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May 2026: Message from the CEO
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May has been one of those months where you can really feel the value of the work being done across DFI and our members.
The Cost of Disability Summit on 13 May was a significant moment. DFI attended alongside more than 15 member organisations, and while Minister Calleary suggested at the close that consensus was lacking, we saw something different in that room. Disability organisations were broadly aligned on what is needed. Together we called for a universal, non-means-tested Cost of Disability payment, a rejection of false choices between universal and targeted supports, and a clear understanding that this must be the beginning of a co-design process, not a one-day event. We will continue to push for action in this year's Budget, and for emergency supports now.
Make Way Day is also taking centre stage this month, with our national campaign to be officially launched in Carlow in partnership with Carlow County Council, a long-standing champion of disability access. Get out on 29 May, photograph any obstacles you see, and share it using #MakeWayDay26.
At a European level, I am delighted to share that I was elected to the Board of the European Disability Forum at its Annual General Assembly in Cyprus. It is an honour I do not take lightly, and one I am committed to making count for disabled people in Ireland and across Europe.
We also hosted a timely webinar on how EU decisions shape disability rights in Ireland. With Ireland weeks away from taking on the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the timing could not have been better.
Closer to home, we have been pushing hard on energy costs, attending meetings with the National Energy Affordability Taskforce and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to make the case that disabled people are disproportionately affected by rising costs and must not be overlooked.
We have also joined the Monitoring Committee for the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025–2030, strengthening our intersectional work and ensuring the voices of disabled women and girls are central to its implementation.
There is much more in this issue, from the Work and Access scheme updates to pro bono legal supports, inclusive sport, and the incredible work our members are doing across the country. I hope you find it useful, and I look forward to continuing this work together.
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Elaine Teague CEO
Disability Federation of Ireland
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Spotlight
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Everything you need to know about Make Way Day 2026
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Friday 29 May is almost here, and this year, Make Way Day has a new date, a growing community of supporters, and a simple but powerful ask for everyone in our network.
Whether you’re a long-standing partner or getting involved for the first time, here’s everything you need to make the most of the day.
What is Make Way Day?
Make Way Day is DFI’s annual national campaign shining a light on the everyday physical obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from moving freely and safely through public spaces. We’re talking about:
- Cars parked on kerbs and footpaths
- Bins, A-boards, and sandwich boards blocking pathways
- Overhanging branches and uncut hedges
- Bikes and delivery vans chained to or parked on footpaths.
These are all barriers. And for wheelchair users, people who are blind or visually impaired, and others with disabilities, they are a daily reality.
Why the new date?
Make Way Day has traditionally taken place in late September. This year we’ve made a deliberate move to May. We're stepping away from the crowded pre-Budget news cycle so that accessibility gets the clear airwaves it deserves. Better weather for outdoor walkability audits is a bonus too.
This isn’t about pointing fingers
We want to be clear about what Make Way Day is and what it isn’t. Most people who park on a footpath or leave a bin in the wrong spot aren’t doing it deliberately. It simply hasn’t occurred to them that it might cause a real problem for someone else.
Make Way Day is about raising awareness of the unconscious, everyday behaviours that can have a serious impact on disabled people’s independence and safety. It’s an invitation to all of us to pause and ask: does this get in someone’s way?
Launch event: Carlow, 29 May
This year's Make Way Day will be officially launched in Carlow, in partnership with Carlow County Council, a long-standing champion of disability access and one of only two local authorities to support DFI's motion for a full-time Access Officer role.
The launch will also bring together the Carlow Public Participation Network, and local community organisations. A great occasion to mark the start of the day with people who really care about these issues.
How to get involved. It’s easy!
We’ve kept the ask as simple as possible this year. Here’s what we need from you and your networks:
- Start sharing this week. Let your community know Make Way Day is coming on 29 May.
- Get out on the day. Encourage your networks, colleagues, and local advocates to photograph obstacles, and examples of good accessibility practice in your area.
- Join the conversation online. Share photos using #MakeWayDay26 and we’ll amplify and reshare from the DFI accounts all day long.
Public space belongs to everyone. Let’s use Make Way Day to make sure it works that way.
