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July 2026: Message from the CEO
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July has been a month of evidence-gathering and engagement, from our members telling us what they deliver and what they need, to DFI making the case for disabled people directly to Oireachtas members and the Department of Social Protection.
The headline this month is our Member Survey 2026, and I want to thank the 85% who responded. The picture it paints is a striking one. Between them, DFI members reach more than 1.16 million people a year, employ over 12,600 staff and are supported by 12,500 volunteers, delivering €629 million worth of services in 2024.
But the report also records what is not being met: 6,445 people on waiting lists and almost 23,000 instances where someone needed support and could not get it. This is a sector doing more with less, and doing it well, but the fragility beneath that is impossible to ignore when most members are working on funding confirmed only a year at a time.
There is real progress worth naming too. 62% of members now have disabled people on their boards, and 31 are led by and for disabled people. The sector is moving from consulting disabled people to sharing decisions with them.
We took our Budget 2027 asks directly to the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection this month, presenting alongside Vision Ireland, AsIAm and Inclusion Ireland. The level of common ground across all four presentations was striking, as was the engagement from Committee members across every party. It was also a day that showed the federation at its busiest. We bumped into Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Mental Health Reform and Family Carers Ireland all making their own case in and around Leinster House on the same day.
Cost of Disability was again the top issue at the Department of Social Protection's pre-Budget forum, and the Minister has indicated it is his priority this year. We were also glad to see many of the issues we raised with the EU Commission in January reflected in its 2026 country report on Ireland, which recorded the highest number of disability mentions of any EU member state alongside Cyprus.
Finally, two things that need you. The public consultation on the review of the Disability Act 2005 is the first major review in more than 20 years, and we are hosting a member consultation on 6 August to shape our submission. And we are recruiting for two roles, an Advocacy Engagement Coordinator and a Communications Manager, so please share them across your networks.
There is much more in this issue, and I hope you find it useful. 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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What our members told us: Member's Survey 2026
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We asked our members what they deliver, what they are facing, and what they need. 85% of them answered. The result is the 2026 DFI Member Survey Report.
The scale
Between them, DFI's member organisations reach more than 1.16 million people across Ireland every year. They employ 12,682 staff and are backed by 12,501 volunteers. In 2024 they delivered €629 million worth of services, across every county and every disability.
The shortfall
But the report also records what is not being met. There are 6,445 people on waiting lists and almost 23,000 instances where a person needed support and could not get it. Nearly four in five members say demand is rising, and more than four in ten say they are stepping in simply because no other service exists.
A sector doing more with less
The report shows a sector doing more with less, and doing it well. It also shows how fragile that is. Fifty-four percent of members say funding uncertainty is their biggest concern, and most are working on funding confirmed only a year at a time, which makes it almost impossible to plan, hire, or build.
Progress worth naming
There is real progress to report too. 62% of members now have disabled people on their boards, and 31 are led by and for disabled people. The sector is moving from consulting disabled people to sharing decisions with them.
DFI will use this evidence in our work with Government over the coming year. We'll be pressing for longer-term funding, investment in the workforce, and follow-through on the rights Ireland has already promised.
Read the full report.
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Join our team: Advocacy Engagement Coordinator wanted
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We're recruiting for an Advocacy Engagement Coordinator, and we'd like our members and networks to help us find the right people.
DFI's Strategic Plan 2026–2029 commits us to advancing disabled people's leadership, influencing policy, and connecting and empowering our members. This role exists to deliver on that.
Advocacy Engagement Coordinator:Disabled Persons' Coalition
A new role establishing and coordinating the Disabled Persons' Coalition. The Coalition is a self-directed platform of disabled people campaigning on the issues that matter to them, facilitated by DFI. You'll co-design it from the ground up.
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Contract: 2-year fixed term, part time (3 days per week)
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Salary: €29,216 for 3 days per week
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Location: Dublin city centre, hybrid
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Reporting to: Emer Begley, Director of Advocacy
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Closing date: Monday 10 August 2026 (interviews 25–26 August)
Essentials:
- 3+ years progressing a rights agenda
- Strong grounding in disability rights and the social model
- Experience facilitating groups and building relationships
- Relevant degree, or relevant lived or professional experience.
