Disability Federation of Ireland
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disabilityfed.bsky.social
Disability Federation of Ireland
@disabilityfed.bsky.social
150 followers 67 following 180 posts
National support organisation for voluntary #disability groups. RT is not necessarily an endorsement.
Posts Replies Media Videos
disabilityfed.bsky.social
This week the Taoiseach said the Government is "pushing very strongly" for a Cost of Disability payment in the Budget, and that "the entire government are committed to this." Though he wouldn't confirm the amount, or that it will be paid this year.
A Disability Federation of Ireland graphic. The DFI logo sits on a white bar at the top, above a dark green background. Large text reads "Committed — but not confirmed." Below: "The Government says it is 'pushing very strongly' for a Cost of Disability payment. Disabled people are still waiting to see it." A blue panel contrasts two figures: "€254 a week — Disability Allowance" and "€488–€555 a week — the real extra costs of disability." The bottom line reads: "It covers less than half. A commitment only counts when it's delivered."
September 18, 2026 at 6:12 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 Have your say on the future of adult literacy in Ireland.

Working to support adults with literacy, numeracy or digital skills needs? Share your insights via an online focus group or written submission.

👉 rebrand.ly/arkz42u
Three people sit together on a sofa, smiling as they read and discuss printed documents.
August 31, 2026 at 11:55 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
We were part of the Community and Voluntary Pillar meeting with Tánaiste @simonharrisireland.bsky.social and Minister Jack Chambers. We brought our priorities to the table: multi-annual funding for certainty, and targeted supports, including a Cost of Disability payment. 
A group of around sixteen people standing together for a photo indoors, on a black-and-white checkerboard tiled floor. Behind them are the Irish tricolour and the EU flag against a dark marble wall. Two men in dark suits stand at the centre of the group, with the rest of the attendees — dressed in business attire — arranged on either side.
August 31, 2026 at 6:38 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📊 What does the latest #NASS data tell us about disability services in Ireland?

Join DFI and HRB Ireland for a members-only briefing on this year's National Ability Support System findings.

Sept 3, 11am | Zoom | ISL provided.

Register 👉 rebrand.ly/vgxjk2j
HRB Bulletin cover slide on a blue background. Title reads "National Ability Supports System (NASS): Overview of people engaging with disability services, 2025." Authors: Claire Casey, Sarah Fanagan, Nicola Caffrey, Lorna Cassidy, Joseph Beegan and Ena Lynn. The Health Research Board logo and a "HRB Celebrating 40 Years" mark appear in the top right corner.
August 28, 2026 at 1:32 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 Join our team!

DFI is looking for a Policy Advocacy Manager to help drive full inclusion and equity for disabled people.

📍 Dublin City (hybrid) | Permanent, full-time
📅 Closes 17 September 2026.

Find out more: rebrand.ly/sup01kb
DFI (Disability Federation of Ireland) recruitment graphic. The Disability Federation of Ireland logo sits in the top-left corner. Bold white text reads "We are Hiring" over a background photo of a desk with a keyboard, pen, sticky note and smartphone. Below, a white search bar with a magnifying-glass icon displays the job title "Policy Advocacy Manager".
August 25, 2026 at 8:00 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
⏳ One week left to have your say on Make Way Day.

Tell us what worked, what didn't, and what we should do next time.

6 minutes. Confidential. Summary only.

Closes 17 August.

Your feedback shapes how we can best raise awareness of the barriers disabled people face: rebrand.ly/0hkp57q
A gold/beige Nissan Micra parked on a residential street beside a hedge, with houses in the background. A green "Make Way Day.com" logo is overlaid on the lower part of the image, partly obscuring the registration plate.
August 10, 2026 at 8:37 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Sign-ups are open for a closed pilot of the new Government Digital Wallet app for securely storing and sharing government documents.

We're encouraging disabled people to take part. Accessibility is best built in at the design stage.

👉 Sign up: rebrand.ly/9vm0vi8
Government Digital Wallet logo: a dark green wallet icon with a gold harp and cards, its left edge dissolving into pixels, beside the words "Government Digital Wallet" in dark green.
August 6, 2026 at 1:28 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 As the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People takes shape, two key monitoring meetings took place.

We welcomed the Govt's commitment on Cost of Disability, but stressed any new approach must be co-designed with disabled people.

Full story rebrand.ly/ewdpmzx
Three people pose for a photo indoors. An Taoiseach Micheal Martin is in a dark suit and red tie stands in the centre between DFI Director of Advocacy Emer Begley and Karen Foley, Chair of the NDSA, Emer is in a black blazer and pink trousers, Karen is in a green blazer and black top.
August 4, 2026 at 3:09 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Our 2026 Member Survey was completed by 85% of our membership. It shows the scale of what our members deliver as well as the strain they're under.

