Elaine Teague @disabilityfed.bsky.social highlighted the need to rethink how we define #care & support. Support is a right — care is built on relationships. People with disabilities ask for support, not care. A whole-of-society approach, inclusion & co-design are key to independent living.

Our Community Development Officer Laura O’Callaghan took part in a panel at the 4th Annual National Civic Forum in Cork with Wicklow County Council and DISC member James O’Brien, highlighting how collaboration drives disability inclusion in Wicklow.

The National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030 has been launched. The strategy is a step forward for the 300,000 people in Ireland affected by rare conditions. It focuses on access equitable, inclusive, and person-centred care. Read the strategy: rebrand.ly/dueelx2

We welcome Ireland’s 10th President, Catherine Connolly. We were delighted to hear President Connolly's pledge to build “a republic where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished.” We look forward to playing our part in building that fairer, more inclusive Ireland.

We welcomed Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD to our Strategic General Meeting to discuss how Ireland’s new National Disability Human Rights Strategy will be delivered. Together, we’re working to turn its promises into real change. Read more here: rebrand.ly/92ypvqp

Ireland’s first National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People is a big step forward, but will it deliver real change? Our new Plain English Brief breaks down what’s positive, what’s missing and what must happen next. Read it here 👉https://rebrand.ly/yxg1asu

We’re proud to support #AdultSafeguardingDay 2025, led by Safeguarding Ireland. This year’s theme is Rights and Assisted Decision-Making to making sure everyone’s voice is respected and supported. Find out more: bit.ly/3WLzw8j

💥Our October newsletter highlights include: 🔹 #Budget2026 🔹 Workshop on Poverty & Cost of Disability 🔹 #CountTheCostOfDisability campaign 🔹 Oireachtas Committee on AI 🔹 Donegal CIL’s “Put Us To Work” 📰 Read: bit.ly/48Xo3Kb

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy. Sr Stan shone a light on the needs of those pushed to the margins of society, Ireland has lost a true voice of compassion and conviction. Her tireless advocacy changed lives and inspired generations.

Our Director of Advocacy Emer Begley and Policy and Advocacy Officer Charlotte Olhausen told the Oireachtas Committee on AI that Ireland’s approach must be rooted in human rights, equality and accessibility. Learn more: bit.ly/49iYW4z

#CountTheCostOfDisability #UNInternationalDayForTheEradicationOfPoverty ~ Living with a disability involves significant costs. It's time to make it clear that people with disabilities need additional financial support to thrive. @disabilityfed.bsky.social

Today is the National Disability Authority's Annual Conference. Today’s discussions focus on the barriers and on how we can work together to find real solutions to ensure equal rights to family life for disabled people in Ireland. Find out more: bit.ly/492ddm4

Budget 2026: Step change promised. Step back delivered. ✅ €619m boost for disability services welcome and overdue. ❌ One-off Cost of Disability supports cut. Disabled people lose up to €1,264 in supports this year. 🔗 Full statement: bit.ly/4mYAfxn

It’s #Budget Day. People with disabilities can’t wait for real action. DFI calls for: ✅€55 Cost of Disability payment ✅ Investment in supports ✅ Multi-annual, sustainable funding for services ✅ Action on poverty and exclusion. Read our submission: bit.ly/4gTBGMf

“These payments help me live a better life, they’re very important.” John Doyle Cutting disability supports in #Budget2026 without replacement would take away essentials from people like John. That’s not spare cash, it’s what keeps life going. Read more: bit.ly/4gTBGMf

📢 The NDA is inviting people to take part in the evaluation of the HSE Personalised Budgets Demonstration Project. If you're a current budget holder in the project, if you've applied or if you withdrew prior to applying, please contact: [email protected] to participate.

That's a wrap on #MakeWayDay25 and a reminder that every day is an opportunity to Make Way. A huge thanks to everyone who shared photos and helped push the message into our communities. 📷 Listen to our CEO Elaine Teague on RTÉ Drivetime here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...

