Disability Federation of Ireland

03/02/2026

The Dept of Health has published the 'Waiting Time Action Plan 2026.' While we welcome progress on community therapies, paediatric spinal surgeries, SPOA, and Community Connect, it is deeply disappointing that disability is not explicitly mentioned once.

This is a lost opportunity for disability proofing, a core Sláintecare value and a UN CRPD recommendation for all health initiatives. General reforms are a start, but without specific disability-proofing metrics, we risk leaving people behind.

Read the Action Plan: https://rebrand.ly/65psvqu

30/01/2026

Want to level up with an Executive MBA at Trinity College Dublin ?

The Leadership Academy (The Wheel) is sharing a major scholarship opportunity:

✅ €30k in fees covered
✅ For charity sector staff
✅ Starts this September.

Don't miss out! Apply here: https://rebrand.ly/gu2ikdt

30/01/2026

At the Social Democrats motion for a €400 Emergency Winter Payment yesterday, Dara Calleary referred to the “heat or eat” crisis as “misleading messaging”.

This is Michael. He’s currently deciding if he can afford one bar or two on his heater. This isn’t a message, it’s a struggle for survival.

Disabled people don’t need lectures on messaging, they need the Emergency Winter Payment.

Get involved. Email your local TD today with Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) easy to use template via link in bio.

30/01/2026

At the Social Democrats motion for a €400 Emergency Winter Payment yesterday, Dara Calleary TD referred to the "heat or eat" crisis as "misleading messaging".

This is Michael. He’s currently deciding if he can afford one bar or two on his heater. This isn't a message, it’s a struggle for survival.

Disabled people don't need lectures on messaging, they need the Emergency Winter Payment.

Get involved. Email your local TD today with Irish Wheelchair Association's easy to use template: https://rebrand.ly/1y2sbwx

28/01/2026

"After three years of establishing that precedent of providing that [€400] support, to take it away without any form of a replacement is really quite cruel."
Our Policy Advocacy Manager Fleachta Phelan was on on Shannonside Northern Sound this morning alongside Liam Quaide from the Social Democrats. They called for an Emergency Winter Payment to fill the gap they created. Disabled people cannot wait until 2027 to heat their homes.

Support the campaign: Click here to email your local TD: https://rebrand.ly/1y2sbwx
Listen here.

28/01/2026

Thanks to ‪Social Democrats for their motion calling on an emergency winter payment of €400.

Get involved

Please email your local TDs and Senators today through IWA's easy-to-use tool here: https://www.iwa.ie/get-involved/advocacy-campaigns/our-campaigns/post-budget-2026/

In this year's Budget, disabled people were left €1,400 worse off per year.

Today, the Dáil will debate our motion urging the govt to introduce an emergency winter payment for people with disabilities.

The govt must support it.

26/01/2026

"I sit around a gas heater and I actually argue with myself: will I turn on the 2nd or 3rd bar?"

This is the reality for thousands of disabled people right now. A choice between heating and eating.

Disabled people cannot wait until 2027. We need a €400 emergency payment now to bridge the gap.

The Taoiseach says an emergency payment isn't "fiscally sustainable." How is it financially sustainable for disabled people to have to choose between heating or eating? Or to switch off medical equipment to save electricity?

👇 TAKE ACTION:

1️⃣ Get the data: Read our full Cost of Disability factsheet: https://rebrand.ly/eeg36ak

2️⃣ Demand change: Email your local TD and tell them this is unacceptable: https://rebrand.ly/1y2sbwx

22/01/2026

🚨Emergency Winter Campaign update🚨

The coalition met with Minister Emer Higgins yesterday regarding the Emergency Winter Payment.

We clearly outlined the gap that has been left by the loss of one-off payments and the critical financial burden this places on disabled people this winter and beyond given the arrears that will exist long after winter passes.

The Minister heard and understood our concerns, and committed to raising the issue directly with the Tánaiste and her Cabinet colleagues.

We are still waiting on a formal response from the Taoiseach following our letter issued earlier this week.

We will keep the pressure on as our campaign continues.

See our Cost of Disability factsheet here: https://rebrand.ly/mdjeh0b

16/01/2026

Applications are still open for the EASPD Innovation Awards 2026 for the best approaches to organisational development in the disability sector.

Why apply?

🔸Showcase your work internationally in Porto, Portugal (May 2026).
🔸Connect with leaders in the sector.
🔸Gain recognition for your team's hard work.

Who can apply?

Public, private, and social economy organisations. (No membership needed!)
🗓️ Deadline: 1 February 2026 🔗 https://rebrand.ly/pgs5kfq

14/01/2026

Following our protest in December, we are heading into Leinster House today for a dedicated "Cost of Disability briefing with Oireachtas members hosted by the Social Democratscrats.

Together with the Irish Wheelchair Association and Access for all Ireland, we will be presenting the hard data and the real lived experience of what the cuts in Budget 2026 actually mean for people on the ground.

We are pushing for an immediate Emergency Winter Payment. Watch this space. ✊

For more see and download our Cost of Disability Factsheet here: https://rebrand.ly/ugy3sri

12/01/2026

📅 Join us for the launch of IN-HABIT: A new era for inclusive housing.

Access to housing is a fundamental human right, yet for many people with disabilities, finding accessible, affordable homes remains a major challenge.

We are proud to announce that we are partnering with European colleagues on the IN-HABIT project to tackle these barriers head-on.

Kickstart the conversation with us. On Thursday, 29 January, we invite you to the official online inauguration and stakeholder roundtable.

Discussion points will include:
🔹 The EU Affordable Housing Plan and its disability dimension.
🔹 Innovative solutions to skills gaps in the housing sector.
🔹 DFI will be presenting on the Irish National Housing Strategy for Disabled People.

👉 Register here: https://rebrand.ly/kkjca6q

07/01/2026

We were heartbroken to learn of the passing of veteran disability activist Dermot Hayes. A tireless campaigner for over 30 years and founder of the Clare Leader Forum, Dermot was a giant of the movement and a fierce advocate for Independent Living.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.