This is the evidence behind our advocacy.

Read the report: rebrand.ly/d06129
An infographic on a dark navy background with teal line icons displaying DFI member statistics: 1.16M+ people reached annually, 429,284 people with disabilities supported, 734,855 family members supported, €629M total reported income (2024), 12,682 staff employed, 12,501 volunteers supporting services, 85% member response rate, 93% rate DFI membership as good or very good value, 90% registered cha
July 30, 2026 at 10:43 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Global Expo 2027 lands in Dublin 24–25 Feb 2027.
WHO/Europe + Government of Ireland + HealthTech Ireland, transforming health and social care through workforce optimisation, digital innovation and disability inclusion.
Call for abstracts now open 📄

🔗 globalhealthexpo2027.org
Can you write alt text for this? The Convention Centre Dublin at dusk, its cylindrical glass atrium lit with purple and blue LED rings, reflected in the River Liffey in the foreground.
July 27, 2026 at 3:49 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
🌱 Together in Purpose: personal growth as a catalyst for social change.
A day of workshops and reflection presented by The Sanctuary.

📍 Richmond Centre, Smithfield, Dublin 7
📅 Mon 2 Nov 2026, 9am–4pm

For more and to book your place: rebrand.ly/om78b6m
Promotional graphic on a soft pink background with gold decorative flourishes and brush strokes. Text reads: "The Sanctuary presents Together in Purpose. Venue: Richmond Education and Event Centre, Smithfield, Dublin 07. Date and Time: Monday 2nd November 2026, 9am–4pm." Below are two circular portraits — Anthea Lawson, Activist & Author, and Dr Brian Pennie, Neuroscientist.
July 22, 2026 at 9:30 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 Now fully remote: the Masters in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy at University of Galway. Seminars live streamed, so you can study around work, caring or access needs..

ℹ️ Details: rebrand.ly/3ohult7
Two people sitting outdoors in an autumn park, smiling. On the left, a woman with long fair hair and glasses uses a wheelchair. On the right, a young man in a red beanie and dark jacket reads from an open folder. Text overlay reads "LLM (International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy)
July 16, 2026 at 3:29 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Disabled Women Ireland and the Disability Participation News Hub are hosting Access Media, five free webinars on disabled people's representation in Irish media.

First session, Language and Ethical Storytelling: 21 July, 7–8.30pm.

To book and for more: rebrand.ly/obc0iqq
Access Media promotional graphic. Bold white text on a dark purple background reads 'Access Media' with the subheading 'A series on disabled representaton in the Irish Media.' Below, four circular photos show an 'On Air' sign, a cluster of microphones at a press conference, TV cameras on tripods, and a person reading a newspaper.
July 15, 2026 at 3:35 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 We're hiring: Communications Manager at Disability Federation of Ireland.

Lead comms for the national body representing 140+ disability organisations across Ireland. Meaningful work, real impact.

📩 Apply via Spencer Recruitment: rebrand.ly/clayikg.
DFI "We are Hiring" graphic advertising a Communications Manager role. The Disability Federation of Ireland logo sits top left over a photo of a desk with a laptop keyboard, a silver pen, a smartphone, and a pink sticky note. Large white text reads "We are Hiring," with "Communications Manager" shown below in a search-bar graphic with a magnifying glass icon.
July 15, 2026 at 10:55 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Make Way Day 2026 is done. Now we want your view.

What worked? What didn't? What should change?

Six minutes, confidential, and it shapes the next Make Way Day.

Share your feedback here: rebrand.ly/0hkp57q
A hand holds a round orange Make Way Day sticker up to the camera. The sticker reads "Hey! This blocks my way." above the hashtag #MakeWayDay, with the MakeWayDay.com logo and wheelchair icon at the top. Behind it, a narrow city footpath is partly blocked by an A-frame chalkboard sign outside a café.
July 14, 2026 at 9:22 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
♿ Research participants wanted

Are you 55+, living with a disability, and have experienced homelessness or fear losing your home?
Researchers at University of Galway want to hear from you. All disabilities welcome.

To participate:

📧 [email protected]
July 10, 2026 at 9:04 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
📢 We're hiring!

We're looking for an Advocacy Engagement Coordinator to lead our Disabled Persons' Coalition.

🔸Dublin
🔸Part-time, 3 days/week
🔸2-year contract
🔸Closing 10 August.

We especially welcome applications from disabled people.

Apply 👉 rebrand.ly/g4kqtki
We're Hiring! Join the DFI team. Advocacy Engagement Coordinator. Apply now. The Disability Federation of Ireland logo appears on a navy background decorated with light grey circles.
July 9, 2026 at 11:17 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Our Policy Advocacy Manager Fleachta Phelan is addressing the Joint Committee on Social Protection on why Budget 2027 must finally tackle disability poverty.

