Click here to view this email in your browser.
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2025: Message from the CEO
As you’ll see throughout this month’s newsletter, it has been a period of real engagement, collaboration and momentum across the disability movement, from national strategy implementation, to European-level research, policy influence, and member-led innovation.
Firstly, with Minister Naughton's portfolio moving to education, we would like to thank her for her committment to partnership and collaboration, and we look forward to working with the new Minister for State with responsibility for disability, Emer Higgins. We plan to continue the work we started with Minister Naughton to work in partnership to drive real and lasting change.
This commitment was reflected in our most recent engagement with her and our members. We brought members together for our Strategic General Meeting in the National Library, where Minister Hildegarde Naughton joined us to discuss the delivery of Ireland’s first National Disability Human Rights Strategy. Members heard directly about action plans now being developed across Government, and DFI emphasised the need for accountability, community-centred delivery, and co-design with disabled people and DPOs.
Speaking of partnership, we are ecxcited to begin a new three-year EU research project on inclusive housing and independent living with our European partners.
We are also working with our colleagues as part of the Community and Voluntary Pillar ahead of Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency to ensure social rights and lived experience remain at the heart of Europe’s agenda.
At member level, this month also saw practical progress and innovation, including Migraine Ireland launching a new accessible digital platform, as well as continued collaboration across health services, research, and community supports.
DFI is also seeking fully accessible office space close to Dublin city centre. Our minimum requirement is space for 6 to 8 staff with access to meeting rooms. If your organisation has space available, please contact Allen: allendunne@disability-federation.ie or 086 850 2112.
And as we move into December, we prepare once again to mark International Day of People with Disabilities, a moment to celebrate visibility, pride and inclusion.
Thank you, as always, for your commitment, expertise and partnership.
Kind Regards
|
|
If you have been forwarded this newsletter please consider subscribing to get your own copy sent to you by email. Click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spotlight
|
|
|
DFI SGM: Working together to deliver on Ireland’s New Disability Human Rights Strategy
|
|
|
|
We held our November Strategic General Meeting, SGM in the National Library of Ireland, an increasingly accessible space that, as our CEO Elaine Teague noted, “belongs to all of us.”
Members gathered in person and online for an important discussion about the implementation of Ireland’s new National Disability Human Rights Strategy, joined by Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton TD.
The meeting brought together DFI members, access officers, and colleagues from state institutions to discuss how the strategy can move from aspiration to action, and how disabled people and their organisations will play a central role in ensuring its delivery.
“From whole-of-government to whole-of-society”
In her opening remarks, Elaine set the tone for the session, urging members to think collectively about how to make the new strategy real in people’s lives:
“We hear a lot about a whole-of-government approach, but people don’t live in government departments, they live in communities. What we need now is a whole-of-society approach to human rights.”
Elaine welcomed the Minister’s recent engagement across the country and emphasised that DFI’s role, and that of its members, is to collaborate while holding government to account for progress on rights, equality and inclusion.
Minister Naughton: “This is a living strategy. My door is open.”
Minister Naughton joined our Director of Advocacy Emer Begley in a discussion about the implentation of the STrategy. the Minister thanked DFI and its member organisations for their expertise and contributions to shaping the strategy:
“We could not have designed this strategy, and we cannot implement it, without you. The consultation process was about genuine participation, hearing from people who are often unseen or unheard across society.”
The Minister confirmed that each government department has submitted two-year action plans under the strategy’s five key pillars.
These plans will be shared with disability organisations for feedback before publication, to ensure accountability and transparency.
She stressed that the strategy will remain flexible and responsive:
“It’s a living document. We won’t get everything right, but we will listen, we will adapt, and we will keep engaging with the disability community.”
Funding, accountability and cross-departmental action
Minister Naughton highlighted the 20% increase in the disability budget this year, now €3.8 billion, as “a foundation to stabilise services.” But she also emphasised that real progress depends on other departments stepping up.
“It can’t just be about one department. Transport, housing, education, social protection. Every area of government has a responsibility. And the Cabinet Committee on Disability will ensure we track that progress.”
A key feature of implementation will be a traffic-light system to monitor departmental progress against agreed KPIs. The Minister also confirmed that Disabled Persons Organisations, DPOs will sit alongside departments on each of the five pillar groups and participate in the national monitoring committee chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach.
