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disabilityfed.bsky.social
Disability Federation of Ireland
@disabilityfed.bsky.social
96 followers 56 following 93 posts
National support organisation for voluntary #disability groups. RT is not necessarily an endorsement.
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disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 DFI Dec Newsletter is here!

Inside:

💠Protest for Emergency Winter Payment
💠First Programme Plan of Action
💠Consultations and events locally, nationally an across Europe.

🎄 Merry Christmas from the DFI team!

Read: rebrand.ly/2r28qpg
Sub: rebrand.ly/5cx27ge
A large group of disabled people and supporters gather outside government buildings behind railings, many using wheelchairs and mobility aids. They hold green and blue placards reading “Choice, not charity,” “Heat or Eat,” and “Disabled by the State – Second Class Citizen,” as they pose together on at Leinster House during a public protest.
December 15, 2025 at 2:44 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
🏆We are delighted that a co-design partnership involving DFI was Joint Winner in the “Improving Patient / Service User Experience” category at the HSE Health Excellence Awards.

This work has been powered by the voices of people who use services.

Thank you to everyone involved.
Six adults stand together smiling in an ornate room decorated with Christmas lights and greenery. They are positioned in front of a large screen that reads “Health Service Excellence Awards.” Gold chairs are arranged in rows around them, and warm lighting fills the space, creating a formal celebration setting.
December 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
A crowd of disabled activists braved the storm today to demand what Government has failed to deliver: basic financial security, dignity and rights. Voices were united in calling for an emergency winter payment for people with disabilities. Thank you to all who showed up.
A large group of disabled people and supporters gather outside government buildings, many using wheelchairs and mobility devices. They hold protest signs reading “Choice, not charity,” “Heat or Eat,” and “Disabled by the State = Second-Class Citizen.” Several people have fists raised in solidarity. The group stands and sits closely together in front of black iron railings and stone pillars, united
December 9, 2025 at 4:51 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
⚠️ Weather Update

Orange Warning in Effect

Please exercise caution travelling to the Dáil today.

❌ No Umbrellas. Use rain gear due to high wind. ⚠️ Secure your signs. Watch out for gusts.

Stay safe. See you at 12.30
A weather forecast map of Ireland and the UK showing a large storm system approaching from the Atlantic Ocean. Deep purple and red shading indicates high wind speeds hitting the southwest coast of Ireland, while white streaks illustrate wind direction swirling across the country. Temperatures are displayed, showing 13 degrees in Dublin and 14 degrees in Cork.
December 9, 2025 at 11:13 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
A well-deserved honour for a true champion.

Congratulations Dermot Hayes. Recognised at the Clare Leader Forum ‘People Power’ conference in Ennis.

Dermot has spent a lifetime fighting for the rights of disabled people.

📸: Ann Marie Flanagan presenting Dermot with his award.
Ann Marie Flanagan, a woman with blonde hair and glasses seated in a power wheelchair wearing a bright pink shawl, clasps hands with Dermot Hayes as she presents him with an award. Dermot, wearing a maroon beret and red jumper, stands using a cane and looks at her warmly. In the background, there is a lit Christmas tree and a yellow banner reading "Clare Leader Forum."
December 5, 2025 at 12:36 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
The Government has ignored the urgency of the cost of living with a disability.

Join us at Leinster House from 12.30pm on Tuesday 9 December to demand:

➡️An Emergency Winter Payment.
➡️Reinstatement of targeted energy credits for disabled people at risk of energy poverty.

A protest graphic with a green overlay shows disabled activists holding signs outside Leinster House. Large text reads: “No one should have to choose between heating and eating.” Below, smaller text says: “Join us at Leinster House as we show the disability community will not be ignored.” A white banner states: “Tue, 9th Dec, 12.30 pm to 2pm.” Logos of the Irish Wheelchair Association, Disability
December 5, 2025 at 10:23 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
💜You'll be seeing purple.

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

To mark the day landmarks across the country are lighting up in solidarity with the 1 in 5 people in Ireland living with a disability.

Share your support using#PurpleLights25 #IDPwD25.
Five campaigners pose for a photo in a room illuminated by strong purple lighting. From left to right: a woman holds a glowing orb; a woman holds a neon heart outline; a man holds a glow stick; a man in a sweater stands in the center; and a man on the far right holds a sign reading "#PurpleLights25". A large cutout text sign reading "#PurpleLights" stretches across the front of the group.
December 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Disabled people are €1,400 worse off this year. We cannot wait another day.

Budget 2026 cut one-off disability payments with nothing to replace them.

Join us from 12.30 on 9 December at Leinster House where we'll be demanding an Emergency Winter Payment.

#CostOfDisability
A green promotional graphic featuring a background photo of people in wheelchairs holding protest signs. Large white text reads: "Winter is here and heating costs are rising. Join us at Leinster House as we show the disability community will not be ignored." A white box at the bottom displays the date and time: "Tue, 9th Dec, 12.30 pm to 2pm." On the right-hand side are the logos for the Irish Whe
December 2, 2025 at 4:22 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Tomorrow, Ireland shines purple for UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities ! 💜

From Dáil Éireann to the Mansion House, iconic landmarks will light up to celebrate the 1 in 5 people in Ireland living with a disability.

Wear purple 📸 Share your pics #PurpleLights25 #IDPwD25
photo taken at night showing a female member of An Garda Síochána in full uniform standing next to a man in casual clothing. They are standing in front of a stone building that is washed in purple light for the Purple Lights campaign. Both individuals are holding long white signs that read '#PurpleLights'
December 2, 2025 at 1:03 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Finding meaningful work shouldn't be an additional struggle. Rehab Group invites employers to sign the #MoreThanAJob Inclusion Pledge committing to accessible workplaces where talent is valued.