Read the full position description and apply.
Working at DFI
We are an equal opportunities employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout our recruitment process.
Contact jobs@disability-federation.ie to tell us what you need. Roles are subject to Garda vetting.
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Have your say: how did Make Way Day 2026 go?
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Make Way Day 2026 is done, and now we want to hear from you.
Every year, people across the country share images of the bins, bollards, A-frames and badly parked cars that block footpaths. It's a small act that makes an everyday problem visible to the wider community.
This year we want to take stock. Whether you took part, supported the campaign, or watched it unfold in your area, we'd like your view on:
- What Make Way Day achieved: did it shift anything locally?
- How well people worked together: councils, member organisations, activists and supporters
- What we could do better next time.
The survey takes about six minutes. Your answers are confidential and results will only be reported as a summary.
Complete the survey
We'll use what you tell us to review Make Way Day and consider how best to keep raising awareness of the barriers disabled people face every day.
If you have any questions, contact Pierce Richardson, Community Development Officer, at DFI.
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Share your Pre-Budget Submission with us
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Last month we shared DFI's Pre-Budget Submission 2027, "The least we can expect", setting out what disabled people need from Budget 2027 and why this is the moment Government must deliver on the promises it has made.
Those asks were shaped by our members and the lived experience of the disabled people, families and frontline staff our members support every day.
Stronger together
That collective weight matters. When the sector speaks with one voice on the big asks, including the Cost of Disability payment, sustainable funding for voluntary organisations, accessibility built in from the outset, it is much harder for Government to look away.
Your priorities, your voice
A unified position doesn't mean a single story. Our members bring specific expertise and priorities that no umbrella body can speak to as well as you can.
Send us your submission
If your organisation has produced its own pre-Budget submission, send it to info@disability-federation.ie and we will feature it on the DFI website. Bringing them together in one place shows Government the scale of what the sector is asking for, while keeping each organisation's specific priorities front and centre.
There's no set format and no deadline. Just send it on as soon as it's published, and we'll take it from there.
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Actioning Advocacy
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DFI presents to Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection…and bumps into many other members!
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We were delighted to be invited before the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection to discuss our Budget 2027 submission. Our Policy Advocacy Manager Fleachta Phelan presented alongside DFI member Vision Ireland, as well as AsIAm and Inclusion Ireland.
What we told the Committee
In our input we:
- Called for the UN CRPD to guide Budget decisions
- Highlighted the disproportionate levels of disability poverty and the inadequacy of Disability Allowance
- Emphasised the ongoing and increasing Cost of Disability
- Laid out the strong case to finally introduce the long-called-for Cost of Disability payment
- Made further recommendations on means-testing, employment income disregards and energy poverty
- Shared the stories of four people who had contacted us about the difficulties they face with social protection.
A striking level of consensus
Our colleagues in Inclusion Ireland, AsIAm and Vision Ireland made similar presentations, highlighting poverty and social exclusion, the many extra costs of being disabled, the barriers to securing and retaining employment, and the need to listen to the lived experience of disabled people. The common ground across all four presentations was striking.
We took two rounds of questions from Committee members across all parties, who engaged with detailed, thoughtful and sympathetic questions on a wide range of issues. We hope the Committee's report will support many of our asks, and we'll keep you posted.
A busy day for DFI members
It was a busy day in the Oireachtas for our members. On our way in we bumped into Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, discussing their Budget submission over coffee with Oireachtas members.
 
In another committee room, Mental Health Reform were presenting. And outside the gates we met Family Carers Ireland, taking photos to support their submission. Great to see so many of you out and active.
Watch Fleachta's opening remarks below:
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Meeting with Sinn Féin on Budget 2027
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Our Director of Advocacy Emer Begley and Policy Advocacy Manager Fleachta Phelan met Sinn Féin Head of Policy Miriam Murphy to discuss Budget 2027.