Members’ questions: turning strategy into change
DFI members raised a series of focused, constructive questions around implementation.
Among the key themes:
-
Assistive technology and AI: The Minister acknowledged the sector’s expertise and called for input on best-practice models, saying:
“If there are examples of assistive technology that can be transformational, we need to hear about them.”
-
Employment and the benefit trap: Members from Rehab Group highlighted the need for concrete targets and reform of disincentives to work. The Minister agreed that cross-departmental accountability is essential, with regular oversight from the Taoiseach’s office.
-
Specialist services and early intervention: The Minister described plans for new regional structures and “single points of access” within the HSE to ensure people get support at the right time and in the right place.
-
Decongregation and independent living: She committed to increasing capital investment and linking new housing developments to disability inclusion, saying:
“When a new housing estate is built, part of it must be for people with disabilities.”
-
Personal Assistance, PA services: The Minister assured members that PA will remain distinct from home care in upcoming legislation and reiterated her commitment to expanding access to PA supports.
“We’ll keep the pressure on.”
In closing, DFI’s Dr. Emer Begley thanked the Minister for her openness and constructive dialogue:
“There’s a real desire across the disability community for this strategy to be transformative. We all want to play our role in making it real.”
Elaine Teague echoed that message as the Minister departed:
“We take from today permission to keep being challenging, to keep highlighting what still needs to change. The Minister has invited accountability, and we intend to deliver on that.”
Next steps
DFI will continue to engage closely with the Department of Children, Disability Equality, DCDE and the new Implementation and Monitoring Committee. Members will be kept informed as the two-year action plans are published for consultation.
|
|
|
DFI's plain-English Brief on Ireland’s National Human Rights Strategy
|
|
Ireland’s first National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People was launched in September 2025, marking a major step forward since Ireland ratified the UN CRPD in 2018.
For the first time, government departments are being asked to work together to make sure disabled people are recognised as rights-holders, and to remove the barriers that prevent full participation in everyday life.
We have produced a plain-English summary and analysis of the Strategy to help our members, disabled people, and the wider community understand what’s in it, and what’s still missing.
The Strategy includes 123 actions across five key areas:
-
Inclusive education: making schools and learning environments more inclusive.
-
Employment: improving access to decent work and reviewing how benefits and supports interact.
-
Independent living: ensuring more control, choice, and inclusion in community life.
-
Health and wellbeing: moving towards disability equality training and more accessible health services.
-
Transport and mobility: expanding accessible transport and supporting Universal Design.
While DFI welcomes the human rights-based approach and the focus on cross-government collaboration, we remain concerned about the lack of detail on timelines, targets, and funding, as well as the absence of commitments on issues like disability poverty, independent advocacy, and closing congregated settings.
The Government will publish a Programme Plan of Action every two years, starting at the end of 2025. DFI will monitor its delivery and continue to work with our members and government to make sure this Strategy leads to real, lasting change for disabled people.
Watch our Director of Advocacy introduce the brief:
👉 Read DFI’s Plain-English Summary and Analysis.
|
|
|
DFI at Social Justice Ireland Conference on Care in a Changing World
|
|
At this year’s Social Justice Ireland Annual Social Justice Conference: Care in a Changing World, DFI CEO Elaine Teague highlighted the urgent need to rethink how Ireland approaches care and disability support.
“Ireland is at an important moment,” Elaine said. “One million people now live with a disability or disabling condition, and around 100,000 rely on specialist supports. We need a system that values care, guarantees support, and enables full participation in society.”
Care and support: connected but not the same
Elaine explained that care and support are connected, but not the same.
“Care is personal and relational, often rooted in families and communities. Support is structural, essential for independence, access, and participation. When policy merges these ideas, families are left to fill gaps that the State should meet.”
Families carry the system, but shouldn’t carry it alone
Elaine acknowledged the extraordinary contribution of families and carers who keep the system going but warned that a rights-based model cannot depend on unpaid labour. A sustainable future requires shared responsibility across families, communities, providers, the State, and society as a whole.
Five priorities
She set out priorities for the years ahead:
-
A whole-of-society approach – shared responsibility across Government, communities, and families.
