Opportunities Hub - About

The Opportunities Hub advertises employment opportunities related to rights, access and participation across Ireland.

Interested in advertising a role?
Contact our team at info@disabilityparticipation.ie to request a quote or learn more about our advertising packages.

Please note that acceptance of an advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Disability Participation News Hub of the advertising organisation, its services or its activities.

To learn more about this featured role, please contact the advertising organisation through the contact details provided in the advertisement below.

Disability Federation of Ireland - Advocacy Engagement Coordinator – Disabled Persons Coalition

Job Description

Position: Advocacy Engagement Coordinator – Disabled Persons Coalition (Part time role, 3 days per week)

Tenure: 2-year fixed term contract

Organisation: Disability Federation Ireland (DFI)

Location: The role is based in the main office of DFI in Dublin City Centre. It is a hybrid working role, with a blend of in-person and remote working.

DFI can accommodate flexible working hours; the successful candidate must be available to work out of normal working hours to facilitate evening meetings.
The position may entail occasional travel

Reporting to: Emer Begley, Director of Advocacy

Salary: €29,216 for 3 days per week.

Find the full job description in PDF format here.

Overview of DFI

Our mission as a federation is to work with our members, disabled people, allies, and the state to drive full inclusion and equity.

Our vision is an Ireland where disabled people shape their own lives and take part in their community with equality, inclusion and independence.

Our five values guide how we work: Respect, Inclusion, Fairness, Empowerment, and Collaboration

More information about DFI can be found at www.disability-federation.ie

DFI is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Role Purpose

We are seeking a suitably qualified person to fill this exciting new role of Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator. The role will focus on the coordination of the Disabled Persons’ Coalition, which is a new programme, in line with our new Strategic Plan.

The aim of the Coalition is to provide and coordinate a platform to identify, inform, and drive issues of relevance to disabled people. The coalition will include a diverse group of disabled people who identify and campaign on issues relating to disability equality and rights.

The Coalition will be facilitated by DFI, providing secretariat support, facilitation, and other tasks to enable its successful running.

To commence this critical work, we are seeking a motivated person to coordinate and support the work of the Coalition. The coordinator will work with the Coalition on developing an annual workplan and supporting delivery of the plan throughout the year.

The Coalition is self-directed while connected into DFI governance structures. It will operate with a strong working relationship with DFI and in partnership with DFI’s advocacy programmes. It will work closely with DFI programmes across policy, communications and membership. In addition, the Coalition will build strong working relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders.

Context for the New Role

The role is being filled in conjunction with DFI’s Strategic Plan. It will support implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; specifically in line with Article 29 - to promote actively an environment in which persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in the conduct of public affairs, without discrimination and on an equal basis with others, and encourage their participation in public affairs.

The context for the role is also guided by Article 4 ‘General Observations’ of the UN CRPD. In particular Article 4.3 where it states, “in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the present Convention, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities, States Parties shall closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities, through their representative organizations.”

The role will also support commitments in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People under Pillar 3, Commitment 9 – Participation in Public and Political Life “to enable disabled people to have meaningful engagement in political life and public fora and to actively engage in elections on an equitable basis as citizens”.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The core responsibilities of this role are to:

• work initially with a group of disabled people to co-design the structure and function of the Coalition, including development of its Terms of Reference.

• play a key role in establishing the Coalition, and determining the format and processes connected to it.

• work collaboratively with Coalition members to develop annual work plans, agree advocacy goals, and review their progress throughout the year.

• provide inclusive secretariat support for the Coalition, including organising meetings, induction of new members, preparing documentation and other materials as required; support the preparation of accessible documentation and materials.

• facilitate the effective operation of the Coalition by fostering a positive, inclusive and collaborative working environment for members.

• build and manage relationships with external stakeholders to build trust in the Coalition as an effective and informative group to influence disability policy.

• undertake advocacy activities to promote the Coalition’s priorities.

• work closely with DFI colleagues to ensure partnership based relationships.

• collate and present relevant information on the policy and rights landscape (as relevant to the Coalition advocacy priorities) ensuring members are informed on emerging opportunities and ongoing issues.

