Conference Theme

The 2024 conference looked at Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Ireland, which focuses on the participation of people with disabilities in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport.

Issues discussed included the extent to which Article 30 of the UNCRPD is being realised in Ireland; barriers faced by disabled people with regard to participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport; potential solutions to these challenges; and good practices in Ireland and other countries.

Conference Recordings

Introduction and Opening Addresses

Introduction, Dr Aideen Hartney, Director, National Disability Authority.

Welcome Address, Kathryn O’Donoghue, Chairperson, National Disability Authority.

Ministerial Address, Anne Rabbitte T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Session 1: International and Regional Perspectives

Chair: Colm Ó Conaill, Assistant Secretary General, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Panelists:

  • Jason Smyth, Strategy Manager, Paralympics Ireland.
  • Professor Delia Ferri, Professor of Law, Maynooth University.
  • Ivor Ambrose, Managing Director, ENAT – European Network for Accessible Tourism.
  • Antoine Fobe, Head of Advocacy and Campaigning, European Blind Union.


Session 2: Arts and Creativity

Chair: Feargal Ó Coigligh, Secretary General, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Panelists:

  • Pádraig Naughton, Executive Director, Arts & Disability Ireland.
  • Petal Pilley, Artistic Director, Blue Teapot Theatre Company.
  • Kieran Coppinger, Actor, Blue Teapot Theatre Company.
  • Emilie Conway, Artist and Founder, Disabled Artists and Disabled Academics.
  • Peter Kearns, DPO Development Officer, Independent Living Movement Ireland.


Research Spotlight

Safe to Create and the findings of AMPLIFY: A Call for Transformative Action

Niamh O’Donnell, Director, Irish Theatre Institute and Gráinne Pollak, Project Manager, Safe to Create.

Presentation ends with a screening of ‘Diversity Hire', a spoken word performance by FELISPEAKS in response to the findings of AMPLIFY.


Performance:

Emilie Conway

Vocal Jazz Artist, Composer and Founder, Disabled Artists and Disabled Academics.


Session 3: Sport, Recreation and Leisure

Chair: Jack Kavanagh, Authority Member, National Disability Authority.

Panelists:

  • Stephanie Mac Sweeney, Strategic Operations Manager, Active Disability Ireland.
  • Sarah Kerrigan, Able Active Project Co-Ordinator, Surpass Sport Systems.
  • David McKay, Disability and Inclusion Officer, Irish Rugby Football Union.
  • Laurence Colleran, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent, South Dublin County Council.
  • Louise Burke, Director of Participation, Sport Ireland.


Recital:

Jessica Keegan

Poet, Author of ‘My Angels and Demons Through Poetry’ and Service Owner, Enable Ireland, Limerick.

Session 4: Cultural Heritage, Identity and Tourism, Film and Media

Chair: Adam Harris, Chief Executive Officer, AsIAm.

Panelists:

  • Niamh Daffy, Inclusive Tourism Manager, Fáilte Ireland.
  • Elaine Grehan, Advocacy Services Manager, Irish Deaf Society.
  • Terri Sweeney Meade, Assistant Principal Architect, National Monuments, Historic Properties and Capital Works Delivery, Office of Public Works.
  • Eleanor McSherry, Senior Programme Coordinator of Autism Studies, Adult and Continuing Education at University College Cork
  • Louise McLoughlin, Director of Compliance and Complaints – Broadcasting and Video On-Demand Services, Coimisiún na Meán.


Closing Address

Closing Ministerial Video Address: Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Conference Close: Dr Aideen Hartney, Director, National Disability Authority.


Publications relevant to conference theme

On this website

National Wellbeing and Social Inclusion Survey 2022

Guidance for conducting collaborative research with people with disabilities

Participation Matters Guidelines on implementing the obligation to meaningfully engage with disabled people in public decision making

National Disability Authority Strategic Plan - National Disability Authority (nda.ie)

On our www.universaldesign.ie website

Universal Design Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets (opens in new tab)

Customer Communications Toolkit for Services to the Public – A Universal Design Approach (opens in new tab)