It was a broad and engaged discussion. Miriam expressed support for our key asks and raised detailed questions on funding for services and organisations, independent living, transport and housing.
We also had an absorbing conversation on Cost of Disability, the path to delivering a meaningful and sufficient payment, and the need to address these costs across multiple Departments.
Our advocacy on Budget 2027 continues. We also had meetings with the Social Democrats’ policy lead and disability spokesperson, and also met with Labour’s Head of Policy. Later this month, we are due to meet with the Heads of Policy for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
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Update: monitoring the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People
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Since the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People was published in 2025, the structures to monitor its implementation have been taking shape. Individual government departments lead on the pillars relevant to their areas.
Monitoring Group: second meeting
The second meeting of the Strategy's Monitoring Group took place on 16 July. Chaired by An Taoiseach, the group brings together representatives from umbrella organisations, Disabled Persons' Organisations and senior officials from across government. A number of organisations attending, DFI among them, have collectively sought clarification on how the monitoring structures will work, as these are not yet fully understood.
The meeting also featured a presentation on the Cost of Disability from Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, followed by discussion. Representing DFI, our Director of Advocacy Emer Begley welcomed the Government's commitment to finding solutions on Cost of Disability, while stressing that any new payment or approach must be co-designed with disabled people. She also highlighted that the Cost of Disability cuts across multiple government departments, and suggested each department set out the specific actions it is taking to address it.
First meeting of the Disability Assembly
Earlier in July, DFI CEO Elaine Teague attended the first meeting of the Disability Assembly, chaired by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Bringing together DPOs, civil society organisations and service provider umbrella bodies, the Assembly's role is to provide feedback on progress in implementing the Strategy.
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Self-Advocacy Leaders Network
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The DFI Self-Advocacy Leaders Network brings together leaders, advocates, policy staff, participation officers and coordinators from across the disability sector to share learning, identify priorities and strengthen support for self-advocacy throughout Ireland.
The Network provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and experiences, influence future developments, and work collaboratively to advance self-advocacy and the rights of people with disabilities.
Network meeting – 25 June
Our most recent DFI Self-Advocacy Leaders Network meeting took place on Thursday, 25 June at 11.00am online.
The session focused on employment and disability-related payments, a topic of significant interest to self-advocates, families and organisations across the sector.
We were delighted to welcome:
- Fionn and Jonathan Angus
- Representatives from the Department of Social Protection
The meeting also included a lively discussion, with questions and the sharing of experiences and challenges from across the sector. you can see the presentation here.
Coming up
We have two more Network meetings scheduled for this year:
- 23 September – Changing Places Ireland
- 25 November – HSE Patient / Service User Forum.
If you'd like to attend, get in touch using the details below.
Help shape future self-advocacy supports
We are currently developing a new Self-Advocacy eLearning Programme for Frontline Staff and beginning work to establish a Frontline Self-Advocacy Network later this year.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the knowledge, skills and confidence of staff supporting people with disabilities to exercise choice, have their voices heard and participate fully in decisions that affect their lives.
Two short surveys
To ensure this work reflects the needs of the sector, we are asking for your support with two short surveys.
1. DFI Self-Advocacy Leaders Network survey
This survey will help shape future network meetings, priorities and areas of focus.
Complete the survey: DFI Self-Advocacy Leaders Network – Member and Stakeholder Survey – Fill out form
2. Self-Advocacy eLearning training needs survey for frontline staff
We are asking organisations to share this survey with relevant frontline colleagues. Feedback will directly inform the design and content of the new eLearning programme.
Complete the survey: Self-Advocacy eLearning Training Needs Questionnaire for Frontline Staff – Fill out form.
We need your help
As part of this work, we are also asking organisations to provide the names, roles and email addresses of frontline staff who support people with disabilities in day-to-day practice.
This will help us build connections across the sector, ensure staff are informed about training opportunities and support the development of the new Frontline Self-Advocacy Network.