• support the ongoing development of meaningful lived experience engagement and participation across DFI.

• identify opportunities for the Coalition and provide support to Coalition members in related activities.

• support Coalition members to enhance their political participation in line with the UN CRPD.

This job description is intended as a summary of the core responsibilities of the role. It is not inclusive of all duties as relevant to the role.

Role requirements and criteria:

Candidates must have:

• a minimum of three years’ experience working in a relevant field, promoting and progressing a rights agenda.

• a relevant degree, or relevant lived experience or professional experience in a related field.

• a strong understanding of disability rights, the social model of disability and the barriers faced by disabled people.

• experience of working collaboratively, with diverse groups and individuals.

• experience in facilitating groups.

• experience in building relationships.

• experience of coordinating events and projects.

• excellent organisational and administrative skills.

• strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• experience of working on multiple tasks/projects at the same time.

• experience of working as part of a virtual team.

• a willingness to work flexible hours.

How to Apply

A cover letter and CV should be sent to jobs@disability-federation.ie

The closing date for applications is Monday 10th August.

Applications are treated with the strictest of confidence. A shortlisting process may be undertaken. Applications received after the stated closing date will not be considered.

Please note that the role will be subject to Garda Vetting.

For any queries relating to this role please contact emerbegley@disability-federation.ie in advance of the closing date

It is expected that interviews will be held on the 25th/26th August.

DFI is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations, so that we can support disabled people to participate in this recruitment and selection process.

Please contact us at jobs@disability-federation.ie to let us know if you require reasonable accommodations in the selection process, and we will provide these to meet your needs, insofar as possible.

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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

Call for input: Annual thematic study on the rights of persons with disabilities – twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Deadline: 01 September 2026

The OHCHR is preparing an annual thematic study on the rights of persons with disabilities to mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“The study will examine lessons learned and challenges in the development of human rights standards and norms over the past twenty years, including how these have been reflected in legislation, policy and institutional frameworks, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities.

The study will draw on data, evidence and illustrative examples of progress, good practices and remaining challenges.

OHCHR invites States, national human rights institutions, regional organizations, civil society organizations, including organizations of persons with disabilities, academia, international organizations and other relevant stakeholders to submit written contributions.”

🔗 Find full details and how to make a submission here.

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☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

Opportunities Hub - About

The Opportunities Hub advertises employment opportunities related to rights, access and participation across Ireland.

All advertisements include key information to support transparent recruitment, including salary, work pattern, location, application method and closing date.

Please note that acceptance of an advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Disability Participation News Hub of the advertising organisation, its services or its activities.

Interested in advertising a role?
Contact our team at info@disabilityparticipation.ie to request a quote or learn more about our advertising packages.

Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

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Latest Newsletter Our Now!

This week, we are continuing to keep you up to date with consultations, Oireachtas ongoings, calls for participation & much more.

Catch up on our 8th July edition here.

Are you signed up for our free weekly newsletter?

Every Wednesday, we share the latest disability advocacy news with 400+ readers in our free newsletter to support information sharing, participation and advocacy.

This newsletter isn’t shared through our Substack, but you can sign up here to have it delivered to you every week.

Subscribe now

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📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image: a red graphic with text reading: “Report Launch. The Disability Act 2005 at 21: Reflecting, Reforming, Reimagining. Date & Time: 25th June 2026, 11am-1pm. Location: The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7, D07 CR20. Scan the QR code to register.]

Dear Reader,

We have been asked to share the below invitation with you for the launch of a timely report on The Disability Act 2005 by Prof Shivaun Quinlivan & Dr Charles O’Mahony .

Given the ongoing consultation on the Act itself (see our live consultation page for links), this may be of interest to you and your networks.

Please note that limited spaces are available and the event is in person only.

Deadline to register is today, 19th June at 5pm.

“We are now delighted to invite you to the launch of our report, The Disability Act 2005 at 21: Reflecting, Reforming, Reimagining.

The launch will take place from 11am to 1pm on Thursday the 25th of June 2026 at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Event Space, 16–22 Green Street, Dublin 7.