-
Investment in independent living supports – such as personal assistance, housing, and supported decision-making.
-
Stronger collaboration – across health, housing, and community sectors.
-
Support for the workforce – valuing paid and unpaid carers alike.
-
Co-design with disabled people and carers, moving from consultation to real partnership.
Elaine concluded that Ireland has a chance to build a future where care is valued, support is guaranteed, and inclusion is the foundation.
|
|
|
Going Purple for International Day for People with Disabilities
|
|
On Wednesday, 3 December, Ireland will once again shine a national spotlight on disability by turning buildings, landmarks, and public spaces purple to mark International Day for People with Disabilities, IDPwD.
The annual Purple Lights campaign is a celebration of the lives, contributions, and diversity of the 1 in 5 people in Ireland living with a disability. Government buildings, cultural sites, workplaces, and community spaces will light up to send a clear message of visibility, pride, and inclusion.
Founder Gary Kearney describes Purple Lights as a powerful moment of solidarity and visibility:
“Purple Lights is a celebration of our lives. Too often we’re pitied or not seen. When we light up the country, we’re marking our own space in the world and embracing our uniqueness.”
About IDPwD
International Day of People with Disabilities was established by the United Nations in 1992 to promote understanding, dignity, rights, and full inclusion for disabled people across the world.
Join us on 3 December
📅 3 December
💜 Wear purple, light up your building, join online
📱 Follow and share using #PurpleLights24 and #IDPwD24.
|
|
|
Actioning Advocacy
|
DFI joins Community and Voluntary Pillar in meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency
|
|
Last week, DFI, as part of the Community & Voluntary, C+V Pillar, met with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Thomas Byrne, on 13 November 2025 to discuss priorities for Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency in 2026.
During the discussion, the C+V Pillar outlined how Ireland’s Presidency can champion a strong Social Europe grounded in wellbeing, equality, rights, and inclusion, ensuring that economic and digital progress is matched by social ambition.
The Pillar highlighted three priority areas for the Presidency:
-
Strengthening Social Europe: prioritising social rights and embedding anti-poverty measures at EU level.
-
Elevating civil society and social dialogue: ensuring communities and lived experience shape policy, not just respond to it.
-
Highlighting poverty and inequality: making these core considerations across EU policy, funding, and long-term planning.
We welcome the opportunity to contribute to early dialogue on Ireland’s Presidency and looks forward to continued collaboration to ensure that social progress is front and centre of Ireland’s leadership role in Europe.
|
|
|
|
Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA is urging Government to introduce an emergency winter payment for people with disabilities, following deep disappointment that Budget 2026 once again failed to deliver a permanent Cost of Disability Payment.
Without targeted support this winter, thousands of people with disabilities will face increased hardship, isolation, and impossible choices between heating and eating.
“Ireland’s winters are getting colder and costlier. The Government has ignored the urgency of introducing a permanent payment to meet the extra cost of living with a disability,” said Joan Carthy, National Advocacy Manager, Irish Wheelchair Association.
“An emergency, one-off winter payment would provide essential relief and help people through the coldest months. Disability poverty doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a system that fails to recognise the real costs of living with a disability. Budget 2026 should have been the turning point – instead, it has turned backwards.”
People with disabilities €1,400 worse off after Budget 2026
IWA analysis shows that people with disabilities are €1,400 worse off in 2026 compared to last year, as key once-off supports have been removed.
|
Once-off Measure
|
2025
|
2026
|
Change
|
|
Disability Support Grant (€400)
|
Paid €400
|
Removed €0
|
Loss €400
|
|
Living Alone Allowance (€200)
|
Paid €200
|
Removed €0
|
Loss €200
|
|
Fuel Allowance (€300 one-off vs €5 weekly rise in 2026 worth €140)
|
Paid €300
|
Reduced €140
|
Loss €160
|
|
October Double Payment (€254)
|
Paid €254
|
Removed €0
|
Loss €254
|
|
Electricity Credit (€250)
|
Paid €250
|
Removed €0
|
Loss €250
|
|
Total One-Off Supports
|
€1,404
|
€0
|
Net Loss €1,404
|
|
|
|
|
|
“People are suffering today. We cannot wait another day, never mind another four years,” said Joan Carthy. “Many of our members are being forced to choose between eating and heating. It’s just not good enough.”
