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Newsletter September 2010 »»

If measures are not in place to ensure that the Budget is disability proofed, there will be unintended and unsustainable cuts to vital services for disabled people and their families. The Government...

Three New Governance Courses in Carmichael Centre »»

Training in the area of Governance this September In reponse to the requests of a large number of Carmichael Centre members, they have scheduled three Governance courses this September: Induction...

Office of the Disability Appeals Officer Information Evenings »»

7 Information Evenings to be held in various venues by the Disability Appeals Officer Do you have a child with a disability or are you involved in providing services for children with disabilities?  Is...

Event on update of technology to enhance independence »»

Try-It.ie to hold information event for technology update This event will be held on 24th October 2010 in the D4 Berkerly Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. This Tech Update event is designed...

A Summary of the Report Examining the Impact of the Economic Downturn on Voluntary Disability Organisations in Ireland »»

Introduction The purpose of the DFI research was to examine the impact of the economic downturn on voluntary disability organisations and their service users.  As main providers of direct health...

DFI Submission to Taxi Regulator on Maximum Taxi Fares »»

2010 Review of the National Maximum Taxi Fare The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is the national support organisation and advocate for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland which provide...

Chairing the Organisation, 10 free places available Autumn 2010 Course »»

10 free places are on offer to DFI members on the Autumn course "Chairing the Organisation", which is organised by the Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups and sponsored by DFI. The...

Newsletter August 2010 »»

Budget 2010 hit the disability sector hard on all fronts We saw the disability sector take action on the 7th of July to protest against further funding cutbacks to services to people with disabilities...

NALA call for input to Plain English Guide »»

This September, as part of National Adult Literacy Awareness Week, the NALA, National Adult Literacy Agency plan to produce a plain English guide to common terms used by social services. With this...

2009 Annual Review »»

Introduction Chairperson’s Report The Board emphasised that the implementation of the 2009 Plan would reference the hugely changed environment. In this regard, key elements were identified,...

Work Life Balance Consultancy Scheme »»

A support scheme has been developed to assist in the development of a planned and systematic approach to work-life balance at enterprise level.    The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation...

Publication of Report of Expert Group on Resource Allocation in the Health Sector »»

“Providing a System in Which Money Follows the Patient's Best Health Care” Professor Frances Ruane, Chairperson of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation in the Health Sector, today, 9th...

CIB launch new booklet on Entitlements for Children with Disabilities »»

The Citizens Information Board has a particular remit to help people with disabilities identify and understand their needs and options.  It has just published a new booklet: Entitlements for children...

New NCBI Clear Print Mark »»

NCBI Media Centre recently launched its new clear print mark and advisory service. About NCBI NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) provides a range of quality services to people experiencing...

Newsletter July 2010 »»

More cuts to services as Government plan to protect the NDS long overdue. We are now witnessing the effects of cumulative cuts and “adjustments” as they now directly impact on services....

Charities Act 2009 – Further aspects of Act to be commenced 2nd July 2010 »»

Mr. Pat Carey, T.D. Minister of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs has agreed on the 2nd July 2010 to the commencement of Sections 4 and 90 of the Act, with effect from the 26th June 2010.  A...

Fourth Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change published »»

Mr John Moloney, T.D., Minister for Disability and Mental Health, published the fourth annual report of the independent monitoring group for A Vision for Change on Thursday 1st July 2010. The Independent...

Vote for Think Ahead: A National Programme for Neurological Care »»

  From left:  Denise Cunningham (Brainwave and AMNCH Tallaght), Dr C Keohane (Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience), Taragh Donohue (MS Ireland), Colm Carthy (Spinal Injuries Ireland),...

NAI launch report on "The Future of Neurological Conditions in Ireland" »»

Charities call on HSE to establish a National Programme For Neurological Care   From left:  Taragh Donohue (MS Ireland), Mags Rogers (NAI Development Manager), Anne Winslow (Chair of NAI),...

Charities Legislation Update June 2010 »»

This section gives an outline of the current status of the Charities Act 2009 as well as information on Codes of Good Practice in Fundraising. Charities Act 2009 The Bill was signed by President Mary...

Value for Money Submission to VfM Steering Group - May 2010 »»

Value for Money and Policy Review, DFI Position Paper May 2010 DFI's position paper on the Value for Money and Policy Review of the HSE's Disability Services Programme outlines how the Programme...

The Wheel Launch New Website »»

A new website that offers free support and advice to anyone involved in community, voluntary or charitable work in Ireland was launched in Dublin today. The service, which aims to encourage greater cooperation...

Employee Assistance Programme »»

As an extension of this range of opportunities, DFI Service Suite, in conjunction with Vhi Corporate Solutions, is delighted to announce the launch of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).   Through...

Pension Advice Service Free for DFI Member Organisations »»

As an important addition to our Service Suite range of products, the Disability Federation of Ireland, in conjunction with IFG Private Clients, has put in place a free pension advice service for member...

HSE Service Plan 2010 »»

  Get a Copy of the HSE Service Plan 2010 here. 8 February 2010 The Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney, T.D. today (Monday 8 February) announced her approval of the HSE National Service...

DFI SKILL Programme PLAs May 2010 »»

As the first step into the SKILL Programme for new applicants in 2010, Pre Learning Advice Sessions (PLAs) will be held throughout the country in May. Only staff who have completed a PLA...

Value for Money and Policy Review »»

Value for Money Review Guidance Manual: Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative Guidance Manual (.pdf). Press Release from the Department of Health and Children http://www.dohc.ie/press/releases/2009/20090918.html. Consultation...

A Lot Planned, All To Do »»

Address by John Dolan, Chief Executive, Disability Federation of Ireland at the Launch of DFI: Programme for Government (2007 - 2012) " Venue: The Dun Library, Royal College of Physicians...

SKILL Programme Updates »»

SKILL Programme Graduation Ceremonies A graduation ceremony was held on 20th March 2010 for staff from DFI participating member organisations graduated from SKILL Programme Training Programme...

SKILL Programme »»

Over 700 staff from 27 DFI Member Organisations are currently undergoing SKILL Programme Training in VECs throughout the country. SKILL stands for Securing Knowledge Intra Lifelong Learning; it is aimed...