Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter April 2008

Issued on April 1 2008

Midterm Review of Towards 2016

A formal 'midterm' review of the Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016 (T16) takes place during 2008. T16 states that this

'will provide an opportunity to take stock of outcomes achieved in relation to the overall goals and to consider any opportunities arising to refocus and reprioritise.'

T16's Steering Group, representing Government and each of the Social Partner Pillars, launched the review at its plenary meeting in February, and the Group will oversee the review process.

DFI is actively contributing to the Review. The process involves DFI sharing its evaluation of progress with other members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar in order to develop a composite Pillar position, which is being sent to the Government. The C&V Pillar will also be having meetings with all the relevant social representatives to discuss the submission.

DFI's evaluation notes that the list of priority actions in T16 should be regarded as initial steps only and should be largely completed by the end of 2008. Thus commitments such as the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act should be fully implemented, the Personal Advocacy Service should be fully operational, the Employment Strategy for people with a disability should be agreed and published by December 2008.

DFI singles out concerns about the delivery of health and personal support services, especially in view of the pull back in the amount of investment in disability and the continuing core deficits experienced by voluntary organisations. As DFI has frequently observed, delivery on NDS is predicated on appropriate and timely access to health and personal social services, thus the current crisis in health expenditure undermines the entire project.

FI also makes the case for stronger mechanisms to ensure that the breadth of initiatives under T16 address the mainstreaming imperative so that people with a disability can anticipate the future envisaged in T16. For example, DFI proposes that annual audits be conducted to ensure all T16 initiatives are disability-proofed.

DFI considers the Midterm Review an urgently needed opportunity to reinvigorate efforts to reach the vision and long term objectives for people with disabilities that are set out in T16. The Programme for Government (June 2007) stated that

"we will ensure that at least half of the [national disability] Strategy is implemented by 2010."

Yet DFI is greatly concerned that Ireland is not going to get there without much more determined and concerted effort. DFI's proposals are designed to ensure systematic actions are directed at keeping T16 and the NDS on track.

John Dolan
CEO

Experience with the New Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes DFI Survey

Members of DFI's Housing Sub Group are participating in a survey to gather experience about the performance of the three new schemes for allocating grants to finance house adaptations. The survey is in an easy-to-follow web-based format, consisting of questions for members and clients of the disability organisations who are applicants, or would-be applicants, under the schemes. They are asked about their experience with the application process itself, and the impact of the means-testing eligibility rules as well as the limits on the maximum amount of grant on their ability to obtain necessary adaptations.

The three grant schemes are: Mobility Aids Grant Scheme; Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability; Housing Aid for Older People.

If anyone is applying for a grant, and is not already participating in the survey, please contact Eleanor Scanlan at eleanorscanlan@disability-federation.ie or click onto the survey monkey website link.

Consultative Forum on an Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities Update

DFI was represented at the Consultative Group's meeting on 19th March where findings from two investigative reports commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DoETE) were discussed: the Supported Employment Review by 'WRC Sec Consultants' and the Review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme by Goodbody Economic Consultants.

The discussions noted that the number of people in supported employment, and receiving support indefinitely, is often confused with the number receiving time-limited forms of support. The discussion highlighted the need to give closer attention to the principles of supported employment, and the work that a person with a disability is able to do, rather than on standardising the eligibility criteria.

Regarding the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the researchers saw scope for expanding take-up but identified several problems with the Scheme, including the three year limit on the retention of the medical card and the complexity of the Scheme which contributes to limited participation by employers.

A welcome feature of their report is the recognition of significant benefits to the people being employed, in terms of well-being, social inter-action and possible improved health. At the same time, their calculations showed that the Scheme's net cost to the Government is negligible. Members of the consultation group underlined the importance of looking beyond recognition of the wider benefits of employment programmes, and the personal and social costs of being excluded from employment, to quantifying them. They saw the broad perspective in the Wage Subsidy Scheme Review providing grounds for the development of more ambitious employment schemes for people with disabilities.

SKILL Programme Training Programme 2008 / 2009

The deadline for Expression of Interest in SKILL Programme Training Programme 2008 / 2009 has now passed. If you missed the deadline contact DFI immediately to secure placements for your staff.

