Category: News

In this packed edition, we’re bringing you stories of impact, connection, and collective action from ILMI’s work here at home and on the international stage.

First up, we mark a historic moment for ILMI and the wider movement for disability rights as Peter delivers a landmark speech at the United Nations in Geneva. Representing ILMI and disabled people in Ireland, Peter’s words brought the urgency of Article 29 and the essential need for core funding for DPOs to the global arena.

We also shine a light on ILMI’s contribution to vital discussions on inclusive climate action. At an IDEA-hosted event, our Policy Assistant Claire Kenny made a strong case for the inclusion of disabled people in shaping climate justice responses that leave no one behind.

Closer to home, we share highlights from the Community Work Ireland residential, where ILMI’s Nicola Meacle and Paula Soraghan represented our Amazing VOICE project. The gathering brought together Community Development Projects to strengthen solidarity and share learning across sectors.

In this issue, you’ll also find details of two upcoming ILMI spaces designed to keep us connected and energised:

• ILMI “Real Talk” Session 4 will focus on how we can sustain ourselves and each other as activists and community builders.
• The ILMI Elevenses – a brand-new, informal social space for disabled people hosted by Shelly Gaynor and Claire Kenny. This is the first in a series of relaxed, no-agenda chats designed to foster mutual support and community.

As always, we’re committed to creating spaces where disabled people can come together, share, reflect, and continue to push for meaningful change.
Read on, stay connected, and join us in building a stronger, more inclusive movement!

Our Man in Geneva: A Historic Moment for ILMI and Disabled People’s Rights

Peter’s speech at the United Nations in Geneva marks a historic moment for ILMI and for disabled people’s rights across Ireland and the world. As our representative at the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Peter delivered a powerful message, calling for action to ensure the full implementation of Article 29 of the UNCRPD – the right of disabled people to participate in political and public life.

At this pivotal moment, Peter’s words resonate with urgency: “Without consistent funding for Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs), the full implementation of Article 29 and the wider UNCRPD will not be realised.” This message encapsulates the core issue faced by DPOs in Ireland and globally: the lack of sustained, core funding to enable these organisations to represent disabled people effectively.

Peter’s speech made it clear that DPOs are essential for fostering leadership, building collective capacity, and ensuring that disabled people’s voices are at the heart of decision-making processes. Without strong, independent DPOs, disabled people are excluded from the political and public life that Article 29 guarantees them the right to access.

Our work at ILMI has shown how critical DPOs are in shaping laws, policies, and services that directly affect disabled people. Yet, without the necessary funding, DPOs cannot hold governments accountable, nor can they advocate effectively for the systemic changes needed to ensure that disabled people are included in every aspect of society.

Peter’s historic speech to the UN also highlighted Ireland’s ongoing failure to implement Article 29 fully, despite its international commitments under the UNCRPD. He pointed out that the lack of core funding for DPOs in Ireland not only undermines the work of these organisations but also hinders the participation of disabled people in political and public life. To put it simply, without consistent and secure funding for DPOs, Ireland will not meet its obligations under the UNCRPD.

This speech is a significant milestone for ILMI and a moment of pride for all of us involved in the movement for disability rights. It’s a powerful reminder that the voices of disabled people are not just important; they are essential for shaping an inclusive society. As Peter said in his closing remarks, “We will not stop until disabled people’s rights are fully realised, and the State is held accountable for its promises.”

ILMI’s message is clear: No core funding equals no full implementation of Article 29. As long as DPOs are underfunded, disabled people’s right to participate in political and public life remains at risk. We will continue to push for the support DPOs need to fulfil their vital role in the implementation of the UNCRPD.

We congratulate Peter on his speech and look forward to the ongoing efforts in Geneva and beyond. This historic moment is just the beginning.

Check out ILMI’s full submission here Plus Check out our January 2022 “Enabling Participation: ILMI Position Paper” there’s a PDF and a word doc version

ILMI Calls for Inclusive Climate Action at IDEA Event

ILMI Policy Assistant Claire Kenny was delighted to contribute to the IDEA-hosted event, “Exploring Contemporary Crises and Issues through Global Citizenship Education: Climate Justice, the Missing Voices”, on the 19th of March 2025.

Claire addressed the often-overlooked exclusion of disabled people from climate justice conversations. She traced this exclusion to historical factors such as societal attitudes, the persistent focus on impairments over people’s full identities, and a lack of meaningful engagement with Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs).

Claire provided real-world examples of how poorly designed climate measures, like deposit return schemes, COVID-19 public space alterations, and floating bus stops, have negatively impacted disabled people due to insufficient consultation with DPOs.

Highlighting the need to shift from tokenistic consultation to genuine co-creation, Claire underscored the value of disabled people’s lived experience and natural problem-solving skills in shaping inclusive climate policies.

In closing, she called for collaborative efforts to ensure a just transition that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive for all.

Community Impact

On March 19th and 20th, Community Work Ireland hosted a residential meeting for all Community Development Projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This gathering was a valuable opportunity to reflect on our collective work and reaffirm the shared values that unite us, regardless of the different spaces and marginalised voices and communities we each work with. Together, we recognised community development as a vital driver for social change and collective action.