See DFI CEO Elaine TEague's Make Way Day video below:
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DFI CEO Elaine Teague Elected to European Disability Forum Board at Cyprus Assembly
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The Irish delegation at Cyprus
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DFI CEO Elaine Teague has returned from Cyprus, where she attended the European Disability Forum's Annual General Assembly, and came back with a new role.
Elaine was elected to the EDF Board at the assembly, a significant honour and a strong signal of Ireland's growing voice in European disability advocacy.
As well as the election, Elaine contributed to a panel discussion on disability equality and hate crime, bringing an Irish perspective to a conversation with real resonance across Europe.
On hate crime and the gap between law and lived experience
Elaine spoke about the progress Ireland has made on the legislative front (from the Employment Equality Acts and Equal Status Acts to the Disability Act 2005) and highlighted the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024, which came into force on 31 December last year and explicitly recognises disability as a protected characteristic. A welcome and important step.
But she also spoke about what legislation alone cannot do. The real test, she argued, is whether disabled people can actually use their rights in practice. For many, barriers to reporting remain, as does the fear that complaints simply won't be taken seriously.
The law is new, and Ireland is only beginning to understand how disability hate crime will be identified and prosecuted in practice.
Elaine also made the case that inclusion and safety are deeply connected.
When disabled people are excluded from employment, housing, transport, and community life, that distance breeds misunderstanding and hostility. Building genuinely inclusive communities is part of how we prevent hatred from taking hold.
The UN CRPD, she concluded, remains the essential framework. It is a commitment that disabled people are equal citizens whose rights must be realised in practice, and who must be involved in shaping the laws and policies that affect their lives.
Read Elaine's reflections on the summit here.
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EU Decisions Have Impact: What the EU Means for Disability Rights in Ireland
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On 20 May, we hosted a webinar bringing together Irish and European disability rights experts to explore how EU decisions shape the lives of disabled people in Ireland, and why Ireland's upcoming EU Council Presidency makes this a uniquely important moment.
Setting the scene
With Ireland weeks away from taking on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (July–December 2026), DFI convened a timely and wide-ranging conversation. The event was moderated by DFI Director of Advocacy, Emer Begley, and featured five panellists spanning European institutions, the disability movement and civil society. They were:
The themes of Ireland's Presidency, including competitiveness, security and upholding EU values, provided a backdrop to the discussion, with panellists returning throughout to a central question: how do we ensure that equality remains central to Ireland's six months at the helm of Europe?
Ireland's presidency: An opportunity for equality
Louise Ward gave an overview of the equality and rights programme Ireland will promote during its Presidency. She confirmed that the Irish government will place values at the heart of its presidency, which is a significant statement in the current international climate.
"We want Europe to acknowledge that by removing barriers faced by disabled people and ensuring we all live the lives we want to, we will also be creating vibrant economies and workplaces”, she said.
Alongside a specific focus on disability, Ireland's Presidency will spotlight gender equality, LGBTIQ+ equality, women travellers and child participation. A major conference and Council Conclusions will advance the idea that equality is not only a right in itself but a driver of European competitiveness.
Jane Ann Duffy outlined the disability-specific focus of the Presidency. Ireland's high-level conference on disability will take place in Dublin on 22–23 October 2026, with a central theme of access to digital and assistive technologies. Jane Ann emphasised that the Presidency is a six-month spotlight, but the EU is always there:
"There are always opportunities to influence EU policy. The presidency is just six months, but the opportunity to engage is continuous."
The value of the EU: Rights, standards and connection
James Cawley Jnr reflected on his own experience of engaging with EU structures, beginning with a conversation with an MEP at a conference that led to a work placement in Brussels.
"Many of the rights and standards we now discuss as normal expectations in Ireland were strengthened, accelerated or made unavoidable because of EU leadership and cooperation”, he said.
James highlighted how EU frameworks, from accessibility legislation and employment equality protections to web accessibility standards and the emerging EU Disability Card, have shifted disability from the domain of charity into a space of rights, equality and participation.
He argued that progress happens faster when disabled people are included directly in decision-making: not spoken about, not represented second-hand, but included directly.
He also challenged the employment conversation, arguing that Ireland must move beyond getting disabled people into work and start talking about career advancement, leadership and co-creation: "We need disabled people as directors, as shapers, as leaders of the conversation."