The report brings together legal and policy analysis, findings from our national survey that sought to capture the perspectives shared by disabled people, Disabled Persons’ Organisations, advocates, policymakers, academics, and service providers. It also reflects the rich discussions that took place during our conference last December and identifies key priorities for reform as the Government considers changes to the Disability Act 2005.

To register for the event, please complete the registration form at the following link:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hrHjE0bEq0qcbZq5u3aBbBWvcegUnABMoK9xwR0z2LtUNk1KTEJSTEIzTlBaMVc0UURXR1BHS05XMC4u

The deadline for registration is Friday the 19th of June 2026 at 5pm."

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led, not for profit organisation.

www.disabilityparticipation.ie

info@disabilityparticipation.ie

[Image: a rectangular graphic with a pink and purple faded background and white stars scattered around the image. Text reads: News Hub Book Club. Our read this month “Contentious Spaces by Rosaleen McDonagh”. Date: 27 June. Time: 7pm. Venue: Zoom. Register via Eventbrite. A QR code along with the logos for the West Midlands Credit Union and Disability Participation News Hub are along the bottom of the graphic.]

Join Session #2 of the News Hub Book Club!

Join us from the comfort of your own home for our second News Hub Book Club Session!

Our News Hub Book Club is a celebration of disabled authors, writers, poets and creators.

Disabled people and allies are all welcome to join us for these relaxed online sessions.
Come along to share your thoughts on this month’s read and connect with others.

Our read this month:
“Contentious Spaces” by Rosaleen McDonagh

“Contentious Spaces is the debut novel from acclaimed Irish writer, playwright and performer Rosaleen McDonagh.

The Traveller families who live in Saint Rita’s are on borrowed time. In just a week they will be evicted by the local council, threatening not only their homes but also their history and the stories that have shaped them. Charlene, a proud young beoir suffers a humiliating betrayal. Her mother, Kate, is left to navigate unbearable loss while holding the family together. Her cousin, Sheena, strives to find her place in a new environment that is quick to dismiss her. Her uncle Tommy fights despair as his teenage son spirals out of control.

As eviction day draws closer, the families struggle to preserve their dignity, finding strength in one another as they navigate an unknown future. Unflinching, Contentious Spaces is a haunting story about identity and loyalty, shame and resilience, grief and love, and the defiant power of voices that refuse to be silenced.”

Find “Contentious Spaces” here.
Don’t forget to check your library for availability too!

Please note: There is no guest speaker for this session.
There’s also no pressure to have read the novel to attend. You can choose any of Rosaleen’s work, or come along and chat about what you have recently been reading.

Book Club Details

Date: Saturday, 27th June
Time: 7pm -8pm
Venue: via Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration: Register through our Eventbrite page
or email info@disabilityparticipation.ie.

Access Information

*ISL interpretation available - please note that if ISL is not requested within 7 days of the event, it may be cancelled.
*Closed Captions available via Zoom
*Cameras optional
*No one will be asked to read aloud or speak during the session

Please reach out to our team at info@disabilityparticipation.ie for any access needs we can support with.

Note:
*Please also note that this is an LGBTQIA+ inclusive, anti-racist and neuroaffirming space.
*Spaces for this event are capped to allow for engagement and facilitation of the sessions - make sure you book your space!

We are grateful to West Midlands Credit Union for their support on this series.

Head over to our website to learn more about our work: www.disabilityparticipation.ie

You can also donate to support our work here.

Subscribe now

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☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

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💥 Our latest edition is out now!

We’ll be taking a short break next week, so wishing you all a happy Easter.🐣

Enjoy this edition, which is packed with updates and should keep you ticking over with news until we return on the 15th April.

📰 https://mailchi.mp/disabilityparticipation/disability-participation-news-hub-newsletter-6753744

Support us by sharing this edition with a friend, group chat, colleague, or your team’s Slack!

Subscribe now

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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image: logo for Sligo DPO]

Sligo Disabled Persons’ Organisation brings complaint about Sligo County Council to the Ombudsman

“Last week, the Sligo Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO) registered a complaint against the Sligo County Council with the Ombudsman.

