Awareness Raising and Attitudes

The National Disability Authority (NDA) raises awareness about disability issues through our e-learning module and through our Someone Like Me art competition.

We also conduct surveys periodically on national attitudes to disability.

On this page

Someone Like Me Art Competition

This competition, run annually by the NDA, aims to promote disability awareness among primary school children and give them a greater understanding of what unites children of differing abilities. It enables children to learn about and discuss these topics and creatively express what they have learned through art..

Person at library with a walking cane resting against the table

Public Attitudes to Disability in Ireland

We carry out research and conduct periodic national surveys to examine the attitudes of the public to disability in Ireland.

Person in front of a computer screen taking an online class

Disability Awareness Training

We produced a short online training module on disability equality awareness.

Representation and Portrayal of People with Disabilities in Irish Broadcasting

Read our research with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland on the Representation and Portrayal of People with Disabilities in Irish Broadcasting.

Awareness Raising, Attitudes and UNCRPD

Article 8 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is dedicated to Awareness-raising. This Article obliges State Parties to raise awareness throughout society regarding persons with disabilities, to foster respect for their rights, to combat stereotypes and to promote awareness of the capabilities and contributions of persons with disabilities.

We raise awareness of disability issues through our research work and our policy and guidance activities. As part of our series of papers to review UNCRPD articles we have reviewed relevant data, policies, legislation and activities in relation to Article 8 which can be viewed here.

Article 8 also refers to 'fostering at all levels of the education systems, including in all children form an early age, an attitude of respect for the rights of persons with disabilities.' Our Someone Like Me annual art competition contributes to this as the accompanying lesson plans focus on respect and dignity of all people.

We have also developed a disability awareness training module. This is currently being updated and should be available in 2023. Many government departments are also developing training modules for their staff. NDA also funded a consortium of disability organisations to develop Inclusive Recruitment and Retention Practices, an an e-learning session aimed at raising awareness among employers and changing their attitudes to employing disabled people.