ILMI VOICE Project at Community Development Programme Ireland Conference
On Wednesday the 17th of June, Paula Soraghan and Nicola Meacle, Community Development Workers with the ILMI VOICE project, attended the Community Development Programme Ireland (CDPIRL) conference, Practice, Power and Participation.
The conference highlighted the strength of the Community Development Programme and the importance of investing in community-led approaches to social change. Bringing projects together created an opportunity not only to share learning and good practice, but also to strengthen relationships, build solidarity and reaffirm a shared commitment to tackling inequality and creating more inclusive communities across Ireland.
The event brought together community development projects from across Ireland to explore how participation, collective action and community leadership can create lasting social change. The conference was opened by Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, who acknowledged the significant contribution that Community Development Programme projects are making in communities throughout the country. His recognition of the importance of community development, participation and grassroots leadership was warmly welcomed by those in attendance. The Community Development Programme is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and works to address poverty, social exclusion and inequality through community-led action.
The conference provided an opportunity to hear from projects working with a wide range of communities and social issues. While each project has its own focus, there was a strong sense of solidarity, shared purpose and mutual learning throughout the day. Discussions highlighted the importance of understanding and addressing the systemic causes of inequality and ensuring that communities are supported to identify their own priorities and lead change.
The ILMI VOICE project was proud to be part of these conversations. Originally selected as one of seven projects from more than 120 applications nationally when the Community Development Programme was established in 2021, the programme has since expanded and now supports ten projects across Ireland. This growth reflects the success and impact of community development approaches in empowering communities and strengthening participation in public life.
The day provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences, learn from others and celebrate the collective impact of community development work that is grounded in values and rooted in community.
Cork DPO
Great to see Cork DPO out and about at the Cork Summer Show over the weekend.
Cork DPO hosted an information stand on both Saturday and Sunday, providing an opportunity to meet members of the public, raise awareness of disability rights, and share information about the important role of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) in creating positive change in our communities. Cork Disabled Persons Organisation
During the event, Nicola also met with Minister of State Jerry Buttimer to chat about the VOICE project. Originally selected as one of just seven projects from over 100 applications nationally, VOICE continues to demonstrate the value of investing in disabled people led community development, supporting disabled people to organise collectively and build strong local DPOs across the south of Ireland.
The CDPIRL motto is : “grounded in Values, rooted in Community”
ILMI at All Island Cost of Disability Workshop
On the 8th of June, Paula Soraghan represented ILMI at the All Island Cost of Disability Workshop.
The event brought together participants from across Ireland and Northern Ireland to explore how the different systems currently respond to the additional costs faced by Disabled People. Facilitated by Professor Mary Murphy of Maynooth University, the workshop provided an opportunity to discuss what is working well, what challenges remain and how policy can better respond to the lived experiences of Disabled People.
During the discussions, Paula highlighted the importance of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) in shaping policy and ensuring that Disabled People are central to conversations about the Cost of Disability.
ILMI Highlights Inclusion Concerns in Digital Wallet Discussion
On the 5th of June, Paula Soraghan represented ILMI at a stakeholder discussion on the Government’s proposed Digital Wallet initiative.
The Digital Wallet is intended to provide people with a secure way to access and store official documents and public services digitally. During the discussion, Paula emphasised the importance of involving Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) throughout the design, consultation and implementation process to ensure the system is fully inclusive and aligned with Ireland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.
Paula also highlighted concerns raised by some Disabled People around privacy, accessibility and the use of personal data. ILMI stressed that any future consultation, testing or development of the Digital Wallet should include meaningful engagement with Disabled People and their representative organisations.
Paula Soraghan Shares Her Story at The Wheel Summit 2026
Congratulations to Paula Soraghan, ILMI VOICE Community Development Worker, who recently shared her personal story as part of The Leadership Academy Storytelling Session at The Wheel Summit 2026.
In a powerful and moving presentation, Paula spoke about identity, belonging, community and the transformative impact of finding a Disabled Persons Organisation. Reflecting on her first experience attending an ILMI AGM in 2019, Paula described how a simple invitation changed the course of her life, connecting her with a community of disabled people and opening the door to activism, peer support and community development.
Paula also spoke about the importance of representation, intersectionality and the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”. Drawing on her experience with the ILMI VOICE project, she highlighted how disabled people coming together to share lived experience, build collective power and influence decisions can create meaningful social change.
Today, through her work with disabled people across Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny, Paula continues to help others find the same sense of connection, confidence and community that had such a profound impact on her own life.
Thank you Paula for sharing your story and for continuing to champion the importance of disabled people leading the conversation.