The complaint concerns the consultation process for the Draft Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Scheme.

DPO Secretary, Aisling Smith, who is also a member of the Public Participation Network (PPN) Secretariat explained, “SPCs are the main committees where the Council gets community feedback about plans and policies. Sligo DPO is part of the PPN Social Inclusion College so these social inclusion seats are how we have our voices heard on the plans and policies that affect us”

DPO Chairperson Ruth Flood said, “We made a reasonable request for a PPN social inclusion voice on every SPC. When this request was refused, we wrote to the council more than once to ask, ‘why?’ but they refused to answer that question. This took our members down a long process of back and forth with the Council, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, a formal complaint to the Council, and ultimately an ombudsman complaint. This is a testament to the tenacity of Sligo DPO members in realising our rights but it’s absurd the lengths our members must go to get a simple answer to a simple question. Community voices should be listened to, and where not, we are entitled to understand the reason for it.

“Specifically, the FOI showed that there were 19 submissions to this consultation. The guidance for the Consultation said that the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) and the Council Executive was supposed to review the submissions and make any amendments. Instead, the Council Executive reviewed the submissions and made amendments alone. The first time the CPG and the councillors saw any of the submissions was one working day before they were asked to approve the new draft scheme. This is an exercise of executive dictatorship where decisions are rubber-stamped rather than the mindful consideration that the process guidance required.”

Sligo DPO public relations officer, Pippa Black referenced the United Nations Convention on the rights of disabled people saying, “We have the right to be consulted, through our representative organisations on matters that affect us. We took this to the Ombudsman because we have a right to participate in these decisions and to see our recommendations reflected in the outcome of decision-making processes. When that does not happen, we have a right to reasons. This was completely denied throughout this process

“These SPCs exist to support community involvement in Council policy-making. And yet, the way this consultation itself was carried out, the Council executive has demonstrated its disregard for meaningful public consultation as well as showing a level of disrespect for the volunteer time put into making these submissions in good faith. We hope the Ombudsman will hold the Council to a higher standard for consultation and remind them of their duty to uphold our UN Convention rights.”

Keep up to date with Sligo DPO’s work here.
You can contact Sligo DPO by emailing: sligodpo@gmail.com

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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image: A graphic with a black background featuring the words “Spotlight Series” in colourful, cut-out magazine-style letters. Below, white text reads: “Getting to know Ireland’s activists, advocates and allies.” Images beneath this text include a megaphone, an open book, flowers, and a Disability Pride flag. The Disability Participation News Hub logo appears in the bottom right corner.]

💡Coming Soon: Activist Spotlight Series

We are on a mission to get to know and highlight Ireland’s activists, advocates and allies!

Each month, we will aim the spotlight on incredible changemakers working to advance the human rights of disabled people across Ireland.

Our first “Spotlight” will be released this Friday to our paid subscribers on Substack, and then made available in our Wednesday newsletter for all next week.

You can become a paid subscriber by clicking the “Subscribe Now” button below.
Your support helps us keep the lights on as a small non profit powered by volunteers.

Make sure you are signed up to our weekly Wednesday newsletter for more advocacy updates and news.

We’ll be in touch soon! ✨

Subscribe now

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🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image: A graphic with a navy, pink and white curved background. The Disability Participation News Hub logo appears at the bottom left, with a megaphone illustration on the right and the website shown along the bottom. Text reads: “Latest edition out now! Consultations, advocacy updates and more. www.disabilityparticipation.ie”]

📢 Our latest edition is out now!

This edition includes updates on consultations, CRPD elections, ongoings in the Oireachtas, and much more!

We also have a little reminder about our online Book Club, which kicks off next month 📚

Next week, we’ll be launching an exciting new monthly series…keep an eye on our website and socials for more!

📰 Catch up on our latest edition here

More over on www.disabilityparticipation.ie 🔗

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📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image: a rectangular graphic with a pink and yellow faded background. Text reads: “Latest edition out now! Consultations, UNCRPD Updates, News Round Up, Calls for Participation, Oireachtas Access, DPO News, News Hub Book Club! www.disabilityparticipation.ie. An illustration of a megaphone is in the bottom left hand corner and the Disability Participation News Hub logo is in the top left hand corner.]