The event also provided space to connect with new projects funded in 2023, deepen our understanding of each other’s work, and discuss common challenges facing our sector. We explored practical ways to overcome these challenges and strengthen our collective impact. ILMI and our amazing VOICE project were proudly represented by Nicola Meacle and Paula Soraghan.

ILMI “Real Talk” Session 4: Keeping the Fire Lit – How Do We Keep Going?

Tuesday 25th March at 12 noon via Zoom
Activism can be hard work. Fighting for our rights and pushing for real change takes energy, time, and resilience. In this ILMI “Real Talk” session, we’ll focus on how we can sustain ourselves and each other, staying motivated and connected without burning out. Let’s share tips, talk openly about the challenges, and build collective strategies to keep the fire lit!

To be part of this empowering conversation, email info@ilmi.ie

All welcome!

The ILMI Elevenses – A Social Space for Disabled People

ILMI is excited to launch The ILMI Elevenses, a brand-new, informal social space exclusively for disabled people. We know that activism, advocacy, and everyday life can often feel isolating, and that’s why spaces like these matter. They provide room for connection, solidarity, and mutual support among disabled people.

This is the first in what will be a series of Elevenses sessions. Hosted by ILMI staff members Shelly Gaynor and Claire Kenny, it’s a relaxed, no-agenda space where disabled people can come together, share experiences, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

We believe that collective spaces, even informal ones, are crucial for building stronger connections across our community. Whether you want to chat about life, have a laugh, or just listen in while you sip your tea or coffee, Elevenses is here for you.

Join us for the first session on Tuesday, April 2nd at 11 AM via Zoom. Let’s build something social, supportive, and sustaining together.

This space is for disabled people only.

To get your Zoom link, email info@ilmi.ie

In This Issue:
Real Talk
Wexford DPO
VOICE in Tipp

Real Talk: Disabled People, By Disabled People

Real change starts with real conversations. Ever wondered what peer mentoring really means? How activism connects to your daily life? Why getting the right support is still so difficult? Join ILMI for a powerful series of discussions led by disabled people, for disabled people. No jargon, no fluff, just practical, honest conversations about what matters.

These sessions are about more than just talk. They are about learning from each other, sharing experiences, and finding new ways to push for the change we need. Whether you are new to activism or have been fighting for disability rights for years, this space is for you.

Session 1: Peer Power – What’s In It for Me?
Tuesday 4th March 12 noon via Zoom
Peer mentoring can sound abstract, but at its core, it is about disabled people supporting each other. Learn how connecting with peers can offer real, practical benefits in your life.

Session 2: Smashing Barriers – Why Is It So Hard to Get Support?
Tuesday 11th March 12 noon via Zoom
From personal assistance to healthcare and education, disabled people face constant barriers. This session is about identifying those barriers and discussing how we can challenge them together.

Session 3: Activism – A Buzzword or Real Power?
Tuesday 18th March 12 noon via Zoom
Activism is often misunderstood. It is not just protests or politics; it is about disabled people using their collective power to drive real change. This session explores what activism looks like and how it can be part of your life.

Session 4: Keeping the Fire Lit – How Do We Keep Going?
Tuesday 25th March 12 noon via Zoom
Activism can be exhausting. Fighting for our rights takes time and energy. This session focuses on how we can stay motivated, support each other, and keep going without burning out.

Session 5: Your Local DPO – Why It Matters & How to Get Involved
Tuesday 1st April 12 noon via Zoom
Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) are at the heart of rights-based change. This session will break down what DPOs do, why they matter, and how you can be part of strengthening the collective voice of disabled people.

Register now by emailing info@ilmi.ie. Sign up for all five sessions and attend the ones that matter most to you. These conversations are about disabled people supporting each other, taking action, and making real change happen.

Wexford DPO

On Wednesday, 19 February, Wexford DPO had an in person workshop and their AGM!
ILMI’s Peter Kearns facilitated the workshop and the group explored the term ‘disability’. The discussion was very insightful and engaging.

Then, they held their first AGM, which involved finalising their constitution. It was a fantastic meeting! Wexford DPO will be holding a zoom meeting shortly to elect Officers and are really looking forward to the next stage of the process!

Paula would like to sincerely thank all participants for their continued engagement and work with Wexford DPO.

If any disabled people based in Wexford over 18 would like to get involved, new members are welcome! Email Paula at paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie or call 087 163 0433.

VOICE in Tipp

On Tuesday, 18 February Nicola Meacle, ILMI VOICE Community Development Worker had the opportunity to speak at the South Tipperary Disability Groups Forum. She discussed the VOICE project and what local DPOs can achieve when disabled people come together. They benefit from peer mentoring and capacity building training that will equip them with the skills to develop strategies that address the obstacles they encounter which prevent them from fully participating in their community.

The Forum showcased the collaborative approach in South Tipperary as demonstrated by the broad range of stakeholders involved in the forum. Nicola would like to thank Anne Bradshaw and the Chairperson Josephine Carroll for the invitation to attend the meeting. If you are a disabled person in Tipperary and would like to get involved in the VOICE project, please email Nicola at nicolameacle@ilmi.ie or phone her on 087 7189237.