About Us
About Us
The Disability Participation News Hub is an independent, disabled-led non-profit that centralises disability advocacy news in Ireland.
We believe disabled people should have equal access to information and rights that affect their lives.
We also believe that disabled people are active rights holders and must be included in decision making that affects their lives.
We work to make sure that Disabled People, Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs), activists, advocates and allies are kept up to date to support advocacy and activism.
Our Vision
Our vision is an Ireland where disabled people are recognised and respected as equal rights holders, with their voices and representative organisations at the centre of policy and decision-making.
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect disabled people, their organisations and allies with information, resources and opportunities to participate fully in civic life, shape policy and support advocacy.
What We Do
Our work is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), especially:
Article 8 (Awareness-Raising)
Article 4(3) (Participation & Consultation)
Article 21 (Access to Information)
Article 29 (Participation in political and public life)
Ensuring that Disabled People, DPOs, family members and allies stay up to date on the latest news and consultations.
Supporting and promoting disabled-led advocacy, activism, participation and capacity building.
Creating resources to raise awareness about the UNCRPD and disability rights to build capacity and raise awareness.
Amplifying the work of DPOs, promoting their crucial role in shaping law and policy.
We push for systemic change through:
Information sharing
To support capacity building, connection and participation.Awareness Raising
Of rights, systems, consultations and the work of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs).Promoting co-creation
Through the consultation and active involvement of disabled people, especially through their DPOs.
Why Join Us?
Exclusive Weekly Updates
Stay ahead with the latest advocacy news, consultations and UNCRPD updates.
Community Focussed
We promote the work of Disabled Persons’ Organisations, as well as community news and events.
Opportunities to Connect and Engage
Find consultations, participation opportunities, training and events.
Join Our Community Today!
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here. 📰
The Disability Participation News Hub is a small, disabled-led not for profit organisation.
Paid subscriptions help keep our newsletter free for all and support us to grow 🌱
Got news?
Get in touch — info@disabilityparticipation.ie
Meet the Team!
Nicole Lonican - Founder
Nicole (she/her) is an AuDHDer, parent, and the Founder of the Disability Participation News Hub.
Nicole has a background in law, advocacy and training, with a focus on community, access and capacity building.
She believes strongly that everyone should have equal access to information that affects their lives, and access to justice where rights are denied.
Nicole also believes that we must acknowledge the intersectionality of the disabled community, and that all advocacy should work to support those facing multiple forms of systemic oppression.
Nicole founded the Disability Participation News Hub to bridge the gap in advocacy when it comes to information sharing and centralisation, promoting disabled-led advocacy, and supporting activism in all forms.
Contact: nicole@disabilityparticipation.ie
Angela Locke Reilly - Chairperson
Sonia Rennicks - Director & Finance Officer
Sonia Rennicks is the Children’s Bereavement Manager with the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network (ICBN), a partnership between the Irish Hospice Foundation and Tusla. She leads national programmes that strengthen how bereaved children and young people are supported across health, education and community services through training, standards development, advocacy and collaboration.
Sonia is AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) and is passionate about disability rights, neurodiversity, accessibility and meaningful participation. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, she advocates for more inclusive services, environments and information that enable disabled people to participate fully in society.
Sonia is also an artist and weaves creativity into every aspect of her life and work. She believes creative thinking is central to innovation, problem-solving and making information more engaging, accessible and inclusive.
She holds postgraduate qualifications in Children’s Loss, Mental Health Promotion, and Leadership and Management, and has been recognised nationally for her work in health promotion, innovation and inclusion. Alongside her professional work, Sonia is a Director and Board Member of Cats Trust Adoption and Protection CLG, where she supports the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of vulnerable cats. A lifelong cat lover, she is passionate about animal welfare and believes compassion should extend to both people and animals.
As a Board Member of the Disability Participation News Hub, Sonia is committed to championing accessible information and inclusive communication, amplifying disabled voices, and supporting the meaningful participation of disabled people in decisions that affect their lives.
Christine O’Mahony - Director
My name is Christine O’Mahony, I have ADHD, I am an activist, Black & Irish (Jamaican/Irish) who is also part of the LGBT+ Community. I have a background in law and currently work as a journalist (both paper and radio), clinical legal support officer, and will be pursuing a PHD in Sociology in September. I have set up my own non-profit, Mullingar 4 All CLG, with aims to integrate migrants in the Mullingar and surrounds area. I also volunteer as a director with the Disability Participation News Hub and I am the Chairperson of Heartlands Pride Athlone and Longford-Westmeath Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Emma Ward - Director
Emma Ward is a disabled Irish Traveller, freelance journalist, disability rights activist, public speaker and content creator who is dedicated to breaking barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices. Her work centers on disability, intersectional identity, and social justice.
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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.
