Violence Against Disabled People in Institutions
ILMI Capacity Development Officer Fiona Weldon attended a national workshop hosted by IHREC examining violence against disabled people in institutional settings in Ireland.
The event focused on findings from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights report, which highlights the ongoing prevalence of abuse, weak safeguarding systems, and gaps in legislation and accountability. The Irish case study is particularly stark, showing how institutional settings continue to place disabled people at risk.
Discussions centred on what is needed to prevent violence, strengthen monitoring, and progress deinstitutionalisation in line with Ireland’s human rights obligations under the UNCRPD.
Fiona emphasised that institutional models themselves create risk, and that real safety comes from independent living, strong safeguards, and disabled people leading the design and monitoring of systems.
Social Inclusion Forum
Members of Wexford Disabled Persons Organisation attended a Social Inclusion Forum preparatory workshop delivered by Community Work Ireland and the European Anti Poverty Network.
It was a valuable morning of discussion and exchange with community development groups across County Wexford, focusing on poverty and social inclusion.
Group discussions explored key social issues, including the barriers disabled people face, alongside practical solutions to build a more inclusive society.
Thank you to the organisers for creating the space to come together, share experiences, and strengthen collective understanding.
ILMI Elevenses
Our online “Coffee Morning”
A Social Space for Disabled People
Our next Elevenses meeting will take place on Tuesday 7th of April.
Email shellygaynor@ilmi.ie for the Zoom link.
ILMI is launching a Personal Assistance Peer Group
This is a peer-led space for disabled people to talk openly about Personal Assistance
What works, what’s challenging, and how we support each other.
Open to disabled people who have a PA service and those who want to learn more.
Monthly Zoom meetings
Informal, peer-to-peer discussion
Disabled-led
First session is an introductory.
A space to share, listen, and learn together.
Nothing About Us, Without Us.
Time and Date: Tuesday the 31st of March at 11am via Zoom
To Register and get the Zoom link contact Shelly ILMI’s Peer Mentor by email shellygaynor@ilmi.ie or text or call 087 101 9593
Have your say at the Social Inclusion Forum 2026
Community Work Ireland and EAPN Ireland are hosting a series of preparatory workshops ahead of the Social Inclusion Forum 2026, creating space for people and communities directly affected by poverty and social exclusion to shape national discussion and action.
One of this year’s key themes is “Nothing About Us Without Us. Disability in Ireland”
These workshops are an opportunity to bring lived experience into policy conversations and ensure disabled people and communities impacted by inequality are heard.
Workshops take place nationwide and online throughout March and April.
The Social Inclusion Forum 2026 will take place on Wednesday 27 May in Dublin.
Find out more about locations dates and themes and register on this link.