IWA is calling on people with disabilities, their families, and the wider community to take action by emailing their TDs and public representatives through IWA’s online campaign tool to push for an emergency winter payment.
Access IWA's campaign tool here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Updates
|
|
|
DFI celebrates win in HSE Health Excellence Awards 2025
|
|
We’re proud to share that a co-design partnership involving DFI has been named joint winner in the “Improving Patient / Service User Experience” category at the HSE Health Excellence Awards 2025.
DFI has been actively involved in this partnership since 2023, working alongside patients and service users, partner agencies, and the HSE Patient and Service User Experience Office.
Together with the HSE Health Region Programme Team, the group co-designed the new Health Regions Integrated Service Delivery model, including management structures that will shape how health and social care services are delivered across Ireland.
In 2024 and 2025, five major Integrated Service Delivery / Integrated Healthcare Area Model Workshops were co-designed and presented to the HSE Senior Leadership Team. Each workshop embodied the principle of partnership between those who use services and those who provide them.
The judging panel praised the project as “phenomenal” and commended its collaborative, rights-based approach, particularly impressive given the 450+ applications received across all categories.
The award will be presented at Farmleigh House and Estate, Phoenix Park, on 4 December 2025.
|
|
|
Consultation Open: New QQI Draft Healthcare Award Standards, NFQ Level 5
|
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI is currently consulting on new Draft Awards Standards for Healthcare at NFQ Level 5, developed in collaboration with the Department of Health, HSE, HIQA, NMBI, the Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet, Maynooth University School of Education, and sector experts.
These draft standards aim to reflect modern healthcare practice, improve workforce readiness, and future-proof programme development.
They emphasise person-centred, holistic, and inclusive care, aligned with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, EDI principles.
The consultation covers:
- Broad Award Standards in Essentials of Healthcare Assistance & Person-centred Care, NFQ Level 5
- Defined Award Standards, DAS for Healthcare Support Essentials, NFQ Level 5
- DAS for Pre-Nursing Studies, NFQ Level 5.
The draft standards place person-centred care at the core of all learning outcomes, ensuring learners develop not only clinical competencies, but also empathy, cultural awareness and ethical practice across diverse care settings.
Have Your Say
💬 Online response forms are available here.
🗓 Deadline for feedback: 28 November 2025
|
|
|
To sign-up to DFI's Health Update please email Cathy McGrath at cathymcgrath@disability-federation.ie.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members Newsfeed
|
|
|
Migraine Ireland launches groundbreaking new website
|
|
Migraine Ireland is entering a pivotal year starting with the launch of its innovative new website. This digital transformation marks a significant step forward in its mission to support and inform the hundreds of thousands of people affected by migraine across the country.
A new era of digital support
The redesigned website is built around an intuitive, innovative navigating system that ensures users, from patients seeking self-management tips to healthcare professionals looking for accredited resources, can find the vital information they need quickly and easily.
Gone are the days of frustrating searches. The new platform is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, mirroring the clarity and support Migraine Ireland strives to provide in all its services.
The first step in a pivotal year
The launch of this state-of-the-art online home is just the beginning. It sets the stage for a pivotal year of expanded advocacy, education, and awareness campaigns by Migraine Ireland.
With a more powerful digital infrastructure in place, the organisation is better equipped than ever to champion the cause of migraine sufferers, challenge misconceptions, and drive positive change in access to care and understanding of this debilitating neurological condition.
Visit the new website today and explore a new world of migraine support.
Migraine Association of Ireland: Not Just Another Headache
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DFI to partner in new EU research project on inclusive housing and independent living
|
|
Beginning in January, DFI will collaborate with European partners on a major three-year research and innovation project focused on inclusive housing, independent living and integrated communities for disabled people across Europe.
Working across five EU countries, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland and Italy, the project will explore:
- Barriers faced by disabled people in accessing inclusive housing and independent living supports
- Policies, strategies and good practice within social housing systems
- Training, skills needs and capacity gaps among housing and support sector professionals
- Innovative, scalable housing models that enable choice, control, autonomy and full community participation.
