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December 2025: Message from the CEO
As we reach the end of 2025, I want to begin by recognising the extraordinary amount of work that has taken place across the disability movement this year. From grassroots activism to national policy influence, from member-led innovation to deepening collaboration across sectors, your collective effort has driven real momentum, visibility, and impact. This month’s newsletter reflects that energy and determination in every section.
Despite an Orange Weather Warning, disability activists, family carers, and allies gathered outside Leinster House to call for an Emergency Winter Payment and reinstated energy supports. Their testimonies, from choosing between heat and food to seeking warmth in public libraries, underscore why our advocacy is urgent and essential. The partnership of IWA, Access for All, and DFI exemplifies the unity that sustains this movement.
December also marked an important milestone in national policy, with the launch of the First Programme Plan of Action 2025–2026, the opening phase of implementing the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. With commitments spanning education, work, independent living, health, and transport, the plan sets a direction. But as we highlighted during the Delivery and Monitoring Committee, its success will depend on accountability, partnership, and ensuring that disabled people and the Community and Voluntary sector remain at the centre of implementation.
The powerful nationwide response to Purple Lights 2025 demonstrated pride, solidarity, and visibility at a scale that grows every year.
The recognition of advocates like Dermot Hayes, honoured in Clare for a lifetime of activism, reminds us of the individuals who have carried this work forward for decades.
We were also delighted to celebrate a collective achievement: DFI’s co-design partnership with service users and the HSE won joint first place at the HSE Health Excellence Awards 2025, a meaningful acknowledgment of what real partnership can deliver.
From NACIL’s nationwide leadership programme to member activity across housing, mental health, European engagement, and local structures, this month again shows the breadth of innovation, commitment, and care that defines our movement.
As we close out the year, I want to express my sincere thanks to all our members, partners, advocates, and colleagues. Your work, day after day, often in challenging circumstances, is shaping a more inclusive, rights-based Ireland.
On behalf of everyone at DFI, I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year. I hope you find time to rest and reconnect, and I look forward to continuing this work together in 2026.
Kind Regards
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Spotlight
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Disability activists brave storm to demand Emergency Winter Payment
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Braving the high winds and an Orange Weather Warning, disability activists, family carers, and allies gathered outside Leinster House to call for an emergency €400 winter payment and the restoration of targeted energy credits for people most at risk of energy poverty.
They warned that the removal of these supports has left many disabled people struggling to heat their homes.
Despite the high winds, the demonstration, organised by the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA, DFI and Access for All went ahead with urgent resolve to call for an immediate Emergency Winter Payment.
“Libraries are becoming shelters”
The crowd heard confronting testimony about the reality facing disabled people this winter. Some individuals are now travelling to public libraries simply to stay warm during the day, unable to afford the cost of heating their own homes.
Activist Michael Meere said he has to decide whether to sit in the cold with one bar on his electric heater, or switch on the second bar and face energy costs he simply can’t manage. The choices are this stark.
Michael Meere, disability activist
Bernard Mulvany of Access for All opened the demonstration by rallying the crowd. “We refuse to accept a society where disabled people are second-class citizens,” he said. “The storm outside is nothing compared to the storm facing our families this winter.”
Bernard Mulvany, Access for All
Voices from the frontline
Advocacy Manager from the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA Joan Carthy and activist Michael Meere highlighted the systemic failure of the Budget, with Meere speaking passionately about the impossible choices facing his peers.
Joan Carthy, Advocacy Manager IWA
They were joined by activists Gary Kearney and Carolyn Akintola, who delivered powerful speeches on the daily reality of managing disability-related costs without adequate state support. Both emphasised that the "Cost of Disability" is not an abstract concept, but a daily bill that must be paid, often at the expense of food or heat.
 
Top: Carolyn Akintola. Bottom: Gary Kearney
The protest also saw significant contributions from younger activists, who reminded the Government that this is a fight for their future. Cara Darmody, a seasoned campaigner known for her advocacy on assessment of needs, spoke with characteristic determination, while Kayleigh McKivette underlined that our demands represesent the bare minimum.
"We’re not looking for extra luxuries, we’re just looking to live adequate lives. Without the stress of wondering, should I pay a bill this week or should I go shopping”, she said.
