DFI Annual Report 2024 A Year of Change, Action and Impact
Issued on June 17 2025
Our 2024 Annual Report reflects a transformative year marked by leadership change, political engagement, and renewed momentum in advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
In a year of local, European, and national elections, DFI led successful advocacy campaigns, securing disability commitments from 41% of elected TDs and 10 of Ireland’s 14 MEPs. The Federation published 17 policy submissions, engaged in over 100 national consultations, and amplified self-advocate voices through training and media participation.
2024 also marked a leadership transition as Elaine Teague stepped in as CEO following the retirement of long-serving advocate John Dolan. Under her guidance, DFI strengthened governance, expanded member engagement, and continued to shape disability policy at local, national, and EU levels.
Key milestones included the launch of a Self-Advocacy Toolkit (coming 2025), the growth of the #PrioritiseDisability and #MakeWayDay campaigns, and progress on pay parity through the Section 39 pay agreement. The report also outlines ongoing challenges in funding, staffing, and structural reform, and sets the stage for further progress in 2025.