SKILL stands for Securing Knowledge Intra Lifelong Learning, and is a unique national initiative, aimed at educating, training and developing the skills of support staff and supervisory / line management within the Irish Health Sector including staff of the Voluntary Disability Sector. The aim of SKILL is to recognise and build upon the wealth of experience and knowledge of those who deliver services on a one to one basis with people in the community. The project is being accredited through FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council). Training is delivered in VECs at local level and organisations are provided with funding to offset the costs involved in releasing staff to SKILL Programme Training. For further information please contact Cathy McGrath (DFI) on tel: 01 4250124, mobile: 086 3847440 or email: cathymcgrath@disability-federation.ie

Upcoming SKILL Project Timeframes

  • May 2008 - Pre-learning Assessment
  • September 2008 - Training Programme commences
  • May – June 2009 - Training Programme ends

Mental Health Commission Consultation on Draft Code of Practice

The Mental Health Commission has recently issued to services a Draft Consultation Code of Practice on Admission, Transfer and Discharge to and from an Approved Centre. The Commission is now inviting submissions from interested parties on this draft code of practice. To supplement the document, the Commission has also produced a knowledge review, comprising of the legal context and a review of the relevant literature. The Commission are providing a written submission template for feedback. The closing date for receipt of written submissions is 18th April 2008. Please go to http://www.mhcirl.ie/qualityassurance.htm for submission information.

The Commission has engaged Joe Wolfe & Associates to carry out the consultation process.
All submissions should be returned to Joe Wolfe & Associates:
Mr. Joe Wolfe, Joe Wolfe & Associates, The Tannery, Ladywell, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
tel: 056-7793793, Fax: 056-7793852 or email: joe@jwolfeassociates.com

CAPSAT: Assisting Adults with Disabilities

Adults with physical and / or sensory disabilities living in the Clontarf area can now avail of a range of services provided by the Clontarf Adult Physical and Sensory Ability Team (CAPSAT). CAPSAT is a multi-disciplinary team which was developed by the HSE with the purpose of providing an integrated, client-centred approach to assessment and therapeutic intervention. The team closely with other agencies such as the Central Remedial Clinic and the Irish Wheelchair Association.

The intervention is primarily based in the service users own home, but may also be community based or clinic based as appropriate. The service is cyclical in nature and provides a period of intensive intervention aimed at maximising function, followed by a review and additional intervention as required. For further information please contact the CAPSAT Coordinator on 01-8186467.

Relocation of the Central Mental Hospital

DFI has signed a joint declaration regarding the relocation of the Central Mental Hospital to Thornton Hall, North Dublin, adjacent to the major new prison to replace the existing Mountjoy prison. Other supporters of the declaration include Amnesty International (Irish Section), Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, Central Mental Hospital Carers' Group, Interim National Service Users Executive, Irish Association of Social Workers, Irish Penal Reform Trust, Labour Party, Psychiatric Nurses Association, Dr. Charlie Smith (former Director of the Central Mental Hospital), Schizophrenia Ireland, Hail Housing, Irish Advocacy Network, Mental Health Ireland, Aware, Teen-Line Ireland, Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Gheel Autism Services, Inclusion Ireland, and Donncha O'Connell, Dean of Law at NUI Galway.
The declaration states that the organisations are opposed to the move of the hospital to a site adjacent to the prison site on the following grounds:

  1. Increased stigmatisation of the mentally ill
  2. It will impede rehabilitation
  3. Social isolation
  4. It contradicts the principles and recommendations of 'A Vision for Change'
  5. It is against international best practice
  6. It is against international human rights obligations
  7. There was no consultation with users and their families
  8. It may not be the best economic option

The declaration asks that the Government reviews its decision to relocate the Central Mental Hospital and to consider other options that may be available to it, and that such a review is carried out in consultation with stakeholders.

For further information please contact:
Kahlil Thompson Coyle ( National Projects Manager, Schizophrenia Ireland) tel: 01- 8601620
or
John Saunders (Director, Schizophrenia Ireland and Chair, Irish Mental Health Coalition ) tel: 01- 8601620 or

HIQA Older People's Standards

On the 25th February 2008 the Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) approved their draft 'National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People' and submitted them for the approval of Mary Harney, TD, Minister for Health and Children, as required under section 10(2) of the Health Act, 2007. On the 11th March, 2008, HIQA published the final draft. The draft Standards and the Regulations required to underpin them will be subject to a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) before finalisation. The RIA process is expected to commence shortly and both the approved Standards and Regulations can be expected to be in place later this year.

In the meantime, the HSE continues to carry out inspections of private nursing homes under the 1993 Care and Welfare Regulations. Nursing homes will be examined at least once every three years, although HIQA says inspectors plan to work on 'proportionate basis', visiting homes which need improvement more regularly than those who have a good track record.