 
Top: Cara Dermody. Bottom: Kayleigh McKivette
Family carers also delivered crucial testimony. One carer underscored that the crisis is not only personal but deeply familial, describing how the removal of supports has pushed households to the brink, without reinstated payments, many simply will not cope this winter.
Political support
The protest was addressed by opposition TDs supporting the call for the Emergency Winter Payment:
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Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit condemned the removal of payments as "cruel."
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Liam Quaide TD, Social Democrats criticised the state's failure to recognise the true Cost of Disability.
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Maurice Quinlivan TD, Sinn Féin / Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters, reinforced that the government must act immediately.
  
Top to bottom: Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit, Maurice Quinlivan TD, Sinn Féin / Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters and Liam Quaide TD, Social Democrats.
"We will not be ignored" was the rallying cry that concluded the protest. The coalition will be following up with the Goverment to demand a response. We will share any progress or responses.
📷 Photos by Paula Geraghty.
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Launch of the First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026
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The Government as published the First Programme Plan of Action (2025-2026) for the National Human Right Strategy for Disabled People
As we move into this new phase of implementation, we want to share an overview of what is in the plan and next steps.
What is in the Programme Plan?
The First Programme Plan of Action covers the period of 2025-2026 and serves as the first implementation phase of the broader National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. Designed to advance the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, the plan aims at a whole-of-government approach organised across five key thematic pillars:
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Pillar 1: Inclusive learning and education: Focusing on access, transitions, and inclusive environments.
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Pillar 2: Employment: Targeting opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
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Pillar 3: Independent living and active participation: Including housing, the arts, and political life.
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Pillar 4: Wellbeing and health: Addressing accessible health services and promotion.
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Pillar 5: Transport and mobility: Ensuring seamless and accessible journeys.
The plan also prioritises cross-cutting issues such as legislative reform, disability cost, intersectionality, and capacity strengthening to support mainstream service delivery.
Next Steps
As a member of the Delivery and Monitoring Committee for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, DFI is tasked with driving accountability to ensure these actions are delivered effectively. Our focus now shifts to:
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Supporting implementation: Engaging with government bodies to ensure the Community and Voluntary sector's expertise is utilized.
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Monitoring pace and capacity: Ensuring that the ambitious schedule of actions is rolled out in a way that is sustainable for all stakeholders.
We look forward to working with you to turn this plan into reality for disabled people across Ireland.
Read the First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026 here.
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Purple Lights 2025
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This International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), Ireland didn't just light up, it spoke up.
The celebrations began early, with a gathering at Garda HQ to kickstart the day. This set the tone for a nationwide wave of solidarity that continued well into the night.
From transport services to emergency services to our highest political institutions, the 2025 Purple Lights campaign was one of the most impactful yet. Seeing our towns, cities, and workplaces bathed in purple was a vibrant reminder that we are here, we are visible, and we are proud.
A nationwide purple wave of solidarity
This year, the message of #PurpleLights25 reached every corner of the island. Highlights included:
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The Oireachtas: The seat of our democracy, Leinster House, was illuminated in purple, sending a clear message of inclusion from the heart of government.
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Emergency Services: We were thrilled to have the support of Dublin Fire Brigade, who turned their stations purple in solidarity.
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Civic buildings: City and town halls all over Ireland lit up in support of the day.
“Marking our space”
For campaign founder Gary Kearney, this year was about shifting the narrative from pity to power. As he put it:
"Purple Lights is a celebration of our lives...when we light up the country, we’re marking our own space in the world and embracing our uniqueness."
Thank you
Thank you to every Local Authority that flipped a switch, every business that lit a window, and every individual who wore purple and shared their story online.
By participating you showed that inclusion isn't just a policy, it's a visible, tangible part of our communities.
You can still see the highlights by checking the hashtag #PurpleLights25 on social media.
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Actioning Advocacy
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Making your voice heard:
Understanding Public Participation Networks and the Local Community Development Committee.
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In a recent DFI video series, Development Manager PJ Cleere breaks down exactly how you can get involved in local decision-making.
Many people ask, "How can I make my voice heard in the decisions that actually affect my life?" whether that’s regarding housing, transport, or employment.
Understanding two key structures is an great first step: the Public Participation Network, PPN and the Local Community Development Committee, LCDC.
PJ gives a comprehensive but east-to understand overview of the structure and purpose of the PPN and LCDC and how you and your organisation can influence change through these structures.
