Inclusion Ireland

📢 One of the key asks in our Budget 2027 Submission - Our Rights, Our Voices is to tackle disability poverty and the cost of exclusion.

No one should be pushed into poverty because they have a disability.

People with intellectual disabilities and their families face significant additional costs every day - from therapies and transport to higher energy bills and essential supports. These costs should not prevent people from living independently, participating in their communities or enjoying a decent standard of living.

That's why we're calling on Government to:

➡️Introduce a permanent Cost of Disability Support Payment

➡️Increase the Disability Allowance and Carer's Allowance so they reflect the real cost of living.

➡️ Restore key disability supports, including the Disability Support Grant, Additional Fuel Payment and Living Alone Payment.

➡️ Remove barriers that penalise carers and disabled people for working.

➡️ Expand the Fuel Allowance to better reflect the higher energy costs many disabled people face.

Budget 2027 is an opportunity to invest in people's rights and ensure disability never means poverty.

Read our Budget 2027 Submission and an easy to read version of the submission on our website here: https://www.inclusionireland.ie/media-publications/

💻 Inclusion Ireland Webinar

Join Inclusion Ireland for the launch of our new guide, Supporting Decision Making: A Practical Guide for Families and Supporters.

Hear from Áine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Service, and Derval McDonagh, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, as they discuss what the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act means in practice and how families and supporters can support people to exercise their rights and make their own decisions.

📅 Wednesday, 16th July 2026
🕐 7.30 - 8.30pm
💻 Online (Zoom)

You'll also have the opportunity to submit your questions when you register.

Register online here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2XovN-kkS1mri6lGy9iDfw #/registration

On Wednesday 17th June Inclusion Ireland welcomed members, self-advocates, families, supporters, public representatives and stakeholders from across the country to our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The day was an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, celebrate achievements, and focus on the work that still needs to be done to ensure people with intellectual disabilities can live ordinary lives as equal members of their communities.

We heard powerful contributions from people with intellectual disabilities and family members who shared their experiences, hopes and priorities for the future. We were delighted to welcome public representatives from across the political spectrum for a discussion on the key issues facing our community, and we were delighted to be joined by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, who addressed members and outlined her commitment to disability rights and inclusion.

A special thank you to Avril Webster for sharing her son Stephen's story, reminding us all of the importance of listening to people with an intellectual disability and their families and doing things differently. Thank you also to The Lámh Connects Choir, whose wonderful performance brought energy and joy to the day.

Most importantly, thank you to our members. Your voices, experiences and advocacy continue to drive Inclusion Ireland's work and shape our vision for a more inclusive Ireland.

Thank you to the team at IHREC for hosting us in their excellent accessible events space and for their support throughout the day.