Why join the network?
By becoming involved in the DFI Self-Advocacy Leaders Network, you can:
- Share and learn from good practice across the sector
- Connect with colleagues working in similar roles
- Contribute to national discussions on self-advocacy
- Influence future priorities, resources and supports
- Help strengthen opportunities for people with disabilities to have their voices heard.
We welcome participation from staff working in leadership, management, advocacy, policy and coordination roles and staff wiorking in our member organisations.
Interested in getting involved?
If you would like to learn more about the DFI Self-Advocacy Leaders Network, attend an upcoming meeting, join the network, or discuss how your organisation can contribute to this work, please get in touch.
Áine O'Sullivan
Community Development Officer
Disability Federation of Ireland
📧 aineosullivan@disability-federation.ie
📱 086 171 7119
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Members Newsfeed
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Member Spotlight: iCARE secures the future of autism services in Inishowen
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This month we're shining a light on DFI member iCARE, which has received planning approval that secures the long-term future of its autism support services in Buncrana.
Donegal County Council has granted retention planning permission for six modular buildings at the Inishowen Children's Autism Related Education (iCARE) centre. The buildings, already in use, provide space for the educational and recreational activities that support autistic children, young people and adults across Inishowen.
A quarter-century of community-led support
iCARE's story is one of parents building what their community needed. Established in 2000 by a small group of parents, the organisation set out to support autistic people and their families while promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers.
It has grown considerably since. The Buncrana centre opened in 2007, and the site was purchased in 2013. In 2020, iCARE launched iADULT, extending dedicated support to autistic adults.
A full week of activities
Today iCARE operates six days a week, Monday to Saturday, running after-school programmes, Saturday clubs and school holiday activities.
It also runs Sonas, a youth club for young people aged 11 and over, giving them space to develop social skills, build friendships and take part in recreational activities in a supportive environment.
For the families who rely on iCARE this means that the space for support is there to stay. We want to congratulate the iCARE team on this milestone and wish them every success as they continue their work across Inishowen.
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Cost of Disability on the agenda at Department of Social Protection pre-Budget forum
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Every year the Department of Social Protection hosts a forum to inform its approach to the annual Budget. DFI attended on 1 July, alongside many other disability and anti-poverty organisations.
With the forum falling on the same day Ireland's EU presidency began, it was a shorter day than usual, but still valuable to be in a room with so many people committed to social justice and reducing poverty.
What the disability workshop agreed
We joined the disability workshop, where the top issue raised again this year was, unanimously, the Cost of Disability payment. The workshop agreed on three key themes:
- Targeted supports, including an interim Cost of Disability payment in Budget 2027, and continued work to co-design a needs-based stepped payment
- Employment barriers, including increasing the income disregard and ending household means-testing
- Income adequacy, covering inflation and cost of living, energy poverty and related issues.
A clear priority in the room, and from the Minister
Cost of Disability also dominated the participant wordcloud when attendees were asked to name their top Budget priority, and it ran through several of the questions put to the Minister.
In his speech earlier that morning, the Minister again indicated that Cost of Disability is his priority this year.
Read more and stay involved
To be kept actively up to date on this area of work, contact fleachtaphelan@disability-federation.ie.
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Disability issues front and centre in EU Commission's 2026 report on Ireland
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In January, DFI took part in a meeting with delegates from the EU Commission, who were visiting Ireland to meet stakeholders as part of their annual report on the country's economic and social development.
In our input we emphasised disability poverty, the extra Cost of Disability, the removal of supports in Budget 2026, and low employment rates. We also raised housing, insufficient services and supports, and other structural barriers to inclusion.
A record year for disability in the EU Semester
Last month the Commission published its 2026 report on Ireland, and we were delighted to see many of the issues we raised reflected in it.
The European Disability Forum's comparison of all EU country reports found 2026 was a record-breaker: disability was referenced 591 times across the reports, with Ireland recording the highest number of mentions (56), alongside Cyprus.