Make a stand for diversity. 👇 rehab.ie/join-the-more-than...
A smiling man wearing a yellow shirt and a reflective safety vest stands in front of a green wall. He appears to be outdoors and looks directly at the camera with a friendly expression.
November 28, 2025 at 10:44 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
🏠 Places of Care = Places of Safety?

For many disabled people, institutions can be places of hidden violence and neglect.

A report by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights exposes this crisis and challenges a rethink of what "care" means.

Read more: tinyurl.com/2zs2t7m9
Cover of a report titled “Places of Care = Places of Safety? Violence Against Persons with Disabilities in Institutions” published by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The image shows a hand stopping falling dominoes, symbolising the need to prevent harm.
November 27, 2025 at 4:38 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
"It’s hard work, but it doesn’t feel like hard work."

Meet the Community Neuro Rehabilitation Teams supporting patients in Tralee and Mallow. Through specialised care and a supportive atmosphere, they are helping people rediscover independence.

Watch: tinyurl.com/2fv5ycpk
A healthcare professional, wearing a dark blue uniform, smiles while assisting a middle-aged man with white hair who is exercising on a stationary seated bicycle. The man is wearing a grey and green long-sleeve shirt. A second man is visible in the background, also exercising on a machine, and appears to be laughing. The scene is indoors, likely in a physical therapy or rehabilitation setting.
November 24, 2025 at 4:20 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Our November newsletter highlights:

📌 Ireland’s new Human Rights Strategy
🤝 EU collaboration & sector advocacy
🏆 HSE Excellence Award win
💻 Migraine Ireland’s new website + more

🔗 Read: link: bit.ly/48gEb7A
📩 Subscribe: bit.ly/432FeXP
DFI CEO Elaine Teague speaks at a podium in the National Library of Ireland, while an Irish Sign Language interpreter stands beside her signing. A banner with the National Library of Ireland logo is visible next to the podium.
November 24, 2025 at 11:34 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Rights delayed: Air travel for passengers with disabilities ✈️🛑

@MyEDF is launching its 9th Human Rights Report tackling the barriers to air travel for disabled people.

Join the discussion.

🗓 26 Nov | 2pm CET 💻 Online and Free

Register now: rebrand.ly/uw9zfa8
A promotional graphic for the European Disability Forum’s 9th Human Rights Report titled “Rights Delayed: Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities.” The left side shows the report cover with illustrations of disabled passengers at an airport, including a person using a wheelchair, a person with a mobility aid, and a blind traveler with a guide dog, with an airplane flying overhead. The right side reads: “Rights delayed: Air travel for passengers with disabilities — Launch of the 9th EDF Human Rights Report.” Logos of the European Disability Forum and the European Union appear at the top.
November 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Thank you to Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D for your commitment to partnership on disability. Wishing you success in your new role in Education.

Welcome to the new Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins TD. We look forward to working with you to drive lasting change.
Left: Two women standing side by side, smiling, in front of an ornate carved wooden fireplace. One wears black trousers and a colourful scarf, and the other wears a green patterned dress with a black belt. Right: A close-up headshot of a woman with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a bright outfit, smiling at the camera.
November 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
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.
A woman speaking into a microphone while seated beside a man on a panel discussion stage. They are sitting at a table with water bottles and glasses in front of them, against a backdrop of dark curtains.
November 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
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
Cover image for the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030. The design features a blue-to-pink gradient background with circular dot patterns and white text reading ‘National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030.
November 12, 2025 at 9:47 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
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.
A smiling Catherine Connolly stands at a podium with a microphone, wearing a navy jacket and necklace, against a dark blue background. The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) logo appears in the top left. Text reads: “Congratulations to President Catherine Connolly on taking office from everyone at DFI. We look forward to her term and to a shared vision of equality, inclusion, and participation.
November 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
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
Cover page of the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) brief on Ireland’s National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The DFI logo appears in the centre, with the title in bold blue text above and “November 2025” below. Along the bottom is a colourful illustration of diverse people, including wheelchair users, a person with a guide cane, and others walking together, representing inclusion and diversity.
November 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
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
A woman using a wheelchair sits at a computer, wearing glasses and a green jumper. Text on the image reads: “My Voice is my Right. Technology enables me to communicate. Assisted decision-making law means I decide.” Logos at the bottom include Adult Safeguarding Day 7 Nov 2025, HSE, and Safeguarding Ireland.
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
💥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
A group of adults are gathered around a table in a workshop setting, working on creative projects with magazines, scissors, and glue sticks. One woman in the foreground is holding a large sheet of paper, while others discuss and assemble materials. A man stands at the far end of the table, engaging with participants. The room has brick walls, a whiteboard, and a projector screen in the background.
November 4, 2025 at 4:39 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
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.
Black-and-white portrait of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy smiling, seated and looking toward the camera.
November 3, 2025 at 5:20 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
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
Infographic from the Disability Federation of Ireland titled “Budget 2026 – From promises to progress: Deliver the step change for people with disabilities.” It lists six actions the government must take to deliver the promised step change: Tackle disability poverty Invest in disability services Support disabled children and families Make housing accessible Support community and voluntary disability organisations Advance inclusion and participation On the right, there’s an illustration of stacked gold coins with a euro symbol. At the bottom, hashtags read #DeliverTheStepChange and #DisabilityBudget26.
October 7, 2025 at 9:17 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
“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
October 3, 2025 at 2:17 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 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.
Logo of the National Disability Authority (NDA). The letters “NDA” are in large pink and black text above the bilingual name in Irish and English: “Údarás Náisiúnta Míchumais / National Disability Authority.”
September 30, 2025 at 2:40 PM