🚨Just one day to go until #MakeWayDay25! Tomorrow, people will be highlighting the everyday obstacles that block access for disabled people to our streets and footpaths. Friday, 26 September Share what you see using #MakeWayDay25 Learn more: makewayday.com

Our September newsletter spotlights: 💠 National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030 💠 Budget 2026 💠 Make Way Day 25 💠 Disability and AI 💠 Policy updates, events and more. 📰 Read newsletter: bit.ly/3W2iC4K 📥 Subscribe: bit.ly/432FeXP

Inclusion Ireland and the Inclusive Living Network present 'Paving our Path Together: A Family Journey of Vision and Legacy’. 📅 4 October ⏰ 10am to 4.30pm 📍 Radisson Blu, Athlone. Find out more and register here: bit.ly/3VlVEFE

🚨 One Week to Go! 🚨 Friday 26 September is #MakeWayDay25 We remind everyone that small obstacles create big barriers for people with disabilities. If you spot obstacles in your community, share photos/videos to #MakeWayDay25. Learn more: lnkd.in/ekFV_fk

Take action for #Budget26! Our Budget 2026 toolkit makes it easy to contact TDs, with ready-made messages and every TD’s X handle. We’re calling for a Cost of Disability Payment, fair funding and equality-proofing. 👉 bit.ly/3Kq3dIY #DeliverTheStepChange

Derval McDonagh of Inclusion Ireland challenges the Government to get serious about a step change for disabled people and their families. It’s time for rights, respect, and real solutions. Read the full opinion piece in the Journal: bit.ly/3I2XkRr #DeliverTheStepChange

👩‍🦼Hey, this blocks my way! Make Way Day is on Friday 26 September! Obstacles like bins, bikes, and parked cars can block paths and obstruct people with disabilities. That's why we're calling on everyone to get involved this #MakeWayDay25 Find out more: bit.ly/3Ia7K1F

📢 Have your say on Ireland’s new National Obesity Strategy. The Department of Health wants your views to help shape a new strategy to support healthier living, prevention, and treatment. Closes: 18 September 2025 🔗 Take part here: bit.ly/45xCGjN

New report by @belong-to.bsky.social‬ and @tcddublin.bsky.social highlights the intersection of disability, gender, and sexual orientation. 70% of LGBTQI+ individuals report a disability, with higher rates of mental distress. Read more: bit.ly/3HiGzBk

📢 Our July newsletter is out now! Spotlight on: ✅ Pre-Budget Submission 26 ✅ Alternative UN CRPD review ✅ Oireachtas Committee input ✅ Diversity and inclusion Stay informed 👉 bit.ly/4ff5F0u Subscribe 👉 bit.ly/432FeXP

Two-thirds of Irish leaders say diversity efforts improve workplaces. But with US pressure mounting, including warnings from the US Embassy in Dublin, Ireland must not roll back on diversity programmes. Read our article here: bit.ly/4m7ZBch

Our call for action in #Budget2026 is featured in today’s @irishexaminer 👇 We’re demanding real investment in services, income and supports. 🔗 Read our pre-Budget submission: bit.ly/4ly5Cze 📖 Read the Examiner article: bit.ly/44G7HTO

We’ve launched our Pre-Budget Submission 2026. The new Programme for Government promised a new era for disabled people. 2026 must be the moment they Deliver the Step Change. Read our pre-Budget submission: bit.ly/4ly5Cze #DeliverTheStepChange #DisabilityBudget26

We were were honoured to facilitate this 'Media Training for Advocates' workshop here at DFI towers! There was so much energy in the room for this session on uplifting the voices and lived experience of people with disabilities to campaign for important issues that impact them.