Ireland in a European context
Marie Denninghaus, Policy and Capacity Building Manager at the European Disability Forum (EDF), offered an honest assessment of where Ireland stands. On the positive side, Ireland leads the EU in criminalising hate speech and hate crime against disabled people, one of only a small number of member states with such legislation in place.
However, Marie pointed to Ireland's disability employment gap as a significant concern. At 38.6 percentage points, Ireland has one of the highest gaps in the EU, meaning disproportionately many disabled people face barriers to finding employment compared to their non-disabled peers.
On the EU Disability Card, Jane Ann Duffy confirmed that Ireland is currently developing policy on its transposition. Legislation will need to be enacted by June 2027, with cards introduced by 2028. The process will involve primary legislation before the Oireachtas and consultation with disabled persons organisations (DPOs).
Disability rights don't move forward by default
Sif Holst, a disability activist and Member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), brought a European-wide perspective on the pressures currently facing rights-based work. She highlighted the recently adopted second phase of the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She noted the European Disability Forum's concern that ambitions could have been stronger, while acknowledging a positive result given the current political climate.
"Disability rights don't just move forward by default. Right now we are experiencing enormous pushback on rights — including disability rights. We need to apply pressure, and we need to do it together," she said
Sif also drew attention to the very real barriers disabled people face in civic participation, including the cost of attendance, dependency on personal assistance and accessible transport, and, in some cases, fear of repercussions for speaking out. She called for organisations hosting events and meetings to budget for disability-related costs and to offer accessible alternatives where possible.
The importance of civil society engagement
A consistent theme throughout the event was the critical role of civil society and the importance of Ireland not becoming complacent about what has been built. Ireland is often cited as a good practice example for social dialogue, but panellists noted that civic space cannot be taken for granted.
Marie outlined EDF's approach to maximising impact with limited resources: mapping where the EU has competence and where national governments have competence, whilst being strategic about where to focus. She also highlighted the power of coalition-building, EDF recently joined Climate Action Network Europe to embed disability inclusive perspectives in climate policy rather than developing separate expertise from scratch.
James offered practical advice for disabled people and organisations looking to engage. He suggested we build relationships with political representatives, work collaboratively with peers, and be strategic about where energy is invested. He emphasised that Irish TDs and MEPs are, for the most part, accessible and genuinely willing to engage.
What comes next
DFI will co-host another event for the Presidency focused on employment and disability. This will take place on 16 November 2026 and is in partnership with Rehab. The full schedule of Irish EU Presidency events will be published by the Department of Foreign Affairs next month.
The European Disability Forum's publication My Rights in the EU, which sets out the rights that have come from the EU and where to find recourse when those rights are not respected, was recommended as a practical resource for organisations and individuals.
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Actioning Advocacy
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DFI in Conversation with Ministers on the Future of Disability Services
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We joined representatives from voluntary sector organisations providing disability services to meet with Ministers Norma Foley and Emer Higgins on 13 May, with discussions spanning immediate funding pressures, service reform, and the outlook for 2027.
The meeting, which brought together senior government figures and sector leaders, covered a broad agenda reflecting both the urgency of current challenges and longer-term questions about the future shape of disability services in Ireland.
On funding, the focus for 2026 is on stabilising the existing base of HSE disability services while enabling targeted expansion where need is greatest. The sector has long flagged the risks posed by underfunding to service continuity, and the framing of this year's approach as stabilisation-first will be welcomed by many organisations managing significant pressure on frontline supports.
Service agreements were also on the agenda, with Ministers emphasising the importance of completing contracts in a timely manner, a perennial concern for organisations whose ability to plan staffing and services depends on clarity from funders.
Alongside this, the meeting addressed reporting requirements, with a focus on the value of quality data for planning, funding decisions, and accountability.
Perhaps most significantly, the meeting included a dedicated discussion on the future direction of disability services in Ireland, with reform and innovation framed as priorities. The shape of that reform agenda will be closely watched by disabled people and their representative organisations in the months ahead.
Looking further ahead, 2027 estimates were also discussed, with sustainability and service priorities understood to be central to those conversations.
We will continue to engage with these processes on behalf of the sector and the people it serves.
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Members Newsfeed
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Donegal Centre for Independent Living Explains PA Services
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We are thrilled to spotlight the incredible work of our member, Donegal Centre for Independent Living, who launcched their My Life My Way video.