Why this matters
These structures are about more than just bureaucracy; they are about access for all.
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Interconnected influence: PPN representatives sit on the LCDC. This means if your organisation is part of the PPN, you have a direct line to the body that controls local development funding.
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Real accountability: The LCDC structure ensures that public funding is discussed openly, with greater accountability for how money is spent on programs for the unemployed, people with disabilities, and other target groups.
Next Steps
If your organisation is not yet a member of your local PPN, consider joining. It is the recognised route for the public to engage with decision-makers.
Click below to watch the PPN video
Click below to watch the LCDC video
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Celebrating a lifetime of advocacy: Dermot Hayes honoured in Ennis
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A packed room, a vibrant atmosphere, and a well-deserved honour for a true champion of rights—this was the scene at the Clare Leader Forum’s ‘People Power’ conference in Ennis this week.
DFI extends our heartfelt congratulations to Dermot Hayes, who was recognised for his extraordinary and lifelong commitment to advancing the rights of disabled people. From his sharp humour to his tireless advocacy, Dermot has inspired generations of activists and remains a powerful voice for equality and social justice.
It was wonderful to see his contribution celebrated in a room full of solidarity, community, and collective action, values Dermot has lived every day throughout his work.
📸 Pictured: Ann Marie Flanagan presenting Dermot with his award.
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Health Updates
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Improving Patient / Service User Experience wins at the HSE Health Excellence Awards 2025
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We’re delighted to share that a co-design partnership involving DFI won joint first place in the “Improving Patient / Service User Experience” category at the HSE Health Excellence Awards 2025!
Since 2023, DFI has worked closely with patients and service users, partner agencies and the HSE Patient and Service User Experience Office to co-design the new Health Regions Integrated Service Delivery model, a major step forward in how health and social care will be delivered across Ireland.
Recognising partnership
Across 2024 and 2025, the partnership co-designed and delivered five major Integrated Service Delivery / Integrated Healthcare Area Model Workshops to the HSE Senior Leadership Team. Each one showcased the power of genuine partnership, with people who use services shaping decisions at every stage.
We were especially proud to hear the judging panel describe the project as “phenomenal”, praising its strong collaboration and rights-based approach, a standout achievement in a year with over 450 entries.
The award was presented at a wonderful ceremony in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, on 4 December 2025, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this recognition with everyone who contributed.
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Call for tender: Review of DFI’s Health and Social Care Programme
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We are again inviting tender submissions from qualified candidates to undertake a comprehensive review of our Health and Social Care Programme. This review will focus specifically on our advisory group structures and committee representation.
About the project
As DFI prepares for publication and implementation of a new Strategic Plan, we are seeking to evaluate the processes, capacity, and impact of our Health and Social Care Programme.
This work is framed against a changing landscape, including the development of six HSE health regions and the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.
The objective is to identify how the programme can deliver meaningful value and impact for DFI and its member organisations as we grow.
Key Project Details
- Timeline: The project is expected to be completed within 12 weeks of commencement.
- Budget: The maximum budget available for this review is €8,000, excluding VAT.
Closing date:
Applications must be received by 5 January 2026
Application requirements
Applicants must demonstrate proven expertise in similar projects, strong analytical skills, and in-depth knowledge of the Irish health and social care landscape. Proposals should include a detailed methodology, relevant experience, a project timeline, and a detailed budget.
How to apply
For further information or to submit an expression of interest, please read the tender document here or contact Emer Begley, DFI Director of Advocacy at emerbegley@disability-federation.ie.
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To sign-up to DFI's Health Update please email Cathy McGrath at cathymcgrath@disability-federation.ie.
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Members Newsfeed
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National Alliance of Centres of Independent Living Training Links Funding
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In 2024, DFI, on behalf of the National Alliance of Centres for Independent Living, NACIL, was awarded Training Links funding administered by The Wheel. This support enabled the creation of the NACIL Leadership Network, a space where leaders from across the country learn together, share their diverse experiences, and strengthen their organisations for the future.
From the outset, the programme was designed to build sustainability, organisational stability, and a stronger sense of collective identity across the Network.
By focusing on what NACIL members have in common, shared values, shared challenges, and shared commitment to independent living, the initiative has helped nurture collaboration that is recognised at both regional and national level.
