DADA DPO 
DADA DPO members have worked incredibly hard over many months to collectively shape and agree their constitution. This is an important milestone in the development of the DPO and reflects the commitment of disabled artists and arts workers to building a strong, disabled led organisation grounded in the social model of disability and the UNCRPD. Having a constitution is important because it clearly sets out the vision, values, aims, governance structures and accountability processes of the DPO. It gives the organisation a clear mandate from its membership, supports transparency and collective decision making, and helps ensure that the voices and experiences of disabled people remain at the centre of the organisation’s work. The constitution also strengthens the long term sustainability of DADA DPO by creating clear roles, processes and democratic structures that support disabled people to collectively organise, influence policy challenge barriers and build power together within the arts sector and beyond.
ILMI 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
A space to share, listen, and learn together.
Next Session: 26th May 2026 at 11am
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
ILMI Disabled Women’s Healthcare Working Group
Give to Gain Series
Last week ILMI’s Disabled Women’s Healthcare Working Group welcomed Catherine O’Keefe for a powerful and informative online masterclass as part of the “Give to Gain” series.
Catherine, a menopause coach, founder of wellnesswarrior.ie and author of “All You Need to Know About Menopause”, shared both professional expertise and lived experience throughout the session. Her work focuses on increasing understanding, awareness and support around menopause and hormonal health across Ireland and the UK.
The session explored “All Things Menopause” including perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, hormonal changes, symptoms, healthcare supports, wellbeing and lifestyle strategies.
Participants discussed the importance of women having access to clear information, supportive healthcare and the confidence to advocate for the healthcare we all need during and after menopause.
Topics included:
• hormonal changes during menopause
• psychological and physical symptoms
• HRT and other treatment options
• bone health and nutrition
• movement and wellbeing
• stress and cortisol
• menopause and disability
• the importance of social connection and support
There was strong discussion throughout the session, with participants sharing experiences, questions and resources with each other. Many reflected on the importance of ongoing women’s healthcare conversations and the need for better education and information around menopause.
Several participants shared that they wished they had received this information years earlier.
A longer version of the session notes is available by emailing Fiona Weldon at fionaweldon@ilmi.ie.
To receive Zoom links for upcoming “Give to Gain” ILMI Disabled Women’s Healthcare Working Group sessions, please also contact Fiona Weldon.
Screen Stories
This looks like a fantastic opportunity for Disabled writers and creatives interested in film and television.
Screen Stories: Getting Disabled Writers in the Room 2026 is now open for applications.
Click here for full details National Talent Academy Film & TV
