The theme for the 2025-26 Research Promotion Scheme is ‘Disability in Marginalised Groups and Communities’. The NDA was open to proposals for research examining the relationship between disability and any marginalised groups but in particular with Traveller and/or Roma communities. We have awarded funding to the following three research projects:
1. Pavee Point: Dr Lynsey Kavanagh (Pavee Point) and Dr Lucy Michael (Lucy Michael Research, Training and Consultancy) with their team, will explore the lived experiences of disabled Travellers in accessing disability and related services, and to identify barriers, facilitators, and culturally appropriate solutions that can inform inclusive policy and practice.
2. Munster Technological University: Dr Michelle O’Keefe and her team will investigate how housing conditions shape the health and wellbeing of disabled Travellers in Ireland, while situating these experiences within the wider Traveller community and to co-create actionable recommendations that ensure inclusive and culturally appropriate housing and health policy.
3. Simon Communities of Ireland: Ber Grogan and Julia Cory (Simon Communities), with Dr Brídín Carroll (University of Galway), will explore the lived experiences of older adults with disabilities who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness and identify barriers and facilitators to accessing housing and homelessness services, how services can be adapted to better meet need, and critically examine how aging, disability, and homelessness interact to shape accessibility needs over time in order to develop evidence-based recommendations.
Learn more about our Research Promotion Scheme.