If you're looking for a clear, straightforward explanation of what a Personal Assistant service actually is, and how it differs from traditional home help, this short video is well worth a watch.
My Life My Way puts the person at the centre, explaining how a PA service supports disabled people to live independently and on their own terms. It's a great resource to share with anyone who wants to understand what PA services mean in practice.
Watch My Life My Way here.
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Cost of Disability Summit: DFI's Work and What Happened on the Day
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May was a big month for DFI's work on Cost of Disability, with the long-awaited Cost of Disability Summit taking place on 13 May. Here's a roundup of what we've been up to and how the day went.
Building up to the Summit
In the weeks before the summit, DFI was busy behind the scenes. We published our consultation submission along with a handy four-page summary. This brought together member organisations and other disability groups to compare notes and build a shared position. It raised urgent concerns, including the rising cost of fuel for disabled people, at a Disability Consultative Forum meeting in April.
That led to a joint letter to the Minister for Social Protection, backed by seven Forum members, calling for emergency supports to be put in place now.
The Summit itself
The summit brought together government ministers, disabled people's organisations, researchers, and civil society groups. DFI and more than 15 of our member organisations were in attendance, in person and online. An Taoiseach Michéal Martin, Minister Dara Calleary, Minister Norma Foley, An Tánaiste Simon Harris, and Minister of State Seán Canney all spoke, with Minister of State for Disability Emer Higgins present for much of the day.
The day included panel discussions, table conversations, and breakout workshops covering education, employment, independent living, health, and transport.
How did it go?
It was a mixed day. There was real energy and passion in the room, but also frustration. Minister Calleary suggested at the close that consensus was lacking, but disability organisations were actually broadly agreed on the big things, including:
- The need for a universal, non-means-tested Cost of Disability payment
- The rejection of any suggestion that disabled people should have to choose between universal supports or targeted ones (we need both)
- The understanding that this summit needs to be the start of a longer co-design process, not a one-and-done event.
- Action in this year's Budget is also urgently needed.
If you'd like to watch back, the government has indicated that recordings of the plenary sessions will be available here.
Want to stay in the loop on this work? Drop a line to fleachtaphelan@disability-federation.ie.
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DFI Joins Monitoring Committee for National Strategy for Women and Girls
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We are delighted to have joined the Monitoring Committee for the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030. This new role will strengthen our intersectional work, ensuring the perspectives of disabled women and girls are central to the Strategy’s implementation.
Amplifying the voies of disabled women
The Strategy aims to address gender inequality and includes specific provisions for disabled women and girls, such as improving accessibility, combating discrimination, and enhancing representation. DFI’s participation will help to ensure these commitments are met and that disabled women and girls benefit fully from the Strategy’s commitments.
Ireland's responsibilities
Ireland is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (UN CEDAW), which contains legally binding requirements to advance gender equality. As an EU Member State, Ireland is also legally bound to uphold the fundamental right of women to equality and to implement the gender equality obligations contained in its Directives and funding programmes.
Positively, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People is listed as being a complementary policy framework.
There are different accessible versions available of the Strategy.
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Energy Costs and Disabled People: What We've Been Doing
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With fuel costs rising sharply, and energy prices expected to climb further, this is a pressing issue for the disabled community right now. Disabled people are more likely to be in utility arrears and at greater risk of energy poverty, so we've been pushing hard on this front.
Meeting the National Energy Affordability Taskforce
Last month, DFI got a seat at the table with the secretariat of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce, something we'd been requesting since the taskforce was set up last summer. We were joined by other civil society organisations working on energy poverty.
We heard how issues raised in previous consultation processes are feeding into the forthcoming Energy Affordability Action Plan, and we used the opportunity to make the case that emergency supports are needed now for people who are struggling. Any targeting needs to be done carefully. The specific situation of disabled people cannot be overlooked.
The Department has since invited us back for a follow-up workshop which we'll share in an update in the next newsletter. In the meantime, if you have concerns or stories from your community about the impact of energy costs, please send them to fleachtaphelan@disability-federation.ie.
Electricity bills and the vulnerable customer register
We also attended the first Consumer Stakeholder Group meeting of the year at the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). On the agenda were new electricity bill formats, arrears data, and supports for customers in difficulty.