📬 Our latest edition is out now!

Catch up on Consultations, Oireachtas Updates, DPO News and much more.

We’ve also launched out News Hub Book Club! 📚✨

🔗 Find this week’s edition here.

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

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💥 We’re back!

After a week off, we are back with a jam-packed edition and catching you up on news, events and activism updates taking place across Ireland.

A special thanks to all who have kept us in the loop and sent in news for this edition as we settle back in - always a group effort!

📰 Catch up here: https://mailchi.mp/disabilityparticipation/disability-participation-news-hub-newsletter-6753357

Sign up to have it delivered to you every week 📬https://mailchi.mp/3ce7ca8f3fc3/disability-participation-news-hub

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image: Blue and pink graphic titled “CEDAW Update”. Text reads: “Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Call for comments – Draft general recommendation on gender stereotypes. Deadline: 6th May 2026.” UN logo in the centre, megaphone illustration on the left, Disability Participation News Hub logo and website (www.disabilityparticipation.ie) at the bottom]

CEDAW Update

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) want to hear from you as they create a draft general recommendation on gender stereotypes.

Deadline to make a submission: 6th April 2026

More details on submission requirements here.

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

The first poem, “Breaking Silence”, encouraged our participants at the event to share their stories and boldly name their experiences in a space with their peers, where they would be heard and respected.

An Irish Sign Language (ISL) translation of the poem is available below as well as an audio version read by Alice.

Alice created a second poem titled “Eradicating Poverty”, inspired by the discussions, artwork and participant feedback from the event.

You’ll find this poem below in text and audio format, also read by Alice.

We are so grateful to the participants and volunteers who took part on the day and shared their reality and what is needed to create change.

A huge thank you to Alice for so beautifully capturing the discussions and energy of the event and creating these pieces for us to share with you.

We hope that this International Women’s Day they serve as a reminder of the power of creating these bold and honest spaces, where disabled women and people are leading change.

Follow Disabled Women Ireland here and keep up with their work on the DWI website.
Find Alice over on Instagram @theautisticpoetess.

Find more highlights from this event, including artwork and participant feedback over on our Disabled Women & Poverty Page.

Breaking Silence

By Alice Doyle

The universe honours brave.
Today, if you share who you are,
the costs of disability,
the costs of exclusion
or the barriers to your employment
for the first time,
the second or the tenth,
we will witness your courage
and hear your words.
Being who we are
in a an ever tightening
neuronormative world
is living courage.

There are so many people,
spaces and places that seek
to diminish our unique voices,
to control and define the boundaries
in which we exist,
the way in which we live,
to determine the limits of our needs,
the level of supports,
the finance available or lack thereof,
the levels of accessibility
that could enable us
or disable us to participate
fully and easily in all parts of life.

We are women.
We are disabled women
and non-binary people.
Our needs matter.
Our autonomy matters.
We can determine our own truth.
If or when we need support, we can ask.
Supports need to meet us where we are.
They need to be appropriate, timely,
available and easily accessible.
Let us name the supports we need.
Let us speak about
the cost of disability and gender,
about parenting, disability and gender
about enabling financial independence
for disabled women and non-binary people.

Let us share our lived experiences,
name the obstacles we meet,
the systemic barriers,
the infringements on our liberty,
the fences we must climb
or tear down just to be.
Let us name the everyday invisible sufferings,
the tasks that challenge us,
the barriers that fence us out
of employment and of full participation in life.
Let us name the words that harm us,
gaslight us and reduce our beings
to depersonalised, voiceless statistics.

For in silence, we suffer invisibly.
So, let us name the effects of poverty
and the opportunities for change.
For when named,
we see them more clearly.
And when seen,
a new beginning becomes possible,
change becomes imaginable
and a different future
can be envisioned for all.

ISL Interpretation of “Breaking Silence” by Alice Doyle

Audio Version of “Breaking Silence” by Alice Doyle

Word Doc Version of “Breaking Silence” by Alice Doyle

🔗 Find the Word Doc version of Breaking Silence here.