Watch live: www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireac...
Committee Room 2 in Leinster House, empty. A large curved wooden table with microphones and cabling sits in the centre, ringed by chairs. Behind it, a raised panel displays the Oireachtas harp emblem, flanked by the Irish tricolour and EU flags.
July 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
The International Short Breaks Association (ISBA) 2027 Conference is coming to Galway

🗓️ 22–24 June 2027 | 📍 Galway

Share your insights on innovation, inclusion, and real-life impact.

Deadline: 23 October 2026
Submit your abstract: rebrand.ly/udotams
Banner for the International Short Break Association 2027 Conference, Galway, Ireland, 22–24 June 2027. The ISBA 2027 logo, featuring a red rising sun graphic, sits on the left. The background shows a row of pastel-coloured terraced houses along a waterfront, reflected in calm water — the well-known Long Walk in Galway.
July 7, 2026 at 2:53 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
The Wheelchair Accessible Grant Scheme 2026 (WAV26) opens for applications on Wednesday 8 July at 10am and closes at 5pm on 15 July.

More details here: rebrand.ly/5k9eqa8
A silver wheelchair accessible taxi parked at a priority taxi rank, with a bilingual 'Tacsaí Tosaíochta / Priority Taxi' sign visible in the background.
July 3, 2026 at 9:52 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
We were at the Department of Social Protection's pre-Budget Forum, where the Minister confirmed a Cost of Disability payment is a priority.

Concerns from workshops:

🔹 Cost of Disability payment
🔹 Adequacy of core payments
🔹 Employment barriers

Read our submission: rebrand.ly/9j23yyk
Four people stand smiling together in a lecture theatre with warm wooden panelled walls and rows of tiered seating behind them. On the left, a man with a beard wears a green cap, glasses and a checked shirt over a maroon t-shirt. Next to him, a woman with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses wears a red patterned dress with a navy cardigan. Beside her, a woman with long wavy blonde hair wears a
July 2, 2026 at 8:44 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Disabled people face up to €15,617 a year in extra costs, yet Disability Allowance sits more than €100 per week below the weekly poverty line.

Budget 2027 is a real test of whether Government will deliver for disabled people.

Read our Pre-Budget Submission: https://rebrand.ly/9j23yyk
Disability Federation of Ireland graphic on a blue background. Text reads: "Disabled people face extra costs of €11,046 to €15,617 a year. Disability Allowance still sits more than €100 a week below the poverty line." Labelled Pre-Budget Submission 2027.
June 30, 2026 at 3:05 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
We're at the launch of The Disability Act 2005 at 21: Reflecting, Reforming, Reimagining, a timely and important report as the Government's review of the Act gets under way.

Read the report: rebrand.ly/mcpryby
Consultation on the Disability Act: rebrand.ly/ouogm6d
Photograph of two printed documents resting on a desk. The back document is a spiral-bound report from the University of Galway School of Law, titled "The Disability Act 2005 at 21: Reflecting, Reforming, Reimagining," with a subtitle referencing rights and reform priorities and an author credit to Dr Charles O'Mahony. The front document is a printed event programme for the report launch, held on
June 25, 2026 at 3:08 PM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
"Together we can ensure that the rights of disabled people are not just recognised but realised."

Our CEO Elaine Teague launches our 2025 Annual Report at the DFI AGM this morning.

Thanks to all our members for another great year.

Read our 2025 Annual Report here: rebrand.ly/vyaj7ao
DFI CEO Elaine Teague speaks at a lectern during the Disability Federation of Ireland AGM. She wears a light blue cardigan over a dark patterned dress and a name badge. Behind her, a banner displays the DFI logo in blue and teal with the organization name. Another speaker is partially visible on the left. The backs of audience members' heads are visible in the foreground, and the venue has texture
June 24, 2026 at 10:39 AM
disabilityfed.bsky.social
Our CEO Elaine Teague shared her reflections from the UN COSP in New York.

Elaine covers Ireland's EU Council Presidency opportunity, to the promises and risks of AI and AT, to the testimony of disabled people living in conflict zones.

Read: rebrand.ly/sj3smba
Michael Doyle & Elaine Teague, CEO of the Disability Federation of Ireland, seated at a delegate table at the UN Conference of States Parties to the CRPD in New York. She is wearing a blue blazer and smiling. The #CSFCRPD hashtag is visible on blue placards on the table. She is flanked by two male delegates, one of whom uses a power wheelchair. Rows of other delegates are visible in the background
June 16, 2026 at 4:02 PM