 7 May (10am–3pm), and it’s set to be a vibrant day of ideas, insight, and student-staff collaboration.
Run by NStEP with support from HEA, QQI, and USI, the event brings together student reps and staff from across Ireland’s higher education sector. It’s a space to swap strategies, spark conversation, and shape the future of student engagement.
This year’s theme is From Participation to Partnership, with a focus on students as co-creators and decision-makers.
Expect inspiring speakers, bold ideas, and real talk on building sustainable engagement and ensuring every student voice is heard.
Registration is now open for all student representatives and staff from our 28 participating institutions, listed here.
Got something to share? Abstract submissions are open now. See here for more information.
📍 Where: Maynooth University
📅 When: Wednesday 7 May | 10am–3pm
📝 Register now via Eventbrite
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Have Your Say: Families Invited to Share Experiences of Children’s Disability Network Teams
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If your child is currently receiving support from a CDNT or is on a waiting list, your insights are crucial. This confidential survey is a chance to share your first-hand experience, positive or negative, to help shape how services are delivered in future.
🗓️ Deadline: 30 April 2025
🕒 Takes approx. 10 minutes to complete
📄 One survey per child
Initially circulated through CDNTs, the survey is now being shared more widely through social media and disability organisations to ensure all families have the opportunity to participate.
Your feedback will inform a better understanding of the CDNT model’s impact on children and families across Ireland. All responses are anonymous, and no personal data is collected.
A Participant Information Leaflet is available to guide your decision to take part.
Take the survey and give voice to your experiences to help improve CDNT services for all families.
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An Eye on Europe
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UN Experts Urge EU Action on Disability Rights
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A new UN review has called on the European Union to overhaul its legislation to fully comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UN CRPD.
The findings, published in the Concluding Observations, follow a 10-year gap since the last review and acknowledge progress made, including initiatives like the Disability Card and accessibility legislation.
However, the UN experts stress that more must be done to ensure equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities across all areas of EU policy and governance.
Key Recommendations:
- Pass the long-stalled Equal Treatment Directive
- Expand the Disability Card across the EU to support free movement
- Halt the proposed Regulation on Protection of Adults
- Adopt a Disability Action Plan for EU external actions
- Ensure EU institutions lead by example as public bodies and employers
The European Disability Forum, EDF strongly supports the report and will publish a detailed response following further analysis. EDF is also calling on the EU to embed these recommendations into an updated Disability Rights Strategy and the next EU Budget.
“We expect EU leadership on rights, now is the time to act.” Yannis Vardakastanis, EDF
🔗 Read more here.
🔗 Read the report here.
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Disability Rights at the Heart of EU External Action
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At the 2024 Global Disability Summit, the European Disability Forum, EDF launched its latest EU in the World report, spotlighting major strides in embedding disability rights into EU external action.
Key wins include:
- Supporting adoption of the G7’s Solfagnano Charter
- Publishing a donor guide for inclusive recovery in Ukraine
- Co-hosting the European Regional Disability Summit
- Advocating for a dedicated EU Disability Action Plan.
EDF also strengthened disability inclusion in EU development funds, humanitarian dialogues, and enlargement processes, including in Ukraine and Georgia.
Despite progress, EDF raised concerns over policy inaction regarding persons with disabilities in Gaza, underscoring the need for consistent inclusion across crisis zones.
With rising global challenges and shrinking civic space, EDF calls for renewed EU commitment to inclusion, equity, and partnerships with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
📘 Read the full report: EU in the World 2024 – EDF’s Contributions to EU External Action.
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New EU Report Highlights Urgent Need to Formalise Undeclared Care Work
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A recent EU report sheds light on the scale and risks of undeclared care work across Europe, with 6.8 million workers providing informal household and care services, 2.1 million in the care sector alone.
Undeclared care workers, predominantly women and migrants, often endure poor working conditions, limited rights, and high vulnerability to exploitation.
The report outlines the complex socioeconomic drivers behind this issue, including lack of access to formal employment, legal status barriers, and inadequate care infrastructure.
The report reviews a variety of policy responses across member states, highlighting the need for a comprehensive EU-wide framework. It calls for solutions that not only enforce regulation but also address systemic barriers to formalisation such as immigration policy, labour market access, and care funding models.
Ensuring social protection, fair pay, and decent working conditions is key to tackling the issue and protecting this vital but undervalued workforce.
Read the report in full here.
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The DFI Podcast
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The DFI Podcast
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You can find all episodes of The DFI Podcast on Spotify and on our website, where you can also subscribe to future episodes.
If you would like to get in touch with us about the podcast email info@disability-federation.ie. You can find out more about the DFI on our website www.disability-federation.ie.
The DFI Podcast is sponsored by TTM Healthcare.
Our podcast is sponsored by TTM Healthcare.
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Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is the national support organisation for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland who provide services to people with disabilities and disabling conditions.
Disability Federation of Ireland, Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8. Telephone: 01 4547978, Email: info@disability-federation.ie, Web: www.disability-federation.ie
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