Who will be involved?
The project will gather insights and lived experience through surveys, focus groups and roundtable discussions with:
- Disabled people and their circles of support
- Housing professionals
- Service providers
- Local authorities.
-
Project outputs
Planned deliverables over the three-year period include:
- A five-country ‘State of Play’ research report on policy, implementation and practice
- Good Practice Guidelines for non-segregated housing and support models
- MyService, an interactive digital information hub for housing and support pathways
- A training manual and online learning programme (MOOC) to build long-term sector capacity.
These outputs aim to ensure that knowledge, skills and solutions extend beyond the life of the project.
Partners
The project partners are: EASPD and Eurhonet from Belgium, Petagma from Greece, ETA from Hungary, UBC from Poland, ACER Reggio Emilia from Italy, Delphis from France and DFI representing Ireland.
Get involved
To connect with or contribute to this project, please contact Lisa Fenwick.
|
|
|
Cost of Disability: Updates, advocacy and how you can get involved
|
|
Work on Cost of Disability continues at pace, and it remains a key advocacy focus for DFI heading into 2026. Below is an update on recent activity, but most importantly, we want to hear from you.
👉 If you have examples, concerns, or insights on the extra Cost of Disability, please email
fleachtaphelan@disability-federation.ie
Workshop: Disabled women and poverty
In October, DFI took part in a powerful workshop hosted by Disabled Women Ireland and the Disability Participation News Hub to mark International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October).
Disabled women and non-binary people shared their lived experience of gendered disability poverty through discussion, artwork, surveys and creative reflection. The event was energised, honest, intersectional and solutions-focused, and we left more determined than ever to demand meaningful policy change on Cost of Disability.
A poem from the day, created by Alice Doyle, also known as The Autistic Poetess, will be published soon, and event organisers are preparing a report for future advocacy.
You can read discussion highlights here:
Meeting with the Department of Social Protection
DFI recently met with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to discuss delivery of the Cost of Disability commitments in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. DSP is engaging with a range of stakeholders and plans further consultation in the coming months.
Two key commitments need to progress:
-
A permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment, as promised in the Programme for Government
-
A Strategic Focus Network and one-day national event, leading to whole-of-government, measurable actions.
DSP indicated plans to host the one-day event early in 2026, feeding into the next Action Plan under the Strategy, and aims to advance work on the payment in the next Budget cycle.
DFI will continue to monitor, influence and collaborate across the sector on this issue, and we will keep members updated as timelines become clearer.
Share your experience
As DFI strengthens our advocacy on Cost of Disability, your insights are essential.
If you:
✔ work with individuals affected
✔ have evidence or examples
✔ see gaps in supports
✔ want to contribute to future action
📩Please contact fleachtaphelan@disability-federation.ie
|
|
|
Improving online application processes for disability payments: Member input making a difference
|
|
Over the summer, the Department of Social Protection, DSP invited us to provide feedback as work begins on moving the Invalidity Pension and Disability Allowance application processes online.
A number of DFI members took part in an initial design session in August, facilitated by a DSP digital services designer, where we discussed barriers and challenges within the current application system. DSP then returned to share a prototype of the new online Invalidity Pension application, and we held a second highly engaged session this week.
A huge thank you to Vision Ireland, Huntington’s Disease Ireland and Rehab for their time, insight and collaboration.
Next steps: Call for participants
DSP will now move on to designing the Disability Allowance online application and plans to run a feedback session in January.
If you would like to participate, offer feedback, or learn more about this work, please contact:
📩 fleachtaphelan@disability-federation.ie
|
|
|
Stay updated: Disability Matters Committee discussions
|
Guillaume Jacquinot: Advocacy and Campaigns Manager, The Wheel
|
Many of our members already follow the weekly work of the Oireachtas Disability Matters Committee, but if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s well worth doing so. The Committee provides valuable insight into national policy discussions that directly affect disabled people, families, and organisations across Ireland.
You can subscribe for weekly updates on upcoming topics and speakers by clicking the Subscribe button on the top-right of the Committee webpage.
Recent focus: Employment and disability
In recent weeks, the Committee has focused on employment for disabled people, a critical issue within our shared advocacy.