Help shape our sector. The government is developing a new strategy for our sector. Let’s make sure it delivers: ✅ Sustainable funding ✅ Cross-government collaboration ✅ Integrated working ✅ Stronger social cohesion. Deadline: 15 Aug Take part: bit.ly/46oaq5m

Make a real difference in a young person’s life. @YAPIreland is hiring advocates in Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Limerick and more. €16.52/hr | Flexible, meaningful work. Apply by 6 July 👉 bit.ly/4l6ckvR

From tomorrow, key products and services in the EU must be accessible under the European Accessibility Act. This is a big step, but not the finish line. We’re improving our own digital services to align with standards and best practices. Read more: bit.ly/4lxcixc

Our CEO Elaine Teague joins Dara Ryder from Ahead Ireland, Karen Chadwick and Siobhán Mungovan in the @irishexaminer.bsky.social to highlight real barriers and pathways for disabled people in work. Read more: bit.ly/40ptgoR

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacqui Browne, a fearless advocate and lifelong champion for disability rights. Her voice inspired change and her legacy will live on. Rest in peace Jacqui.

🏳️‍🌈 As Pride Month draws to a close, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the visibility, dignity and rights of all disabled LGBTQIA+ people and the wider LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Pride.

A UN CRPD Alternative Report for Ireland was compiled by six leading disability organisations Findings: Housing crisis is locking people out PA supports stretched Poverty & Cost of Disability rising Lowest disability employment rate in the EU Read more: bit.ly/3HWML1N

DFI's June Newsletter is here! Spotlight on: 🔹 CRPD panel at our AGM 🔹 DFI at UN COSP & Economic Dialogue 🔹 Member milestones and media impact 🔹 Local to global advocacy 📰 Read: bit.ly/3G1Eau8 📩 Subscribe: bit.ly/432FeXP

DFI members Westmeath CIL marked 25 years of supporting independent living. They’ve delivered 1,000+ hours of personal support weekly, empowering disabled people to live with dignity and choice. Read more: bit.ly/4leL6D6

Our AGM, looked back on a year of momentum and action. 7 yrs post-ratification, our panel discussion called for urgent UNCRPD implementation and leadership by disabled people. Disability is on the agenda, let’s keep it there. Read our annual report: bit.ly/4jYURo0

Today in Ireland, 1,249 people under 65 years live in nursing homes Joe Condon of Early Onset Parkinson's Disease Ireland, a DFI member, highlights the crisis of younger people with #EOPD in nursing homes. Read more here: bit.ly/4l5grIe

Good to hear @micheal-martin.bsky.social acknowledge that while people are working hard to support disabled people, the system is not delivering. “We can and we will do better”. He promises the soon to be published National Disability Strategy will deliver change. #NED25

🌟 The Virtual Career Fair: Working in Disability Services is accessible until 14 June. Take a few minutes to explore a world of rewarding career opportunities across the HSE Ireland and partner organisations on your schedule. Login here: hsedisabilityservice.vfairs.com

📢 Join us for a webinar on Financial Autonomy & Safeguarding 🗓️28 May, 10am–12:30pm 💻Online Hear from experts on how to support people with disabilities to manage their finances with the right safeguards. 🔗 Register: bit.ly/3ZqFfSx

Too many disabled people are forced to choose between independence and income. DFI Policy Advocacy Manager Fleachta Phelan in the Letters page of the Irish Examiner highlighting how means-testing denies people with disabilities their supports. Read more: bit.ly/4dydi1e

Welcome Usher Syndrome Ireland! We’re proud to spotlight @usherireland.org. This organisation supports people with a rare genetic condition that causes combined hearing and vision loss. We're thrilled to have them in the DFI network. Read more: bit.ly/4iVfdxF

📢 Help shape the future of inclusive entrepreneurship in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland is gathering insights from under-represented communities to better understand barriers to accessing business supports. 📝 Anonymous and confidential. 👉 Take the questionnaire: www.alojo.ie/barriers

🎉We're delighted to welcome Dementia Services Information and Development Centre (DSiDC) as a DFI Member. Based at St James’s Hospital, DSiDC is leading the way in dementia care, education and advocacy. We're proud to have them on board. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/43oDCqY

🎧 New podcast We follow how people with lived experience of disability are shaping adult day services. Hear from lived experience advocate, Robin Wynne, Martina Lanigan (HSE), & Bernadette Frain (Western Care) on co-production in action. Listen here: bit.ly/44Y78F6