Eradicating Poverty

By Alice Doyle

To eradicate poverty, we must see it clearly,
understand what it is and how it happens in the context of
the cost of disability and gender,
the cost of parenting, disability and gender
and enabling financial independence
for disabled women and non-binary people.

Poverty and exclusion exist within the lines drawn by others.
These lines are often shaped by decisions made
by those who are not poor or, sometimes,
by those with no experience of disability.
Every choice, every plan, every decision made by others
without core experience and understanding of the lives
of disabled women and non-binary people
has the potential to cause more damage,
to raise the barriers to full participation in life
and to increase the unseen costs of exclusion.

I listened to the words you shared.
I see and experience the decisions made by others,
how they shape, separate and divide us,
how they limit our full access to life,
to care, to work and to facilities
and how they deny equality.

I see how within those lines,
our core truth and experience lie hidden.
How its shape is defined and languaged by others,
how its expression lacks a permission slip,
a witness or audience that fully hears
who and how we are and what we need.
These lines cause poverty.
Each line shapes differently,
each affects a chapter of a life
which bears the cost of exclusion.

True equality begins with financial freedom, choice and autonomy.
These lines can create their own structure and shape,
can determine their own future,
pick their pen, choose their ink,
when to write and when to stop.
We, however, have had to choose what we can afford,
while others limit what we can access.
Choice is often a luxury that lies outside our lines.
The lens through which we see and experience
our world is limited by poverty.

Let us name the additional costs
that disabled women and non-binary people
face compared with non-disabled people.
The additional costs of housing, gender related medical care,
transport, education, heating, PA support
and of trying to stay safe.
The further costs of older age, of living alone,
of paying for everyday household tasks to be done.
The mental and physical health effects of isolation,
of neither being listened to nor seen
and of experiencing digital exclusion.

Let us name the impacts of disability and gender.
That disability and gender are fundamental
to how we experience inequality.
How because of gendered expectations of behaviour,
disabled women don’t want to be seen as the problem.
That how we live as women is affected by sexism and misogyny
and how intersectional marginalisations result in
further discrimination, disadvantage and oppression.

Let us name the costs of disability and gender.
The personal, financial, social, mental and physical health costs
of trying to be believed about our lived experience of our own bodies.
The strain and exhaustion of medical gaslighting
and misogyny in disability and health services
and of not being taken seriously.
The costs of accessing gender related care,
of accessing diagnosis and the lack of financial support
for essential equipment, medical care and
alternative therapies that support us.

The emotional, physical and financial costs of reproductive healthcare
and of maternity, endometriosis and menopause care
and how these are dismissed more for disabled people.
The costs and impact of diagnostic overshadowing,
diagnostic delays and how they reduce our health outcomes.
The physical and mental toll on disabled people
resulting from the lack of trauma informed services.
The costs of sexual violence and the impact of not being believed.

Let us name the gendered challenges to earning money.
The lack of PA support that could allow us
to participate fully in society and in work.
The lack of appropriate access to educational opportunities
that would grow us, and enable us to earn more.

The lack of reasonable accommodations for work and the risk
of speaking up to ask for better, especially in a new job.
The impact of multiple medical appointments on work and education.
The limited available employment market for disabled people,
particularly those with childcare responsibilities.

The lack of employment opportunities for people with dynamic disabilities.
The effect on our future income and pensions
by being in and out of the workplace.
The gender pay gap and disability pay gap.
Workplace discrimination against mental health diagnoses.
It is against the law to discriminate, but they still do.
That access to work can be caused by discrimination, not by disability.
Embodied ableism and the lack of acceptance of lifelong disability.

Let us name the gendered challenges to accessing disability benefits.
The lack of recognition of the costs of disability when assessing means.
Means testing of spousal income.
The time, energy, health and financial costs
of navigating exhausting systems and processes
to access disability supports and benefits.
That when you are disabled and have assets,
your access to support is limited or none at all.

