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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!

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[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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[Image: A graphic with a black background featuring the words “Spotlight Series” in colourful, cut-out magazine-style letters. Below, white text reads: “This week we are chatting with…Emma Ward.” An image of Emma Ward sits beside this text surrounded by a gold frame. 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 top right corner.]

💡 Spotlight Series: Emma Ward

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.

We are delighted to share our first Spotlight edition with you featuring our very own, Emma Ward!

A reminder that you can listen to this edition through the Substack app, or by opening this edition on your browser.

Become a paid subscriber to have early access to our Spotlight Series each month by using the Subscribe button below.

Enjoy this edition and we will be in touch soon! ✨

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About Emma

Emma (she/her) is a disabled Irish Traveller, writer, freelance journalist and disability rights activist who is dedicated to breaking barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Emma’s writing draws on intersectionality of identities and how this impacts types of discrimination. Her work centres on disability, intersectional identity, and social justice.

Learn more about Emma below and be sure to connect with her on socials or follow her work on Substack!

Q. Hello Emma! Tell us a little about yourself.

Emma: I am a disabled Irish Traveller from Galway. I am a disability rights activist, and a freelance journalist. Professionally I love writing, chatting to people and learning about their stories. I especially love it when I’m able to give those people a platform to share their voices and stories. I love being part of the movement of making Ireland better for the next generation of people with disabilities, personally I am a huge music and book lover! If you know me in person, you’ll know I’m never without a book (physical or on my kindle) or listening to a song no matter what.

Q. Is there anything you’re working on at the minute?

Emma: I am, I’m working on a project that I can’t speak about just yet but it’s an exciting opportunity. I’m also working on building my journalism portfolio by writing more articles about many different topics and people. I recently launched my new at home podcast called What’s Happening with Emma on Spotify and Patreon.

Q. Anything you are looking forward to this year?

Emma: I’m looking forward to a lot of things professionally and personally but the one thing that springs to my mind is the project I’m working on; I can’t wait until it’s announced. I’m also looking forward to the Disability Participation News Hub’s new book club!

Q. What keeps you motivated in your activism?

Emma: . I know this is a typical and cliche answer but my nephew Patrick is what keeps me motivated, he’s the reason I became an activist and as he gets older he reminds me to be motivated to make positive change for him and the younger generation of people with disabilities.

Q. What’s your favourite way to unwind and look after your own wellbeing?

Emma: Read a book or watch a movie! Reading is my favorite way of winding down, when you read your imagination literally transports you into a different world and makes you relax in a sense!

Q. Anything people might be surprised to learn about you?

Emma: When I was 8 years old I had halo traction treatment for scoliosis and got the halo removed from my skull being conscious (according to a nurse, I was the first child to do this but I don’t know if that’s really true or not).

When people first meet me I can be really shy! Once I get comfortable though I’m a chatterbox who you’d wish would shut up!

I don’t know if this is a fun fact but due to having a bone marrow transplant, I have two types of blood - Irish and Liverpool!

I’ve spoken at Electric Picnic with Amnesty Ireland!

Q. Any book recommendations for our online Book Club this year?

Emma: Never Know Your Place by Joanna Marsdan and Martin Naughton!

Mixed Up - Leon Diop!

Binding 13 - Chloe Walsh (my absolute favorite fiction book - I recommended it to everyone!)

Q. Do you have a favourite quote or saying that inspires you?

Emma: Nothing’s Impossible, even the word says I’m Possible

Q. Where can people find you if they’d like to follow your work?

Emma: You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Bluesky @emmawardjournalist and follow this link to my Substack and other updates on the work I do: https://linktr.ee/emmawardjournalist

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Catch us back here next month with another Spotlight edition!

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[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! ✨

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

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📢 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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📬 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

If you’re not already on our Wednesday newsletter mailing list, you can sign up here to have this delivered directly to you each week.

📰 Catch up on last week’s edition here.

Head over to our website www.disabilityparticipation to learn more about our work and projects.

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Until next time!

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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📰 Latest Edition Out Now!

We highly recommend grabbing a cup of tea or coffee for this one because it is a JAM-PACKED edition.

This week, we are keeping you in the loop with important UNCRPD updates, consultations, calls for participation, news, and great resources.

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[Image description: A graphic with a blue background and a large white rounded square outlined in orange. An orange label above reads “UNCRPD Update”. Navy text within the square reads: “Ireland’s List of Issues published by Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.” A United Nations emblem appears beneath the text. A megaphone illustration is shown in the bottom left corner, and the Disability Participation News Hub logo appears in the bottom right, alongside the contact email info@disabilityparticipation.ie]

📢 Ireland’s List of Issues has been published by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The List of Issues is a document created by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities before reviewing a country signed up to the Convention.

It contains requests to the State for further information or responses to important topics affecting disabled people in that country.

Before this is published, the Committee receives submissions and hears from DPOs and civil society to learn more about the issues facing disabled people. The Committee then create the List of Issues based on these presentations and submissions.

Ireland’s List of Issues has been published by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), following presentations made by Irish DPOs and civil society organisations last September.

🔗 Link to Ireland’s List of Issues here.

Here are some key points raised by the Committee:

* More information needed on measures to withdraw reservations and declarations to Article 12 (Equal recognition before the law), 14 (Liberty and security of person) and 27(1) (Work and employment).

*The need to review legislation and amend derogatory language around mental health.