What the Commission highlighted
- High disability poverty and the extra costs disabled people face
- Ireland's low disability employment rate
- The expansion of 'special' schools and classes
- The housing difficulties disabled people face
- An apparent significant drop in Ireland's disability employment gap (from 38.2% to 30.5%), with the Commission questioning whether this reflects a change in methodology or new government measures.
The Commission's recommendations
Among the recommendations in the country report:
- "Adjusting income thresholds across all relevant welfare schemes could help reduce the 'benefits trap' and support higher labour market participation among persons with disabilities"
- "Meaningful progress for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People will require consistent implementation of concrete, targeted measures, underpinned by sufficient funding and supported by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms"
The Country Specific Recommendations most relevant to disabled people are:
- "Ensure that any measures taken to mitigate the impact of the hike in energy prices are temporary, targeted at protecting vulnerable households"
- "Further increase the supply of affordable and social housing, while preventing and reducing housing exclusion of vulnerable groups"
- "Strengthen the labour market and social inclusion of disadvantaged groups by putting in place better targeted outreach and upskilling, and by improving the provision of and facilitating access to social services".
Read more
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Events and Consultations
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Help Shape DFI’s Submission on the Review of the Disability Act
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The Government has launched a public consultation on the review of the Disability Act 2005.
This is the first major review of the Act in more than 20 years and presents an important opportunity to influence disability policy in Ireland.
To help inform DFI's submission to the consultation, we are inviting members to join an online consultation where you can share your experiences, priorities, and recommendations for reform.
DFI Member Consultation
📅 Date: Thursday, 6 August 2026
🕚 Time: 11am to 12.30pm
💻 Venue: Online via Zoom.
Register here.
During the session, we will discuss key issues including:
- The definition of disability
- The Assessment of Need process
- Access to public buildings, information, and services
- Universal design
- Employment in the public sector
- Other areas where the Disability Act could be strengthened.
Your input will help ensure DFI's submission reflects the priorities and lived experiences of our members.
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Government Digital Wallet: sign up for the pilot
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The Government has opened sign-ups for a closed pilot of the Government Digital Wallet, an app for storing and sharing important government documents when accessing supports and services.
We're encouraging disabled people to take part. The design stage is when accessibility needs are most likely to be built in rather than retrofitted. The pilot is an opportunity to shape a service many disabled people will rely on to access supports.
What it does
The wallet allows you to store government documents securely in one place, so you no longer need to carry physical cards, and offers a way to prove your identity when you need to.
Why the pilot matters
The closed pilot is a step in developing the national Government Digital Wallet. Participants will help shape the service before it is rolled out more widely. According to the Government, the pilot allows them to:
- Co-design the final app: participant feedback will directly shape the look, feel and usability of the wallet
- Demonstrate safety and control: showing how the wallet verifies identity while users stay in control of what personal information they share
- Test and strengthen the system: real-world use to refine the technology before wider public rollout
- Put people at the centre: an opportunity to influence how digital public services are designed and delivered in Ireland
How to take part
The pilot is being rolled out in controlled phases, so you may not receive an invitation immediately, but you could be included in a future group as testing expands.
Sign up for the pilot
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Access Media: A series on Disabled Representation in the Irish Media
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Calling all media and communications professionals!
Would you like to learn more about how you can make Irish media more inclusive when it comes to the representation of disabled people?
The Disability Participation News Hub are delighted to once again join forces with Disabled Women Ireland, with the support of Coimisiún na Meán, to raise awareness about how disabled people are represented in Irish media, and how we can all play a part in creating change.
Our Access Media Series aims to connect you with disabled people working behind the scenes, on our screens, and across all forms of media, on the challenges and opportunities in accessing and working in these spaces, and what can be done to further inclusion and representation.