Let us name the other forms of poverty that affect
disabled women and non-binary people.
How lack of personal assistance, inadequate financial, educational
and healthcare supports create social, cultural and civil poverty,
limit full participation in life, work, politics and advocacy and, thereby,
reduces the visibility of disabled women and non-binary people
and creates further barriers to effecting much needed change.

Let us name what needs to change.
We need person-centred, flexible services that facilitate remote access
and dedicated disability people in services, education and employment.
Disability knowledge needs to be embedded in practice.
Collaboration and co-creation with disabled people is key.
Improved employability services that support disabled people
to find and keep better paid jobs.
Implement cost of disability payments and eliminate mean testing.
Support access to childcare, and work flexibility.

We were not silent.
We were not invisible here.
We were seen.
We were heard and we were listened to.
We named the costs and effects of poverty,
the barriers to accessing quality employment and education
and what needs to change.
Now that they are named, we see them more clearly
and when seen, it allows us to ask for better
for disabled women and non-binary people.
May this be a new beginning where better is expected
so that a healthier, more inclusive and financially sustainable future
can be envisioned for all.

Audio Version of “Eradicating Poverty” by Alice Doyle

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We’re taking a short break, but we’ll be back in action next week with your advocacy updates 📬

Dear Reader,

A quick note to let you know that we will be taking a short break this week from our usual weekly updates for some much needed R&R.

Expect us back on the 9th March with your next Oireachtas Access Bulletin and the 11th March for your next Newsletter.

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📰 Catch up on last week’s edition here.

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Le gach dea ghuí,
The News Hub Team.

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⏰ Consultation Deadlines Approaching Soon!

Some consultations with deadlines taking place over the next week:

• Online public community safety survey to inform the development of the first National Strategy for Improving Community Safety - 27th February

• National Conversation on Future of Education - 28th February

• Public Consultation on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025 - 3rd March

• Access to Cash Consultation Papers - 4th March

• Public consultation on draft National Guidance for the Responsible and Safe use of Artificial Intelligence in Health and Social Care Services - 5th March

Head over to our dedicated live consultation page for a full list and links to more information 👇

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📰 Latest Edition Out Now!

📢 Our latest edition is out now!

Along with your usual advocacy update, we have some very exciting News Hub Updates to share with you.

👉 https://mailchi.mp/disabilityparticipation/disability-participation-news-hub-newsletter-6753183

We will be taking a short break next week from our usual weekly newsletter for some much needed R&R.

Expect us back on the 9th March with your next Oireachtas Access Bulletin and the 11th March for your next Newsletter.

In the meantime, we have a jam-packed newsletter to keep you going.

Until next time! 🏖️

#Newsletter #Advocacy #HumanRights #UNCRPD #DisabilityAdvocacy #Participation

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Consultation on Cost of Disability Launched by Department of Social Protection

The Department of Social Protection launched a consultation on the Cost of Disability today.

They want to hear your views on two topics:

1. The agenda and format for a Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit. This will be held on the 13 May 2026, and will be a one-day event where key people and groups meet to discuss the cost of disability and help shape future strategy.

2. Your views on a cost of disability payment and how it should be designed.

Submission Information

The Department would particularly like to hear from disabled people, their families and carers, their representative groups, and Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs/DPROs).

Submissions can be made in the following formats:

• Written

• Video

• Irish Sign Language

• Phone (dedicated hours and phone number available)

Deadline for submissions: 7th April 2026 (5pm)

Find full details and submission requirements here.

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A Message of Appreciation

A little message to wish all our readers and supporters a Happy Valentine’s Day.

To those who have been with us from Day 1, those who have shared us with networks, colleagues and friends, those who keep in touch with news, our collaborators, and our newest readers - we greatly appreciate your ongoing support.

Our newsletter went from single digit subscribers to connecting hundreds of you with advocacy news each week, and we have you to thank for this.

We have lots of exciting news and projects to share with you this year, so keep an eye on those emails!

Le gach dea ghuí,

The News Hub Team.

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📰 Latest Edition Out Now!

Our latest edition is out now!

Catch up on the latest advocacy news, Oireachtas updates and calls for participation.

Catch up on our latest edition here.

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