We pushed for clearer information on the vulnerable customer register on bills, and flagged our strong suspicion, which is backed by the pattern of the data, that many people in arrears are disabled people.
Better data would help make that case more powerfully.
It's worth noting that the CRU has opened a public consultation on Protecting and Supporting Customers Facing Sustained High Energy Prices, which runs until 26 June. You can find it here.
The evidence is there
A recent ESRI paper on energy poverty adds weight to what we've been saying. It found that a significant share of households in energy poverty rely on disability benefits, and concludes that energy poverty strategies need to be integrated with social protection and housing policy.
It also makes a strong case for targeted supports as the most effective and efficient way to actually reduce energy poverty. More on that finding here.
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DFI Policy Round-Up
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It's been a full month on the policy front. Here's a quick look at three events that kept us busy.
Child Poverty Monitor
DFI sits on the advisory group for the Children's Rights Alliance Child Poverty Monitor. Last month we met to discuss the 2026 report ahead of its launch on Wednesday 10 June, 10.30am–1.30pm.
We contributed updates on Cost of Disability and disability poverty. If you haven't come across it yet, we produced a submission on Cost of Disability and child poverty last year.
Social Inclusion Forum
We joined an online preparatory workshop for the Social Inclusion Forum, which happened to take place in the thick of recent fuel price protests, so the conversation was lively.
Topics ranged from housing and homelessness to loneliness, isolation, and intersectionality, and there was a frank discussion about whether inputs at events like this actually translate into policy change. We'll be at the Forum itself next week and will report back in the next issue.
The Solidarity Network
This was a highlight of the month, a full day hosted by the Solidarity Network, a cross-sectoral collective of civil society activists working for transformative change, built around values of radical hope, equality, ecological sustainability, solidarity, and community.
It was reflective, open, and at times positively intense, in the best way. The food was great, the energy was high, and it was genuinely rejuvenating to step back from the day-to-day and think seriously about civil society's role and responsibilities in Ireland right now.
The network is keen to grow and would love more individuals and organisations to get involved. Find out more here, or get in touch with Damien Peelo at damien.peelo@treoir.ie.
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Work and Access Scheme Updated
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The Department of Social Protection has updated its Work and Access scheme, following feedback from disabled people, Disabled Persons Organisations, and disability organisations.
The updated web pages, operational guidelines, and application forms are now live.
Work and Access provides a range of practical supports to help disabled people find or remain in employment, and to help employers create more accessible and inclusive workplaces.
Supports include Communication Support/ISL, Personal Reader, Work Equipment, Workplace Needs Assessment, In-Work Support, Workplace Adaptation, and Disability Equality and Inclusion Training.
Key changes
The most significant update is that employees can no longer apply for Workplace Needs Assessment or In-Work Support. These must now be applied for by employers. Other changes include:
- Language updated throughout: "disabled people" replaces "people with disabilities"
- The Communication Support/ISL application process has been simplified — the WA5 form no longer exists; interpreters now submit invoices directly after an event
- Two updated application forms are now in place: WA1 (for individuals and self-employed) and WA2 (for employers and self-employed)
- Eligibility for 90% funding for Disability Equality and Inclusion Training has been extended
- The glossary has been expanded and the guidelines document shortened and streamlined.
Useful links
For policy queries, contact DisabilityPolicy.Queries@welfare.ie. For applications or operational queries, contact workandaccess@welfare.ie.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: 15 June
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The National Safeguarding Office is marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June, and is inviting organisations across Ireland to get involved and help spread the word.
This year's theme is Safeguarding Starts at the Table. It focuses on how we support older people with eating, hydration, and mealtimes as a reflection of the broader safeguarding standards we provide.
It's a deliberately wide lens. Food and nutrition are central to dignity, autonomy, and quality of life, and they are also areas where abuse and neglect can occur, sometimes subtly.
Missed meals, lack of assistance with eating, rushed or disregarded mealtime routines, force feeding, or simply ignoring someone's preferences, are all safeguarding concerns. So too are indicators like unintentional weight loss, dehydration, or distress at mealtimes. The theme applies across every setting, from Meals on Wheels to residential services to acute hospitals.
How to get involved
- Wear purple on 15 June
- Display this year's WEAAD posters in your service
- Host a coffee morning or event around the theme
- Attend the NSO online webinar on 15 June
- Share on social media using #WEAAD2026 and #NoExcuseForElderAbuse
Campaign materials, posters, and webinar registration are all available at the WEAAD 2026 page on the HSE website.
