In this issue:
ILMI videos
NMP
ILMI Elevenses
Meath DPO
Donegal DPO
Cork DPO
Wexford DPO
Dermot Hayes
“Everything You Wanted to Know” video project
Our “Everything You Wanted to Know” video series kicked off this month with a new set of short clips featuring disabled people explaining key concepts like ableism, intersectionality, internal oppression, and more. Each video is around 30 seconds and offers real lived-experience insight in a simple, accessible way.
The aim of the project is to build collective understanding of the social model of disability and to challenge the everyday barriers disabled people face. Please watch, like, and share the videos across your networks to help spread the message and support disabled people’s voices.
All videos are available here and check out ILMI’s social media channels.
No Magic Pill shared with Joint Committee on Disability Matters
On International Day of Disabled People, ILMI’s Peter Kearns joined Christian O’Reilly to present the lived experience of producing the award-winning play No Magic Pill to the Joint Committee on Disability Matters. The play, inspired by the life of disability rights activist Martin Naughton, broke new ground in Irish theatre by casting disabled actors in disabled roles and creating a fully accessible production for audiences.
Christian and Peter highlighted how the play applies Disability Equality Theatre principles to present disabled people as complex, vibrant, and fully human, challenging stereotypes and “inspirational-porn” portrayals. The production has been widely acclaimed, receiving standing ovations and the Audience Choice Award at the 2022 Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards.
The session emphasised the importance of accessible theatre spaces, opportunities for disabled performers and creators, and the need for disabled-led companies in the arts. The discussion also explored how No Magic Pill could transform perceptions of disability nationally, including a proposal to bring it onto the Leaving Cert syllabus to educate future generations.
The Committee welcomed the insights and thanked Peter and Christian for sharing their experience in transforming Irish theatre through the social model of disability.
ILMI Elevenses
The ILMI Elevenses met this week for the final session of the year, and it was a lovely way to wrap up what has been a great year for the group. We were delighted to welcome a couple of new faces into the chat, and the conversation flowed from Christmas plans to whether anyone is brave enough to make New Year’s resolutions this time around. There was a discussion on the impact of poverty on Disabled People and the impact of cuts in Budget 2026 on our lives and how Disabled People could respond to those cuts.
A few of our regulars were not well enough to join us, and we want to send them our very best and hope they are feeling better soon. We missed you and look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of Elevenses throughout the year. Your humour, solidarity and insights make the space what it is. Wishing all of you a very happy Christmas and a bright start to 2026. Contact shellygaynor@ilmi.ie for more information.
Donegal DPO holds first AGM and celebrates major milestone
The Donegal Disabled Persons’ Organisation is now officially established following a very successful AGM in Cara House, Letterkenny. Disabled people from across the county came together to build a democratic, cross-impairment voice grounded in the social model of disability.
Cllr Declan Meehan, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh, Paul and Honorah from the Donegal Intercultural Forum, and Mary Clyde from the Donegal PPN offered their support. Trudi O’Reilly from Donegal County Council sent her apologies and good wishes. The new DPO looks forward to working with all of them as it begins its work to make disabled people’s rights a reality locally.
Members also thanked Independent Living Movement Ireland for its continued support in helping establish the organisation.
The Donegal DPO is now welcoming new members with lived experience of disabling barriers who live, work, or play in the county. Anyone interested can email DPO4Donegal@gmail.com or contact Pippa on 087 477 0965 pippablack@ilmi.ie
Meath DPO keeps busy with exciting developments
It has been a busy and exciting time for the Meath Disabled Persons’ Organisation. In November, members took part in a Disability Equality Training session, strengthening their skills and knowledge to represent disabled people across the county.
The group also met with Nicky, the PPN coordinator for Meath, to discuss ways to work together and ensure disabled people’s voices are central in local decision-making.
With so much happening, the Meath DPO is looking forward to building on these developments and continuing to create a strong, collective voice for disabled people in the county.
Contact tommorgan@ilmi.ie for more information.
Cork DPO
Recently Cork University Hospital marked the International Day of Disabled Persons by hosting its first forum for disabled patients to share their experiences with staff. Cork DPO members Orla Burke and Eric Johnson spoke powerfully about their time as inpatients and outpatients to help shape future service improvements. Contact nicolameacle@ilmi.ie for more information
Wexford DPO takes key role in housing and community engagement
We are delighted that Wexford DPO is now represented on the Housing Strategic Planning Committee. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the collective voice of disabled people in Wexford to discussions on housing and ensure that accessibility and inclusion are central to local planning.
Recently, Ruth Fitzmaurice from Wexford DPO also attended the Wexford PPN Representatives Workshop, strengthening connections with other community groups and supporting collaborative advocacy. Exciting times for disabled people’s representation in Wexford! For information please contact paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie
Lifetime achievement award for disabled rights legend Dermot Hayes
A packed room, a fantastic atmosphere, and a well-deserved honour for a true champion of disabled rights. Dermot Hayes, ILMI member and former board member, was surprised on 3rd December with an award recognising his lifetime of human rights activism at the Clare Leader Forum ‘People Power’ conference in Ennis.
Surrounded by family, friends, and most importantly his cherished wife, Dermot was celebrated with reflections from people in his life, from childhood through to the present day, and a montage highlighting the many aspects of his remarkable life. From his sharp humour to his tireless commitment, Dermot has spent a lifetime fighting for the rights of disabled people. A fantastic broadcaster and raconteur, he is truly a legend in his own lifetime, and it was wonderful to see his contribution honoured in a room dedicated to solidarity, comrades and advocacy.
Check out this video montage that shows a glimpse of Dermot’s activism
“Let’s Dance”!