Main Aims Of The New Standards

  • Give each resident a contract setting out what they should be able to expect regarding accommodation, care and services.
  • Provide residents with a physical and social environment to ensure their independence is preserved.
  • Ensure that residents have a flexible daily routine which can be varied to suit their needs.
  • Facilitate and encourage links with family and friends.
  • Give residents a say in room-sharing arrangements.
  • Keep residents safe from abuse and neglect.
  • Ensure staff are trained and qualified.

For more information on the standards please go to the HIQA website http://www.hiqa.ie/functions_guidelines_overview.asp .

The Agenda for Children's Services: A Policy Handbook

The Office of the Minister for Children has recently released it's national policy document, 'The Agenda for Children's Services'. The Agenda is part of and reflects the fundamental change now underway in how Government policy in relation to children is formulated and delivered. The focus of the Agenda is on the key messages of existing policies in relation to children. Together, these promote:

  • a whole child / whole system approach to meeting the needs of children;
  • a focus on better outcomes for children and families.

It not only builds on existing policies but also places them in a framework to assist in meeting the needs of children and families. In this context, supporting families is identified as the central concern underlying all children's health and welfare services, whether aimed at prevention, early intervention, hospital services, protection or out-of-home care. This support is provided by sets of reflective questions designed and aimed at helping policy-makers, service managers and front-line staff to engage in reflective practice and effective delivery.
An objective of the Agenda is to provide the means for operational managers and front-line staff, particularly in the Health Service Executive (HSE), to direct and evaluate their delivery of services to children and their families against this strategic direction. A second objective is to encourage all Government departments and agencies to adopt this approach in their policy considerations and their services regarding children. These evaluations will assist people working in the system to check and change the way they work in the light of learning from past experience and will also allow them to understand where their own work on behalf of children fits into the wider system.

Even thought the Agenda is mainly aimed at these who provide services for children, it could be very useful guide to explore not only the lifecycle itself but also the issue of disability across the life span. The document is available on the website of the Office of the Minister for Children: http://www.omc.gov.ie

Launch of 'Charting Your Course' Handbook for Guidance Counsellors

The Association for Higher Education Access and Ability (AHEAD) is an independent non-profit organisation working to promote full access to, participation in, benefit from and contribution to third level education by people with disabilities in Ireland.

AHEAD, in collaboration with the National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE), have produced a Handbook. 'Charting Your Course', which will assist guidance counsellors and the Adult Education Guidance Initiative in working with adults with disabilities. Guidance is pivotal to individuals' self-management of their lives, and the NCGE has played an important role, since its establishment in promoting a vision of quality lifelong and life wide guidance for all.

Guidance for all was the key concept when consideration was given to this new Handbook. The author of 'Charting Your Course', Connie McKernan, states that

'guidance counsellors will already have all the interpersonal and work skills they need to work effectively with students with disabilities.'

One of the most important messages emerging from this Handbook is to always see the ability first and give everyone the opportunity to share their dream or goal. In this work, it is essential that guidance counsellors have a clear vision of a quality guidance services. NCGE promotes a definition of guidance which the National Guidance Forum adopted, as follows:

"Guidance facilitates people throughout their lives to manage their own educational training, occupational, personal, social and life choices so that they reach their full potential and contribute to the development of a better society".

If you would like further information on this Handbook please contact AHEAD, tel: 01 7164396 or email: ahead@ahead.ie .

First European Rare Disorders Awareness Day

The Genetic and Rare Disorders Organisation (GRDO) celebrated the first European Awareness Day highlighting issues relating to Rare Disorders on Friday February 29th 2008. GRDO was joined by the Medical Research Charities Group (MRCG) RehabCare Ireland and the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations Science and Industry (IPPOSI), in the promotion of the day's important message. The objective was to create awareness amongst decision-makers about the need to consider rare diseases as a public health priority and to improve coordination at the European level.

Genetic and Rare Disorders Organisation (GRDO) was formerly known as Genetic and Inherited Disorders Organisation (GIDO). GRDO's mission is to provide a strong voice for voluntary groups representing people with or at risk of developing genetic or other rare disorders in order to achieve better support and services. It also acts as a watchdog in relation to legislation concerning disability to ensure that the rights of people with genetic or other rare conditions are protected. It works in association with relevant umbrella organisations and the National Centre for Medical Genetics to achieve a high quality service for people and family members.