Sessions will take place online from July to November 2026, featuring webinars and panels where you can learn more on the following topics:
- Session 1: Language and Ethical Storytelling
- Session 2: Accessing Production Spaces in Ireland as a Disabled Person
- Session 3: Representation of Disabled People in Irish Journalism
- Session 4: Representation of Disabled People in Irish Film, TV and Broadcast Media
- Session 5: Misinformation and Disinformation in the Media – The Impact on Disabled People.
ISL interpretation will be available for each session.
Register via Eventbrite and spread the word with your networks!
Keep an eye on social media for speaker updates and highlights.
This series is supported by Coimisiún na Meán.
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Call for papers: ISBA 2027 Conference, Galway
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DFI member Ability West has launched the call for papers for the Internation Short Break Association (ISBA) 2027 international conference, bringing together voices from across research, practice and lived experience.
Date: 22–24 June 2027
Venue: Galway, Ireland
Submission deadline: 23 October 2026.
About the conference
The conference will explore how respite can be a bridge to opportunity, inclusion and connection, supporting individuals and families at every stage of life.
Who can submit
Submissions are invited from:
- Researchers and practitioners
- Individuals and families with lived experience
- Community partners and organisations.
Ability West is looking for insights on innovation, inclusion and real-life impact, to help shape the future of support systems.
Submit your abstract.
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Women, we need you: have your say on women's economic lives
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The realities of women's economic lives are too often missing from public conversations about the constitutional future of the island of Ireland. A new research project is gathering evidence on women's economic experiences across the island, and it needs responses
About the research
The National Women's Council is supporting the Women's Economic Lives Research Project, led by National Women's Council Education and Training (NWCET) in partnership with Belfast Women's Assembly and funded by the Shared Island initiative.
The research aims to better understand women's experiences of work, education, housing, financial security and access to services across the island of Ireland.
Who they want to hear from
The project is particularly keen to hear from women from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, to help shape future policy, supports and services. Participation is especially welcome from women living in the West, Midlands and Border counties, where more responses are needed.
Take part
The survey is short and takes only a few minutes. Every response helps build a stronger evidence base for policies and supports that reflect the realities of women's lives.
Take the survey.
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Together in Purpose: A Conference on Personal Growth for Social Impact
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The Sanctuary is hosting an immersive day of workshops, lectures and mindful activities with activist and author Anthea Lawson and neuroscientist Dr Brian Pennie.
Date: Monday 2 November 2026, 9am to 4pm
Venue: Richmond Education and Event Centre, Smithfield, Dublin 7.
About the conference
Inspired by the vision of The Sanctuary's founder Sister Stan, 'Nourishing Personal Growth for Greater Social Impact', this workshop-focused conference invites participants to explore growth as a catalyst for positive social change.
Guided by Anthea Lawson and Dr Brian Pennie, the day offers an interactive space for reflection, dialogue and action. Drawing on their experience in community development, social innovation and values-based leadership, they will support participants in examining how inner transformation can translate into meaningful contributions to society.
Through workshops, collaborative exercises and storytelling, attendees are encouraged to connect their personal aspirations with a broader sense of social responsibility, reimagining personal growth as a shared journey that recognises our collective potential to shape a more just and compassionate world.
The speakers
Anthea Lawson is an activist and writer who has worked on campaigns to shut down tax havens, prevent banks from facilitating corruption and environmental devastation, and control the arms trade.
At Global Witness, she launched a prize-winning campaign that changed the rules on secret company ownership, resulting in new laws in dozens of countries. She has published opinion pieces in the Financial Times, Guardian and New York Times, and essays in Dark Mountain, where she has also worked as an editor.
Dr Brian Pennie is a neuroscientist, resilience expert and speaker. Born in Dublin, he overcame a 15-year heroin addiction in 2013 and went on to study psychology, ultimately earning a PhD in Neuroscience from Trinity College Dublin.
Who it's for
The conference is aimed at people working in the charity and non-profit sectors, and anyone interested in the intersection between personal growth and societal change.
Find out more and book.
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Funding open: UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2026
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The Department of Social Protection has opened applications for funding to support activities marking the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, held each year on 17 October.
Closing date: 14 August 2026.