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Events and Consultations
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Inclusive Sport in Action: Assistive Technology, Rights and Participation
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DFI's own CHAT network is hosting a free event that brings together sport, disability, and technology in one room — and it looks like a genuinely good day out.
Inclusive Sport in Action: Assistive Technology, Rights and Participation will explore how Assistive Technology (AT) can open up real opportunities for disabled people to access, enjoy, and lead in sport, physical activity, and recreation. Expect lived experience speakers, panel discussions, hands-on AT demonstrations, and plenty of space to connect with others working across sport, disability, and tech.
The conversation will cover what's working, what's still getting in the way, and what needs to change to make inclusive sport the norm across Ireland.
What's on
- Lived experience speakers
- Panel discussions on access, participation, and progression
- "AT in Action" demonstration areas
- Interactive discussions to shape future collaboration and policy.
Accessibility
The event will have ISL interpretation (on request), plain language supports, an accessible venue, and a hybrid option for those joining online.
When registering, let the organisers know about any access requirements you have, or if you'd like to showcase AT on the day.
Register here.
CHAT (Community Hub for Accessible Technology) is a national community of practice on AT and digital accessibility, developed under FreedomTech, a partnership between Enable Ireland and Disability Federation Ireland.
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Pro Bono Week 2026: Events for Civil Society Organisations
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The Public Interest Law Alliance (PILA) has announced its programme for Pro Bono Week 2026, taking place 8–11 June. The week celebrates the pro bono work of the legal profession and this year carries the theme Reinforcing Pro Bono Ecosystems: Building Partnerships That Last.
There is a strong line-up of events across the week.
Of particular interest: Wednesday 10 June
Partnering for Impact: Law, Governance and Utilising Pro Bono (Hybrid — A&L Goodbody LLP, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 | 9.15am–11am)
This session is specifically designed for management teams in civil society organisations and social enterprises. Speakers from the legal profession will offer practical guidance on key areas including charities governance, employment law, data management, and the role of the Company Secretary.
PILA will also outline how organisations can access pro bono legal support to advance their mission, followed by a networking opportunity with legal professionals. Light refreshments provided.
Register here.
Full week programme
- Monday 8 June: European Pro Bono Week launch (online). More info and registration.
- Tuesday 9 June, 5–6.30pm — Access to Justice in a Changing Landscape: Pro Bono in Practice and the New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum (In-person, DLA Piper LLP). A panel event covering pro bono collaboration and the impact of the EU's new Migration and Asylum Pact, featuring speakers from UNHCR Ireland, the Irish Refugee Council, and the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Register here.
- Wed 10 June, 9.15–11am: Partnering for Impact (Hybrid, A&L Goodbody LLP). See above.
- Thu 11 June, 4.30pm: Pro Bono Celebration Event (online, Law Society of Ireland). PILA will launch its Pro Bono Impact Report 2025 and legal professional bodies will reflect on the duties and achievements of the profession over the past year. More info and registration.
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Research Opportunity: Ageing and Autism in Residential Services
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A research team at Maynooth University is looking for senior managers in residential autism services to take part in a study on the age-related needs of autistic adults. The study is funded by the Irish Society for Autism.
The team is led by Dr Fintan Sheerin, Professor of Nursing, alongside colleagues from the Departments of Psychology, Education, and Nursing.
Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey (taking around 40 minutes) covering areas such as service models, health needs, social supports, housing, end-of-life planning, and quality of life. If your service has multiple sites, you're welcome to pass it on to the relevant staff member at each.
The survey has full ethical approval from Maynooth University's Research Ethics Committee.
Closing date: 10 June 2026
Complete the survey here.
For access issues or to request a paper or phone version, contact maureen.death@mu.ie. For questions about the study, contact Dr Sheerin directly on 086 024 9872.
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Event: Advancing Accessibility in Transport
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If transport accessibility is on your radar, this one is worth knowing about. AccessibleEU and the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority are hosting a free conference on accessibility in transport, in Dublin and online, on Tuesday 9 June.
The day will bring together keynote speakers, expert panels, and people sharing their own lived experience, all looking at the real-world impact of inaccessible transport systems and what better design could look like.