GRDO offers membership to voluntary organisations that represent people with genetic and other rare conditions. If you would like more information please contact, Genetic & Rare Disorders Organisation, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7, tel: 01–269 2748, or website www.grdo.ie

Retirement of Director Anne Hughes Notice from Dyslexia Association of Ireland

On April 9th 2008 Anne Hughes Director of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) will retire. Under Anne's management DAI now has 2500 members and 34 branches / workshops nationwide offering support and tuition to children and parents. Anne was instrumental in developing the Career Paths training course for adults with dyslexia which has been running extremely successfully for the last 10 years. Anne also developed structures to ensure that the quality of each workshop is consistent and that best practice is the norm. She co-authored with Mary Ball and Wyn McCormack a definitive book on dyslexia in Ireland: 'Dyslexia: An Irish Perspective'. The list could go on and on … suffice to say Anne has worked tirelessly throughout the last 28 years to improve the recognition and support available for everybody with dyslexia. We wish her well in her retirement.

Funding

Dormant Accounts Fund Carers Measure 2007 / 2008

Up to €1.5m is being made available from the Dormant Accounts Fund under the Economic and Social Disadvantage Category to fund the provision of training programmes which will up-skill carers and enable them to provide the best care possible for those being cared for. On behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pobal invites applications from organisations in which carers support is a significant part of their work.

Local branches and affiliated groups of National organisations should apply via their national office who in turn will make one National application. Other unaffiliated and locally based groups can apply directly to Pobal.

Application forms together with general programme guidelines with additional application criteria are available from Pobal, tel: 01 240 0732, or are available to http://www.pobal.ie/live/DAF/907.html . The closing date for applications is Friday 11th April 2008 at 5 pm

St Stephen's Green Trust

Grants Scheme 2008

St Stephen's Green Trust grants scheme has four grant focus areas:

  1. Specific areas of disability (Autistic Spectrum Disorder; Hearing Impairment);
  2. Development and Integration (Older people in isolation; New Communities; Travellers);
  3. Breaking the Link (Homelessness; Offenders);
  4. Christian Values and Social Change.

Please contact Orla O'Neill directly for eligibility criteria and the application process: Orla O'Neill, Grants & Development Director, email info@ssgt.ie , tel: / fax 045 480 666, St Stephen's Green Trust, PO Box 950, Naas, Co Kildare, Website: www.ssgt.ie . The deadlines for 2008 are Friday, 2nd May and Friday, 5th September 2008

Community Foundation Launches New Ray Murphy Fund

The Community Foundation for Ireland recently announced the establishment of The Ray Murphy Fund. The fund has been set up to assist and encourage managers within the community and voluntary sectors to access leadership education and training. The Community Foundation will contribute €200,000 to the fund over the next 10 years.
The fund will make grants available to build leadership within the community sector for the next 10 years. The Community Foundation will also arrange seminars around the country for grant winners to share their learning and skills with other community groups. Five grants will be awarded annually and will be for a maximum of €4,000 each. The Community foundation will contribute €20,000 a year to the fund.

The Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for grants under this scheme and further grant information and application guidelines are available from The Community Foundation for Ireland's office at 01-874 7354 or on their website www.communityfoundation.ie . Note: There is no deadline for applications to this fund.

Training

UCD Equality Studies Centre Applications Invited

Applications are now invited for programmes in Equality Studies and Women's Studies at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Social Justice in 2008-2009. The programmes are designed to cultivate an interdisciplinary appreciation of equality issues of both national and international significance and to explore their inter-relationship.
The centre offers the following programmes:

  • MSc Equality Studies
  • Graduate Diploma in Equality Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in Equality Studies

If you have queries about any aspects of the programme please email equalitystudies@ucd.ie . Please include "Application for 2008" as the subject in all e-mail correspondence or the website http://www.ucd.ie/socialjustice/postgraduate.htm

CARI Training Programme 2008

The CARI Foundation is a provider of specialist psychotherapeutic support to children and families effected by child sexual abuse. CARI runs a number of training and continuing professional development courses for organisations and individuals. Each course is certificated and facilitated by trainers with a wide range of experience and expertise in the field of child protection, child therapy and forensic psychotherapy.