-
Disabled Women Ireland and others presented two weeks ago
-
The Wheel and the European Disability Forum, EDF spoke last week.
These were rich, thoughtful and impactful sessions, highlighting the persistent barriers disabled people face, and aligning strongly with the policy priorities we all campaign on.
You can watch the hearings or read the transcripts here.
|
|
|
New blueprint sets out vision for co-creation between disabled people and the State
|
|
The Disabled Persons’ Organisations, DPO Network has published its latest position paper, Blueprint for Co-creation, outlining how Ireland can embed genuine partnership between disabled people, their representative organisations, and the State in shaping laws, policies, and services.
The paper defines co-creation as a process where disabled people and their organisations work with government, not as consultees, but as equal partners in developing, implementing, and reviewing policy.
This approach is rooted in Article 4.3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), which requires active involvement of disabled people in decisions that affect their lives.
The DPO Network, made up of AsIAm, Disabled Women Ireland, Independent Living Movement Ireland, Irish Deaf Society, and the National Platform of Self Advocates, calls for:
-
A national co-creation strategy led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
-
Training and standards for all departmental staff on co-creation.
-
Dedicated funding to support DPO participation.
-
Ongoing research and evaluation by the National Disability Authority.
The Blueprint also pays tribute to Jacqui Browne, the late Chairperson of the DPO Network, whose leadership and advocacy were instrumental in embedding co-creation in Ireland’s National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030.
“Co-creation requires honesty, transparency — and bravery,” Jacqui said. “Bravery to admit no one has all the answers, but that through shared values and trust, change is not only essential but possible.”
Read the full publication.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Events and Consultations
|
|
|
|
Online member briefing: Update on Ireland’s National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy
|
|
DFI and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, NAI invite members to join us for an online briefing with the HSE on the current implementation of the National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy.
📅Tuesday 25 November
🕚11am to 12.30pm
💻MS Teams
About the session
This event will provide the latest updates on the rollout of Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams, CNRTs across the country, a key part of improving access to rehabilitation supports in local communities.
The briefing will also feature contributions from organisations with lived experience of the Strategy’s Community Workstream. Together, we’ll explore progress, challenges, and shared learnings around cross-sector collaboration and how lived experience is shaping implementation.
Speakers
- Dr Emer Begley, Director of Advocacy, DFI
- Mags Rodgers, Chief Executive, Neurological Alliance of Ireland
- Ciara Lynch, Programme Manager, National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy, HSE.
-
They will be joined by member organisation colleagues who bring direct insights into the implementation of the Community Workstream of the Strategy.
Stay informed, share insights, and be part of the conversation driving better neuro-rehabilitation services nationwide.
Please note this event is for members only. Find out more about DFI membership.
Members can register here.
|
|
|
National Conference on the Future of Early Years Services and Child-Health Workforce in Ireland
|
|
The Children’s Rights Alliance, CRA is hosting a one-day national conference focused on the future of early years service provision in Ireland and the development of a dedicated child-health workforce, aiming to ensure every child has an equal start in life.
At the event, CRA will launch new research commissioned by the Alliance and carried out by University College Cork, UCC on international best practice for a dedicated child-health workforce. The conference will also reveal new insights from a CRA survey of early years providers.
International experts and leading voices
CRA has announced an impressive line-up of speakers, including two world-renowned experts:
-
Professor Sir Michael Marmot (University College London), a global authority on health equity
-
Professor Eva Lloyd (University of East London), a leading expert on early childhood systems and policy.
Programme overview
Opening session: Health and equity
Chair: Denise Charlton, CEO, Community Foundation Ireland.
Speakers include:
- Professor Sir Michael Marmot • Rebecca Jeffers (UCC)
- Jacqueline Austin (HSE)
- Katherine Harford (Let’s Grow Together)
- Grainne Sheeran (Department of Health)
- Tanya Ward (CRA)
Second session: Early years systems and workforce
Chair: Dr Clíona Hannon (CEO, Katharine Howard Foundation)
Speakers include:
- Professor Eva Lloyd
- Hazel O’Byrne (Department of Children, Disabiliry and Equality, DCDE)
- Frances Byrne (Early Childhood Ireland)
- Darragh O’Connor (SIPTU)
- Michelle Hart (National Childhood Network)
- Dr Naomi Feely (CRA)
How to attend
📅 Tuesday 2 December 2025
🕥 10.30am to 4.30pm with registration and refreshments from 10.00am
📍 The Alex Hotel Dublin, D02 H678
🎟 Register to secure your place.
|
|
|
Have Your Say: UN Committee seeks input on disability-based violence
|
|
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is developing new guidelines on disability-based violence, and they want to hear directly from disabled people and their representative organisations.