Training delivered in 2025
Throughout 2025, NACIL leaders took part in a comprehensive programme covering key areas essential to running strong, resilient organisations, including:
These sessions created a valuable forum for learning, problem-solving, and building confidence across member organisations.
A national network with real impact
NACIL represents 16 member organisations providing services to more than 2,000 disabled people across all five HSE Health Regions. The leadership programme is helping to strengthen this national network so it can continue to deliver high-quality, person-centred supports rooted in the principles of independent living.
The initiative will conclude in January 2026 with two final workshop, bringing to a close a two-year journey of growth, partnership, and shared leadership.
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Call for DFI members to join a Cost of Disability Advisory Group
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As many of you will be aware, the Government has committed to introducing a permanent Cost of Disability payment, and to examining wider Cost of Disability issues under the new National Human Rights Strategy.
The Department of Social Protection has been tasked with leading this work. As a result, we expect significant developments on Cost of Disability during 2026.
It is vital that the lived experience and expertise of our members help to shape what happens next.
We know that Cost of Disability affects people across every part of daily life. Members regularly raise the extra costs people face in areas such as:
To support our policy and advocacy work, we plan to convene a Members’ Advisory Group on Cost of Disability next year. This group will provide a dedicated space for members to:
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share real-life examples and evidence of Cost of Disability
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identify priority areas where change is most urgently needed
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work together on practical, rights-based solutions.
If you are interested in being part of this work, please email fleachtaphelan@disability-federation.
We are keen to hear from members working across a wide range of disability areas and services. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can build strong evidence of need and make a compelling case for the positive change that is possible.
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IWA housing conference on universally designed homes: A call for rights-based, accessible housing
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Members of DFI’s national Housing Group attended an excellent Housing Conference on 1 December, led by the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA in partnership with the Irish Council for Social Housing, ICSH, Age Friendly Ireland, and the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design.
The event was also registered under AccessibleEU, with a representative participating on the day.
Throughout the conference, self-advocates, civil servants, architects, and housing experts came together to highlight both the scale of the housing crisis for disabled people and the real opportunities offered by embedding universal design principles. They explained how, with the right approaches, Ireland can transform housing to ensure disabled people can live independently and participate fully in their communities.
Lived experience at the centre
In every panel discussion, people with lived experience spoke powerfully about the daily realities of inaccessible, unsuitable, and unaffordable housing. Their voices were a vital reminder that disabled people must not only inform housing policy but be at the centre of implementation, design, and decision-making.
A rights-based framework
Dr Karen Murphy of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC set out a strong rights-based approach, emphasising that accessible, affordable, quality housing is fundamental to realising Article 19 of the UNCRPD, the right to live independently and be included in the community.
She also highlighted the major barriers that persist, including:
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Long social housing waiting lists
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Inconsistent supports across local authorities
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The absence of a statutory right to personal assistance
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Ongoing failure by the State to end institutionalisation.
What needs to change
Across all sessions, contributors called for urgent action to deliver sustainable, inclusive housing. The key priorities identified include:
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A single universal design standard and immediate review of Building Regulations to move from merely “visitable” to truly liveable homes
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Better coordination between local authorities, housing providers, and health services
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Long-term planning and sustainable investment, recognising the cost-effectiveness of universal design and early intervention
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Stronger training for housing professionals and better accountability for both poor and exemplary practice
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Universal design embedded not just in homes, but in neighbourhoods, public spaces, and community infrastructure.
Turning policy into reality
A consistent theme throughout the day was that strong policy frameworks alone are not enough. Rights will only be realised through robust implementation, meaningful collaboration, and long-term commitment.
Ultimately, the message to Government was that housing is a fundamental right. and delivering accessible, inclusive housing is essential to enabling disabled people to live with dignity, independence, and equality.
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Better Europe Alliance submit 2025 input to European semester process
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DFI has joined forces with ten other leading civil society organisations as part of the Better Europe Alliance to present our 2025 input to the European Semester Process.
The submission highlights a critical need to strengthen progress towards social and environmental goals within the EU, particularly against a backdrop where defence and competitiveness are increasingly prioritised over social spending.
Key issues identified
The submission raises concerns regarding the shrinking space for civil society and the persistent high levels of poverty and exclusion experienced by specific groups in Irish society.
