Disability Federation of Ireland

Disability Federation of Ireland Official page for DFI, the national support organisation for voluntary disability groups in Ireland. An advocate for the Voluntary Disability Sector.

Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is the national support organisation for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland who provide services to people with disabilities and disabling conditions. There are 127 organisations within membership or as associates in DFI. We work to ensure that Irish society is fully inclusive of people with disabilities and disabling conditions so that they can exercise fully their civil, social and human rights. DFI provides:
Information
Training and Support
Organisation and Management Development
Research and Policy Development
Advocacy and Representation
Networking

Our Community Development Officer, Laura O’Callaghan, took part in a panel at today’s 4th Annual National Civic Forum al...
14/11/2025

Our Community Development Officer, Laura O’Callaghan, took part in a panel at today’s 4th Annual National Civic Forum alongside Michael Nicholson, Director of Service at Wicklow County Council, and James O’Brien, member of the Disability and Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) at Millennium Hall in Cork.

Together, they shared how collaboration between local authorities, communities, and DFI is helping to build a more inclusive Wicklow, and stronger local partnerships across Ireland.

13/11/2025

The new Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People sets out 123 actions across government.

But without funding, accountability, and the voice of disabled people at the centre — it risks becoming words on paper.

🎥 Watch Emer Begley, DFI’s Director of Advocacy, outline our analysis.
📘 Read the DFI plain-English Brief here: https://rebrand.ly/yxg1asu

“When you acquire a disability, it gives you a different perspective. You start to see the system differently, where it ...
12/11/2025

“When you acquire a disability, it gives you a different perspective. You start to see the system differently, where it works, and where it falls short.”

For Sinéad Lucey Brennan, trustee with the Disability Federation of Ireland, that perspective shapes how she approaches governance and strategy, ensuring that decisions genuinely meet people where they are, and that the voices of disabled people are heard and respected.

She joined a panel to discuss the crucial role trustees play in good governance, accountability, and impact across the sector.

Listen to the full discussion here: https://rebrand.ly/149ad4

The conversation was part of a special broadcast for Charity Trustees Week, aired across the Community Radio Network.

Organised by the Charities Regulator, with support from Pobal, Dóchas, The Wheel, Carmichael Ireland, Boardmatch, Volunteer Ireland, and Charities Institute Ireland, Charity Trustees Week celebrates the 70,000+ people in Ireland who give their time and expertise to strengthen our charities and communities.

The National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030 has been launched, a key milestone for the 300,000 people in Ireland living...
12/11/2025

The National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030 has been launched, a key milestone for the 300,000 people in Ireland living with rare diseases.

The Strategy aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care through early detection, integrated supports, research, and patient partnership.

It focuses on:

✅ Finding and naming rare diseases sooner and more accurately
✅ Ensuring care is joined-up, person-centred, and available at every stage of life
✅ Supporting new ideas, research, and innovation to improve treatments
✅ Making it easier to get the medicines people with rare diseases need
✅ Working in partnership with people who have rare diseases and their families.

Read the strategy here: https://rebrand.ly/dueelx2

We welcome our 10th President Catherine Connolly. We were delighted to hear President Connolly's pledge to build “a repu...
11/11/2025

We welcome our 10th President Catherine Connolly.

We were delighted to hear President Connolly's pledge to build “a republic worthy of its name, where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

She spoke of “ensuring all voices are represented, heard and valued,” and called for dignity, determination, and courage in shaping a fairer, more inclusive Ireland.

We look forward to our part in shaping this vision.

"If I work more than 18 and a half hours, I’m putting myself at risk of losing both my disability payment and my medical...
10/11/2025

"If I work more than 18 and a half hours, I’m putting myself at risk of losing both my disability payment and my medical card. We’re in a cost of living crisis, and disabled people are living below the poverty line.” — Emma Ward, lived experience advocate.

Emma shared her story on RTE Radio 1 before a discussion with Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. S***a Clarke TD, and Paul Murphy TD about the Cost of Disability, the impact of Budget 26, and what it means for people trying to work, live independently, and plan for the future.

Throughout the programme, the DFI’s work and research were highlighted, showing just how urgently Ireland needs to .

🎧 Listen back here: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22558089/

Last week, DFI welcomed Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. to our Strategic General Meeting to discuss how Ireland’s new ...
10/11/2025

Last week, DFI welcomed Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. to our Strategic General Meeting to discuss how Ireland’s new National Disability Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People will be delivered.

DFI members and partners focused on turning the strategy’s promises into real tangible change for disabled people in communities across Ireland.

As DFI CEO Elaine Teague said:

“People don’t live in government departments, they live in communities.”

Together, we’ll keep pushing for a whole-of-society approach to equality and inclusion.

Read our full article here: https://rebrand.ly/92ypvqp

Ireland’s has published its first National Disability Strategy since ratifying the UN CRPD.Our new plain English summary...
07/11/2025

Ireland’s has published its first National Disability Strategy since ratifying the UN CRPD.

Our new plain English summary and analysis breaks down what’s positive, what’s missing, and what must happen next to make sure disabled people are truly recognised as rights-holders.

🔹 123 actions across five key areas, including education, work, independent living, health, and transport
🔹 Major gaps remain on poverty, advocacy, and inclusion
🔹 Real progress depends on leadership, funding, and accountability.

Read our full brief 👉https://rebrand.ly/yxg1asu

🗣️ My Voice is my Right.Today is Adult Safeguarding Day 2025, a national initiative of Safeguarding Ireland.This year’s ...
07/11/2025

🗣️ My Voice is my Right.

Today is Adult Safeguarding Day 2025, a national initiative of Safeguarding Ireland.

This year’s theme focuses on rights, strengthening understanding and implementation of Assisted Decision-Making in our services and communities.

Get behind the campaign to make sure everyone’s voice is heard, respected and supported.

Find out more: https://safeguardingday.ie

Today, we held our SGM at the National Library of Ireland , where we were joined by Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. t...
06/11/2025

Today, we held our SGM at the National Library of Ireland , where we were joined by Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. to discuss the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030.

Our CEO, Elaine Teague, opened the event, welcoming members who shared both their concerns and hopes for the strategy’s implementation.

This conversation marks an important step, but it’s only the beginning. We look forward to ongoing dialogue and partnership throughout the lifetime of the strategy to ensure it delivers real change for disabled people.

Read our plain-English summary and analysis of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People: https://bit.ly/4qMyQNH

Our October newsletter spotlighted:🔹Budget 2026 🔹 DFI's workshop on poverty and the Cost of Disability🔹 DFI's campaign...
04/11/2025

Our October newsletter spotlighted:

🔹Budget 2026
🔹 DFI's workshop on poverty and the Cost of Disability
🔹 DFI's campaign
🔹 DFI's participation in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence
🔹 Donegal Centre for Independent Living's “Put Us To Work” campaign
🔹And much more.

📰 Read the full newsletter here: https://bit.ly/48Xo3Kb
📩 Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss an update: https://bit.ly/432FeXP

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy.Through her lifelong commitment to social justic...
03/11/2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy.

Through her lifelong commitment to social justice, Sr Stan gave voice to those too often pushed to the margins, people experiencing homelessness, migrants, and many others excluded from full participation in society.

Her compassion, conviction, and tireless advocacy changed countless lives and inspired generations.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

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