*To ensure close consultation and active involvement of disabled people through their representative organisations in the development of the Programme Plans of Action to implement the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, and to ensure inclusion of concrete actions, benchmarks and delineated Ministerial responsibility for implementation and outcomes.

*Requested more information on formal mechanisms for the close consultation and active involvement of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in all government processes, law reform, policy development and evaluation.

*More information requested on measures to build the capacity, including multi-annual core funding for DPOs that are “led, directed and governed by persons with disabilities to represent the interests of persons with disabilities in national and local consultations, decision-making processes, including in the Delivery and Monitoring Committee for the Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.

The Committee also sought more information on measure to protect and uphold specific rights through:

* Reforming and reviewing laws and policies — such as the Equality Acts, the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, the Mental Health Bill 2024, Domestic Violence Act 2018, Education of Persons with Special Needs Act 2004.

*Ensuring that policies and strategies contain substantive actions and measurable outcomes — including the National Strategy for Women and Girls and the Strategy 2025-2030, the National Framework for Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making and the Strategy 2025-2030, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 2022-2026.

*Responding to recommendations from important research, specifically mentioning the ‘Access to Justice: Implementation of Article 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ conducted by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

*Addressing gaps found by reports such as the employment gaps and challenges raised in the review of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024 by the National Disability Authority.

*Ensuring that national monitoring mechanisms to monitor Convention implementation are funded and resourced to ensure participation of disabled people through their representative organisations in these mechanisms.

The committee sought further information on measures to protect multiply marginalised groups including disabled women, disabled older people, the disabled Traveller and Roma community, migrant, asylum seeker and refugee persons with disabilities, the disabled LGBTIQ+ community, and disabled children.

Other important notes were requests for further information on accessibility and universal design, political participation, awareness raising, healthcare, social welfare, data collection, liberty, security, participation and education.

What happens next?

*The State will respond in writing to the List of Issues and submit further information or clarifications requested by the Committee.

*DPOs and civil society will have an opportunity to respond to the State’s reply before the constructive dialogue takes place (Ireland’s review) in 2027.

The National Platform of Self Advocates also has a great article covering the publishing of the List of Issues - check it out here!

More Information
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We’re back! 💥

We are easing into the new year with a (slightly) shorter edition, catching you up on consultations, news, calls for participation and lots more.

We also pay tribute to Dermot Hayes, a lifelong and legendary human rights activist who passed away recently.

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In their submission to the Committee, PII proposes that the appointment of an Ombudsman for Disability would “…assist impaired people in resolving issues with our government agencies and ensuring fairer treatment and access to services and make this state a more progressive one for impaired people of all ages and our loved ones.”

The petition will be heard and discussed by the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd December at 6pm.

📺 WATCH LIVE — Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen — Consideration of Public Petition No. P00050/25 - Appointment of an Ombudsman for Disability

Find out more about Physical Impairment Ireland here or contact physicalimpire@gmail.com

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📰 Sign up here for our weekly newsletter (Wednesdays).

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

[Image description: Poster features text in top left which reads: “Donegal DPO (in dark blue) Disabled Persons’ Organisation (in green)”. Then in dark blue under that “Annual General Meeting (AGM)”. The top right is the Donegal DPO logo based on the green Donegal shield with the red solidarity fist on the smaller, centred, white shield, the white dove above and yellow waves rippling through the main green shield at the bottom. In ordinary font, centred across the middle it says “Disabled people who live, work or play in Donegal are very welcome to join us.” The Cara House logo appears on the left with the words, “Cara House, Letterkenny, Tuesday December 2nd,1:30 to 3:30 pm” on the right. Across the bottom, bold red lettering proclaims our slogan, “Nothing about us in Donegal without us”]

Donegal DPO — Disabled People in Donegal prepare to celebrate International Day of Disabled Persons with the launch of a Disabled Persons’ Organisation for the county.

The initial AGM of the Donegal Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO) will take place in Cara House, Letterkenny, from 1:30pm on Tuesday, December 2nd, the day before International Day of Disabled Persons.

Community Development worker for the Independent Living Movement Ireland, Pippa Black said, “The DPO is a democratic organisation of disabled people representing ourselves. We decided to time our AGM to celebrate the International Day of Disabled People on December 3rd. The day was renamed in 2007 but as a DPO we are consciously reclaiming its first name in the same way that we consciously use identity first language. We describe ourselves as disabled people. This is because we apply the social model of disability. We do not see ourselves as being disabled by our impairments. Instead, we are disabled by barriers that are socially constructed. Sometimes those barriers are physical like stairs or lack of public seating, sometimes they are attitudinal like when other people decide what we are capable of. We are not ‘persons with disabilities’, as we are trying to eliminate barriers, not carry them around with us.

“Under the UN Convention for the rights of disabled people, the State (including local authorities) must engage with disabled people through our representative organisations when implementing and monitoring our human rights or when making plans and policies that affect us.

“We are actively seeking new members who have lived experience of barriers based on real or perceived impairments and who live, work, or play within county Donegal. We are also reaching out to find disabled people, who are members of other marginalised groups, who likely face multiple levels of discrimination. Membership is free. We unite around our slogan ‘Nothing about us in Donegal without us’, and we take our representative role very seriously, holding ourselves accountable to our members.”

Anyone who would like to join Donegal DPO can email DPO4Donegal@gmail.com or call Pippa on 087 477 0965

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