As part of this submission, DFI has ensured that the specific structural barriers facing people with disabilities are highlighted, including:
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Employment gaps: Ireland continues to have one of the worst disability employment gaps in the EU. Access to jobs is hindered by financial and non-financial barriers, including the cost of returning to education, transport accessibility, and the fear of losing secondary benefits such as the medical card.
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Poverty and cost of living: 30.3% of persons with disabilities in Ireland are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, a figure higher than the EU average. The submission notes that one-off budgetary supports have masked the real impact of the cost of living and the specific Cost of Disability.
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Housing: The acute housing crisis is identified as a major driver of exclusion, with social housing and affordable targets consistently missed.
Our recommendations
The Alliance welcomes that the 2025 Country Specific Recommendations, CSRs for Ireland included a socially-focussed recommendation for the first time since 2021. However, we are calling for a more systemic and holistic approach in 2026.
The Better Europe Alliance is calling for:
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Socially-focused CSRs: The 2026 recommendations must include specific measures to address poverty, deprivation, and inequality, ensuring that economic growth translates into social progress.
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A just transition: Climate and digital transitions must be managed fairly to ensure they do not leave marginalised groups behind.
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Strengthened engagement: We are calling on the Department of the Taoiseach to introduce a process for more meaningful and effective engagement with civil society regarding the European Semester.
About the Better Europe Alliance
The Better Europe Alliance is a coalition coordinated by the European Anti-Poverty Network, EAPN Ireland. Members include DFI, SIPTU, the Environmental Pillar, the National Women’s Council, and others working together for a social and sustainable Europe.
Read the full submision here.
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Concerns raised as Mental Health Bill nears key stage
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Ireland’s Mental Health Bill is now heading to Committee Stage in the Seanad, and organisations part of the disability movement are growing increasingly concerned about how certain rights-based protections have been watered down during the legislative process.
DFI member, Mental Health Reform, has responded to a letter from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, which urges the Government to make sure the Bill fully aligns with Ireland’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UN CRPD.
IHREC’s concerns closely align with those raised by Mental Health Reform and the wider disability community. These include:
- No safeguards on chemical restraint, which were removed from earlier drafts.
- Weak protections around involuntary detention and treatment.
- No independent complaints mechanism for people using services.
- No statutory right to independent advocacy, including for children.
- Continued allowance for children to be placed in adult units.
- Outdated language, such as “mental disorder” which was called to be replaced with “persons with psychosocial disabilities.”
IHREC also stresses the need to reduce coercive practices, strengthen safeguards for “voluntary” admissions, and align the Bill with other legislation on deprivation of liberty.
We support and share the concerns raised by our member Mental Health Reform and by IHREC. The coming weeks will be crucial in ensuring the Bill is improved, not weakened, to protect people’s rights and meet Ireland’s human rights obligations.
Read Mental Health Reform's response to IHREC's concerns.
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Events and Consultations
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DFI member briefing with the HSE on the National Service Plan 2026
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DFI will host an online meeting for DFI members on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, from 10am to 11:30am.
📅Tuesday, 6 January 2026
🕙 10am to 11:30am
💻Online via Microsoft Teams
We are pleased to welcome Aoife O'Donoghue, HSE Assistant National Director for Access and Integration of Disability Services, who will provide an update on the HSE National Service Plan 2026 and engage in discussion with members.
This meeting will take place on Microsoft Teams. A meeting link will be issued directly to all registered attendees in advance.
To help shape the discussion, we ask all members to complete the full registration form, including the key questions or issues you wish to raise during the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Please note this event is for members only. Find out more about DFI membership.
Members can register here.
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Public Consultation to inform the development of national standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CAMHS
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As part of its work to develop new standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CAMHS, the Mental Health Commission is inviting organisations to take part in a national consultation. Your participation will help ensure that the experiences and perspectives of children, young people, and families are fully reflected in this important process.
There are several ways to get involved
1. Complete the survey or make a written submission
Organisations can share their views by completing the consultation survey or by submitting a written response.
2. Share the survey widely
Please circulate the survey to young people aged 18 and over who have previously used, or are currently using, CAMHS services, as well as to their parents or guardians.
3. Support interviews and focus groups
Direct engagement with children and young people under 18 is a key element of the consultation. Organisations are invited to assist by helping to facilitate interviews or focus groups:
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For young people under 18, organisations in a position to do so can support their participation through facilitated interviews or focus groups.