  • Working Therapeutically with Play and Other Creative Mediums, Monday 21st April and also Monday 8th September - Limerick
  • Intellectual Disabilities and Sexual Abuse, Thursday 9th October - Limerick
  • Working with Children in Care, Friday 20th June - Dublin
  • Working with Sexualised Behaviour, Wednesday 4th June - Dublin
  • An Introduction to Child Protection and the Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse, Wednesday 12th November - Dublin
  • An Introduction to Counselling Children, Thursday 29th May - Dublin
  • Working With Families, Wed 29th October - Dublin

For further information check the CARI website: www.cari.ie for booking forms contact: Serena Garland, 100 Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9, tel: 01-8611253 fax: 8828120 or email: training@cari.ie

General News

Positive Life Choices IASBAH International Conference and AGM 2008

IASBAH, the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus celebrates 40 years. The theme of the Conference is 'Positive Life Choices'. The Conference will look at a fuller life for people with Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus. A number of high profile speakers will attend.This weekend will be a great opportunity to share experiences, be involved in decision-making and meet new people..

Venue: Radisson SAS Hotel & Spa Cork, Ditchley House, Little Island, Cork.
Date: Friday, 9th May - Sunday, 11th May, 2008.
Time: Registration at 9.15 am on Friday 9th May.

Please contact your local IASBAH branch for more details. For information on the Conference please visit www.iasbah.ie . If you want to register a delegate please visit www.bookyourplace.ie

Walkinstown Association Conference "Pulling Your Own Strings"

Three themes dominate the Conference Programme:

  • Self Direction and Personalised / Individualised Budgets
  • Family Leadership – Putting relationships at the centre of our understanding of a Good Life
  • Ordinary and Included Lives for People who've acquired very challenging reputations

Date: Thursday 24th of April 2008 and Friday 25th of April 2008
Venue: The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Newlands Cross, Naas Road, Dublin 22
For further information please contact Hotel Solutions on 01-6280111 or go to www.walk.ie

The Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society Annual Conference

A one-day Conference will be held on Saturday April 26th 2008 to give information about the painful condition Raynaud's and the critical disease Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) that is connected with it. Minister Mary Harney will open the Conference.

Date: Saturday 26th April 2008
Time: 10 a.m.– 4.15 p.m.
Venue: Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan Road (N11), Dublin.

Rheumatologists and international experts will speak on the latest treatments and research, and the launch of a National Scleroderma Service will be announced. The new Scleroderma Nurse Specialist for Ireland and a Raynaud's and Scleroderma patient will address the daily needs of those living with these conditions.

Topics will include:

  • The latest developments in new treatments for Raynaud's and Scleroderma
  • The start-up of a new National Scleroderma Service
  • The connection between the diseases & how Scleroderma is diagnosed
  • Treatments for ulcers in Raynaud's and Scleroderma
  • How to handle daily life with either of these conditions

Entrance to the Conference is free to all but booking is essential. For reservations & information please tel: 01-2020184 or email: info@irishraynauds.com

The Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland 2008 European Conference in Ireland

Date: 30th October - 2nd November 2008
Venue: The Brehon Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Themes for the Conference will include:

  • Education and information for families, health professionals and scientists
  • Neurofibromatosis in the 21st century
  • Partners in Care
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 and 2 from a family and medical perspective

Who should attend: scientists, clinicians, Neurofibromatosis families and people involved in the care and welfare of patients. The Conference will facilitate the sharing of scientific advances and discussion on treatments culminating in improved care and management of Neurofibromatosis. The programme will be structured to ensure all participants return home with essential information and knowledge on this little known genetic condition.

For more information or to register online please check the website: www.nfireland2008.org

Inclusion Ireland AGM & Conference 2008

Inclusion Ireland, the National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability, will hold its 2008 AGM & Annual Conference in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Friday April 11th and Saturday April 12th 2008.

Features of the Conference will include a Q&A session with politicians hosted by Seán O'Rourke of RTE and a keynote speech by ICTU General Secretary David Begg. Tánaiste & Minister for Finance Brian Cowen will be in attendance.

How to Register: Cost - €50.00 per person (includes Conference, lunch on Saturday, tea / coffee breaks, copies of presentations), plus €45.00 per person if attending the Gala Dinner Dance. For a booking form www.inclusionireland.ie/AGM2008.asp or email Anne Waldek or Celine O'Brien ( annewaldek@inclusionireland.ie or celineandkaren@inclusionireland.ie ) or tel: 01-8559891 or Fax 01-8559904

The Wheel Annual Conference and AGM New Futures: Mapping The Road Ahead

Date: Thursday, 1st May 2008
Venue: Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin 3
Time: 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

With the new Charity Regulation Bill being passed into law and the mid-term review of the national agreement Towards 2016 taking place in 2008, it is a big year for the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. New research shows how organisations in the sector get their supports and information and so the starting point from which the sector can build an 'infrastructure of support' is now clear. The Wheel has structured its 2008 Conference to address these big-ticket items by:

  • Provoking discussion on the sector's role in the new era of regulation and on preparing organisations for the change;
  • Stimulating thinking on addressing the skills-gaps and meeting sector support needs;
  • Showcasing key developments that will help people who manage community / voluntary / charitable organisations to achieve their missions, and
  • Hosting discussion on preparing for all these changes.