- When: Tuesday 9 June, 9.30am–4.30pm
- Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Havelock Area) — or online
- Cost: Free
The venue is fully accessible, with live captioning in English, Irish Sign Language, and International Sign interpretation provided. Online participants will receive a livestream link the day before.
Register here to secure your place.
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An Eye on Europe
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Have Your Say: EU Survey on Living and Working Conditions
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Eurofound has launched the latest round of its Living and Working in Europe survey, and this year it's bigger than usual — the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) has come on board as a partner to broaden its reach and impact.
This year's survey includes a dedicated section on the experiences of disabled people and carers, with a particular focus on reasonable accommodation at work.
It also covers employment, health and care, discrimination, access to services, independent living, and participation in society, with specific attention to barriers and unmet needs.
It takes around 15 minutes, it's anonymous, and the findings will help shape EU-level understanding of the everyday realities facing disabled people across Europe. Every response counts.
Take the survey here.
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Football Supporters Europe Launches Disability and Inclusion Fan Network
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Supporters with disabilities from 17 countries came together in Malmö, Sweden last month for the launch of Football Supporters Europe's new Disability and Inclusion Fan Network (D&IFN). The networ is a structured, pan-European platform giving disabled fans a real voice in how the game is run.
The first meeting took place during the European Football Fans Congress 2025, with UEFA backing the initiative. UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti attended and engaged directly with supporters on the day.
The aim is to bring disabled supporters together, share experiences, and create a sustainable route for fans to raise accessibility challenges and drive progress at local, national, and European level.
A steering committee to lead the way
Attendees elected a steering committee to guide the network through the 2025/26 season, including Jane McDermott from Dundalk FC representing Ireland alongside members from England, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Wales, North Macedonia, and beyond.
"This isn't just a talking shop"
D&IFN Coordinator James Flanagan said that the network is there to deliver tangible improvements, not just to talk. Members brought their lived experiences and priorities to the table and translated them into concrete goals for the year ahead.
Network member Giga Sopromadze from Georgia captured the energy of the day well, describing it as genuinely focused and diverse, and expressing confidence that the goal of increasing disabled people's involvement in football fandom is truly achievable.
Get involved
The network is now looking to grow and connect with as many supporters as possible across Europe. If you're a supporter with a disability, they want to hear from you.
Start by completing the short survey, or get in touch with James Flanagan directly at info@fanseurope.org with the subject line: Disability and Inclusion Fan Network.
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Survey: Share Your Experience of Audiovisual Accessibility
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A coalition of major European disability organisations is calling on disabled people across Europe to share their experiences of accessing media content. Your input could help shape EU rules on audiovisual accessibility.
The survey is being run by the European Blind Union, the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People, the European Union of the Deaf, Inclusion Europe, and the European Disability Forum. It covers television, streaming services, video-sharing platforms, and social media, and aims to capture the real, everyday experiences of disabled users.
It's available in English, French, Spanish, Catalan, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Czech, Romanian, and Greek.
Deadline: 12 July 2026
Complete the survey here.
Please share this with your networks. The more responses, the stronger the evidence base for improving accessibility standards across Europe.
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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
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
ADHD Ireland
AK Inspired
Alcohol Forum
Bluestack Special Needs Foundation
Bodywhys
Childvision
Chime
Cork Stroke Support
Crann Centre
DEBRA Ireland
Dementia Services Information and Development Centre
Disabled Drivers Association Ireland
Donegal Centre for Independent Living
Down Syndrome Ireland
Dyspraxia DCD Ireland
Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease
Enable Ireland
Epilepsy Ireland
Family Carers Ireland
FASD Ireland
Fionnathan Productions
Galway Autism Partnership (GAP)
Galway Rural Development
HAIL (Housing Association for Integrated Living) Ireland
I.C.A.R.E
Irish Guide Dogs for The Blind
Irish Haemophilia Society
Irish Heart Foundation
Irish Kidney Association
Irish Lung Fibrosis Association
Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Irish Wheelchair Association
Leitrim Association of People With Disabilities
Mayo Autism Camp
MS Ireland
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Neurological Alliance of Ireland
Parkinson's Ireland
Rehab Group Ireland
Special Olympics Ireland
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland
St Hilda's Services
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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