These guidelines will draw on lived experiences to shape strong, practical recommendations for governments and other duty bearers on how to prevent and respond to violence based on disability.
Who can contribute:
-
Disabled people with lived experience of violence
-
Organisations of persons with disabilities (DPOs)
-
Other representative or advocacy groups.
The survey is available in English and Spanish, with versions in Easy Read and International Sign Language (ISL) to ensure accessibility for all participants.
👉 Take part here.
📅 Deadline to submit: 30 November
|
|
|
|
|
|
An Eye on Europe
|
DFI supports the Turin Declaration on disability rights and Iinclusion
|
|
In October 2025, organisations from across Europe came together in Turin to sign the Turin Declaration. The Declaration calls on European governments to ensure that people with disabilities and their families can live with dignity, choice, and full inclusion.
Across Europe, many disabled people still face barriers to housing, employment, and community life, while families often shoulder the responsibility for care without enough support.
The Declaration urges the EU and its Member States to:
-
Provide person-centred support so people can choose how and where they live.
-
Guarantee equal rights and better supports for women and family carers.
-
Invest in inclusive, community-based services, not institutions.
-
Involve people with disabilities in decisions about policies and services.
-
Take coordinated EU and national action with proper funding, data, and long-term planning.
As a member of two signatory organisations, the European Disability Forum, EDF and the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities, EASPD, DFI fully supports this Declaration and calls on EU leaders and Ireland’s Government to take meaningful action to make inclusion a lived reality.
|
|
|
Rights delayed: Air travel for passengers with disabilities
|
|
The European Disability Forum, EDF will launch its 9th Human Rights Report, Rights Delayed: Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities, on Tuesday, 26 November, from 2pm to 4pm CET.
This online event will explore:
- The main barriers to air transport for persons with disabilities.
- The gaps in applicable EU legislation.
- The implementation EU legislation by Airlines, Airports and National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs).
- Good practices improving access to air transport.
- Recommendations for policymakers and industry.
Speakers include representatives from the European Commission, airlines, accessibility experts, and Disabled Persons’ Organisations.
The event is free and open to the public.
👉 Register here.
|
|
|
In the news: DFI and members making headlines
|
|
This segment shines a light on DFI and our members making waves in the media, locally and nationally.
Every month, we’ll highlight interviews, articles, and appearances that showcase the incredible work happening across our network. Whether it’s championing rights, sharing lived experience, or shaping policy, our members are leading the conversation, and we’re here to amplify it.
Our media scanning isn't perfect, so if you were in the media over the last month and don't see your segment here, send Tom a link and we'll include it next month!
DFI
Ability West
Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI)
Bluestack Foundation
CASA
Central Remedial Clinic
Cork Deaf Association
Crann Centre
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland
Dyslexia Ireland
Enable Ireland
Family Carers Ireland
Galway Autism Partnership
Huntingtin's Disease Association of Ireland
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Irish Heart Foundation
Irish Kidney Foundation
Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Irish Wheelchair Association
Lakers Sports and Social Club
Migraine Association of Ireland
Parkinson's Ireland
Polio Survivors Ireland
Special Olympics Ireland
Spinal Injuries Ireland
|
|
|
The DFI Podcast
|
The DFI podcast
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more on all of the content featured in our newsletter see www.disability-federation.ie.
If you have been sent this newsletter by a colleague please click here to subscribe directly to receive your own copy of future issues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2024 Disability Federation of Ireland, All rights reserved.
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
Disability Federation of Ireland, is a company limited by guarantee not having share capital, registered in Dublin, Ireland with offices at Fumbally Court, Fumablly Lane, Dublin 8. Registration Number 140948, CHY No 6177
Click here to unsubscribe or to change your Subscription Preferences.
|
|
|
|
|
|