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Young people aged 18 and over may contact the Mental Health Commission directly at standards@mhcirl.ie to arrange an interview or focus group.
Your input and support are essential in ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience, children, young people, and families, inform the development of these new standards.
If you would like more information or are willing to help facilitate participation, please contact the Mental Health Commission at standards@mhcirl.ie.
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An Eye on Europe
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EDF’s newly published report exposes ongoing disability-based discrimination in air travel
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The European Disability Forum, EDF has released its latest Human Rights Report, “Rights Delayed: Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities,” and the findings are concerning. Nearly 70% of passengers with disabilities feel discriminated against when flying.
As EDF members, we want to highlight these issues for the Irish disability community. The report shows the extent to which the rights of EU passengers with disabilities are being violated, leaving many unsure whether they will even be allowed to fly.
Unequal rules across airlines, such as different wheelchair weight limits, lack of cabin wheelchairs, and inconsistent acceptance of assistance dogs continue to create major barriers. Some airlines may also be breaching EU law by charging fees for assistance or requiring unnecessary medical forms.
EDF outlines clear steps for the EU and airlines, including:
- Banning denial of boarding based on disability
- Fully compensating damaged or destroyed assistive devices
- Recognition of assistance dogs across all EU countries
- Removing barriers such as pre-approval requirements
- Establishing minimum accessibility standards for air travel.
We encourage all our members to read and share this important report, and to support EDF’s calls for stronger, fairer passenger rights across Europe.
Read the full report here.
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EASPD Innovation Awards 2026 – apply now
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Applications are now open for the EASPD Innovation Awards 2026, which recognise innovative and effective approaches to organisational development in disability and social support services.
The 2026 awards focus on building organisational capacity for person-centred support and will be showcased at the EASPD International Conference in Porto, Portugal (14–15 May 2026).
EASPD is seeking practices, projects or initiatives that address one or more of the following areas:
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HR resource management (recruitment, retention, training, wellbeing, inclusive workplaces)
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Leadership and change management (quality systems, transparency, UNCRPD-aligned practice)
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Digital and green transition (digital skills, sustainability, environmental preparedness)
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Financial management and planning (resilience, flexible budgets, sustainable funding models)
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Communication, partnerships and marketing (collaboration, visibility, demonstrating social impact).
The call is open to all organisations (public, private and social economy), and EASPD membership is not required. Submissions will be assessed through pre-assessment, peer review and an independent jury.
Deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
Apply here
For more information: EASPD Innovation Awards 2026.
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EASPD International Conference 2026 – call for programme contributions
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EASPD is also inviting applications to contribute to the programme of its International Conference: “Leading Change in Disability Services”, taking place in Porto on 14–15 May 2026.
The conference brings together disability service providers from across Europe to share learning, explore innovative practice and strengthen capacity to implement the UN CRPD in everyday services. This call aims to centre peer learning and practitioner expertise in the conference programme.
Proposals should align with one or more of the following themes:
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HR resource management
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Leadership and change management
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Digital and green transition
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Financial management and planning
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Communication, partnerships and marketing.
Sessions should be interactive and practice-based, designed for 60 or 90 minutes, or as shorter panel contributions.
Proposals will be assessed on relevance, educational value, innovation, participant engagement and transferability to other organisations, particularly smaller and community-based services. Sessions should not be promotional and should consider accessibility and diverse participant needs.
Deadline: 15 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
Selected contributors will be notified in early February and supported to develop their session.
Apply here
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In the news: DFI and members making headlines
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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
ADHD Ireland
Alcohol Forum Ireland
Arthritis Ireland
Bluestack Foundation
Bodywhys
ChildVision
Cork Deaf Association
Crann Centre
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland
Down Sydrome Ireland
Dyslexia Ireland
Early Onset Parkinson's Disease Ireland
Enable Ireland
Epilepsy Ireland
Family Carers Ireland
Galway Autism Partnership
Galway Rural Development
Headway
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Irish Heart Foundation
Irish Kidney Association
Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Irish Wheelchair Association
Leitrim Association of People with Disabilities
Mayo Autism Camp
Mental Health Reform
Migraine Association of Ireland
Neurological Alliance of Ireland
Special Olympics Ireland
St Gabriel's Foundation
Western Care Association
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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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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.
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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
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