For registration and further information please check the Wheel's website www.wheel.ie or email: register@wheel.ie or Fax: 01-4548649. The closing date for registrations for 28th April 2008.

'Funding and the Strings Attached' An All Ireland Conference for the Community Sector

The Conference will provide an opportunity for members of the community sector to come together and reflect on issues and challenges associated with the funding. It will look at funding from a State perspective as well as private trust funds, and the relationship between them and with the organisation.

The Conference will present a research paper by Brian Harvey on the funding of the community sector in Ireland; and will provide an opportunity to discuss the current funding context and to explore future options. There will be keynote speakers followed by discussion groups and a plenary session

Date: Wednesday April 30th
Time: 11 am - 1.15 pm
Venue: ATGWU Hall, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1

This is an initiative by the following national organisations: OPEN, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Pavee Point, Irish Refugee Council, National Women's Council of Ireland, Community Workers Co-op. A detailed brochure will be available shortly. For more information please contact The Community Workers Co-operative, Unit 4 First Floor, Tuam Road Centre, Tuam Road, Galway, Phone: 091 779 030, Fax: 091 779 033, Email: info@cwc.ie or check their website www.cwc.ie

DFI Newsletter Information

DFI Newsletters are available for download from our website ( www.disability-federation.ie ).
Send newsletter submissions or subscription requests by email to:
newsletter@disability-federation.ie
or
Newsletters

Disability Federation of Ireland is the national support mechanism for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland covering all areas of disability and disabling conditions: intellectual, physical, sensory, hidden and mental health. DFI has ongoing involvement with over 150 organisations and groups across the country, 70 of which currently comprise its National Council, and 42 of which are Associate Members. Allied to this, it works with and supports over 200 organisations and Groups around the country that have a significant and growing disability interest, mainly coming from the statutory and voluntary sectors.

DFI provides:

  1. Information
  2. Training and Advice
  3. Organisation and Management Development
  4. Research and Policy
  5. Advocacy and Representation

Dublin Office
Fumbally Court
Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8
Tel: 01 454 7978
Fax: 01 494 7981
E: info@disability-federation.ie

Dublin Mid-Leinster
Lillian Buchanan
Support Officer – Policy and Research (Dublin Office)
Tel: 01 424 0127
E: lillianbuchanan@disability-federation.ie

Anthony Carrick
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin South East, Wicklow (Dublin Office),
Tel: 01 708 0105
Mobile: 086 8206736
E: anthonycarrick@disability-federation.ie

Louise McCann
Dublin South City, Dublin South West, Dublin West, Kildare, West Wicklow (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 9189750
E: louisemccann@disability-federation.ie

Jacqueline Thomson
Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 3882600
E: jacquelinethomson@disability-federation.ie

Dublin North-East
Joan O'Donnell
Meath, Louth, Cavan, Monaghan (Dublin Office)
Mobile: 086 3834587
E: joanodonnell@disability-federation.ie

Martin Naughton
Dublin North Central, Dublin North West, Dublin North
Mobile: 086 8207196
E: martinnaughton@disability-federation.ie

West
Michael Corbett,
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon
C/O DFI, Acres, Newport, Co. Mayo,
Tel: 098 41919,
Mobile: 086 3804750,
Fax: 098 41065,
E: michaelcorbett@disability-federation.ie

Marcus Hufsky,
Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal
DFI, NRC, Forthill, Sligo,
Tel: 071 9144614,
Mobile: 086 3811261,
E: marcushufsky@disability-federation.ie

Toni Gleeson,
Limerick, North Tipperary, East Limerick, Clare
DFI, The Forge, Croke St. Thurles, Co Tipperary
Mobile: 086 6004526
E: tonigleeson@disability-federation.ie

South
P.J. Cleere
Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford
DFI, Tinryland, Carlow
Tel: 059 9158111
Mobile: 086 3811064
E: pjcleere@disability-federation.ie

Alison Ryan
On leave
Cork, Kerry
Please contact the Dublin Office.