About the funding
Each year the Department supports small public awareness initiatives run by community and voluntary groups to promote the Day. Funding is open to eligible organisations working with people experiencing poverty at national or local level, and previously approved projects have included work with children, disabled people, women's groups and minority groups.
A broad range of activities will be considered, including artistic and cultural events, exhibitions, public talks and community workshops.
Extra funding this year
The Department is providing additional funding in 2026 to support anti-poverty groups organising activities in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
This reflects the Presidency priorities of competitiveness, security and values, and recognises how social inclusion initiatives strengthen quality of life and living standards across Ireland.
How to apply
Applicants should consult the UN Day Funding Brochure for full details on the events and activities eligible for support.
Read the funding brochure and apply.
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An Eye on Europe
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Project update: IN-HABIT Inclusive Housing
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Work continues on the Erasmus+ IN-HABIT Inclusive Housing project, with DFI leading the research strand across five EU countries. Here's where things stand.
Desk research
DFI developed research guidelines for the five partner countries, and Situation Analysis Reports have now been completed for France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland and Italy. These have been collated into a Transnational Situation Analysis Report, which will feed into the Final State of Play Report due in September.
The findings show striking common ground across all five countries including:
- outdated building regulations
- weak monitoring and enforcement
- a need to move technical design beyond "visitable" to genuinely "liveable" homes.
Deinstitutionalisation remains slow. Waiting lists for supported living and social housing are long, and the wider housing crisis is squeezing supply and affordability everywhere.
Disabled people face particular housing cost overburden. And while policy often reflects the principles of independent living, that doesn't always translate into practice. Local government play a crucial and uneven role, significant gaps in Personal Assistance Services and long-term funding, and a persistent lack of disaggregated data make it hard for providers to identify disabled people's housing needs.
Surveys and focus groups
DFI designed the survey and focus group tools used across all five countries. Ninety-nine people took part in the online surveys, spanning housing professionals, service providers, local authorities, and disabled people and their circles of support.
A focus group held on 1 July brought together 14 participants from all four groups, including Hail, Clúid, Enable Ireland, IWA, and Wicklow, DLR, Sligo and Carlow County Councils, for a lively session that produced valuable qualitative data. The findings from both will sit alongside the desk research in the final report.
Innovative practices
Led by EU housing network Eurhonet, this strand saw all eight project partners evaluate 54 submitted initiatives against a common rubric, covering everything from accessible housing developments and cooperative models to participatory design and digital accessibility tools.
The highest-scoring practice came from the Creating Foundations Housing Support Service in Dublin, led by John Cowman, HSE Housing Co-ordinator (Mental Health), which will feature in a booklet of ten best practices. Aurora in Kilkenny received an honourable mention for its Delivering Decongregation Through Collaboration initiative.
What's next
DFI has been engaging with stakeholders throughout, including those overseeing the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People, and will continue to share updates through our newsletter and social media. Once the final research report is published, DFI will present the findings more widely and develop a political advocacy plan.
The project now moves into its training work package, led by French partner Delphis, which will focus on upskilling housing professionals, service providers and local authority staff in inclusive housing, accessibility and independent living.
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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
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
ADHD Ireland
Alcohol Forum
Bodywhys Ireland
County Roscommon Disability Support Group
Crann Centre CLG
DEBRA Ireland
Dementia Services Information and Development Centre
Disabled Drivers Association
Down Syndrome Ireland
Dyslexia Ireland
Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland
Enable Ireland
Family Carers Ireland
FASD Ireland
Galway Autism Partnership (GAP)
Headway
Huntington's Disease Association of Ireland
iCARE
Irish Haemophilia Society
Irish Guide Dogs for The Blind
Irish Heart Foundation
Irish Kidney Association
Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA)
Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Irish Wheelchair Association
Mental Health Reform
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland
Neurological Alliance of Ireland
North West MS Therapy Centre
Rehab Group
Special Olympics Ireland
Spinal Injuries Ireland
Vision Ireland
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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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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