Disability Participation News Hub

11/09/2026

Communicating Europe Series - exploring rights, access and Ireland’s EU Presidency for 2026 🔎

In this edition, Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird takes us through the impact of EU decision making on our day to day lives in Ireland.

We also have more updates on Irish EU Presidency news and events to keep you in the loop.

Catch up on our latest Communication Europe Edition here: https://mailchi.mp/disabilityparticipation/disability-participation-news-hub-newsletter-6756057

Find all previous editions for this series over on our website: https://open.substack.com/pub/disabilityparticipationnewshub/p/communicating-europe-a-series-on?r=6ll3x2&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Image: A square graphic with a dark blue background and text reading: “Communicating Europe. The impact of EU decision making on day to day life in Ireland. www.disabilityparticipation.ie. Disability Participation News Hub.” The logo of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in the bottom left hand corner. An illustration of a black and white megaphone is next to a map of Europe with EU stars in the centre of the image.

10/09/2026

What does it mean to be a disabled journalist in Ireland and what difference does it make to the stories that get told?

Our next Access Media session explores the relationship between lived experience and editorial practice, looking at how disability is covered in Irish journalism and who is shaping that coverage.

From pitching and commissioning to sourcing and framing, we'll examine the barriers facing disabled journalists at every stage of the process, and ask what changes when disabled people are in the room - not just as subjects, but as the ones asking the questions.

Join us online on the 15th September to learn more (link also in our bio): https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/access-media-session-3-disabled-representation-in-irish-journalism-tickets-1991583861943

Access Media is a series is a collaboration between Disabled Women Ireland and the Disability Participation News Hub, and supported by Coimisiún na Meán.

Images: Square graphics with pink/purple backgrounds, a white text box and text contained in the post above. The logos for the Disability Participation News Hub, Coimisiún na Meán and Disabled Women Ireland are along the bottom of the images, with a QR code directing to Eventbrite. The final graphic contains photos of all speakers - Louise Bruton, Dean Buckley, Emma Ward, Christine O'Mahony and Julie Helen - as well as details on the event also contained in the post above.

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

Over the coming weeks every Thursday a topic will be discussed with a particular individual with living experience or a representative of an organisation/service provider. First up is Ann Marie Flanagan who will set the scene. Thank you Pat and Clare FM for your ongoing and committed support to voices of justice and equality 🙏

09/09/2026

We are very much looking forward to Sligo Pride Festival 2026, which kicks off with a Flag Raising at City Hall at 3pm on Friday. We will be very proud to march with Sligo Pride on Saturday 19th gathering in Queen Maeve's Square from 11am. Many of our members are LGBTQIA+ and those of us who are not stand in solidarity as allies. We all face structural barriers including discrimination and we all need to be part of resilient communities. We will also have a stall at the Fleadh Bród (Pride Festival) in Knocknarea Arena after the Parade from 12:30 to 5 pm on Saturday. Call past and say hello :)

Text reads:
"Sligo Pride 2026 Building Community
Fri 11th
3pm Town Hall: Flag Raising
Sat 12th
11am WB Yeats Cafe: Cuppa
1pm Sligo Town: Clean-up
Sun 13th
8pm The Model: Blindr
Mon 14th
5pm Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry: GAYmes night
Tue 15th
8pm Swagman: Pride, Paint & Sláinte, with LOVESMOKE
Wed 16th
6:30pm Lillies Bar: Queercal Comhrá
8pm Lillies Bar: Kitchen Sink Stories
Thur 17th
5pm Oakmoon Cafe: Poster Making
Fri 18th
8pm Art Deco Theatre, Ballymote: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert
8pm Swagman: Pink Friday
Sat 19th
11am Maeve's Square: Pride March
12:30pm Knocknarea Arena: Fleadh Bród
8pm Bourbon Bar: Bród After Hours
Sun 20th
10am Hawk's Well Theatre: Cool Down
1pm Queen Maeve Trail: Hike up Knocknare"
Sligo Pride logo top left, white text on black background, details for Sat 19th black text white background, there are small images by each event such as popcorn by film at the Art Deco

09/09/2026

💥 Bumper Edition Out Now!

Catch up on the latest disability advocacy news with our free weekly newsletters.

This week we have updates on:

*Our News Hub Book Club
*Spotlight Series
*Consultations
*DPO/DPRO News
*UNCRPD Updates
*Calls for Participation
*News and Events round ups

Catch up here, or through the link in our bio: https://mailchi.mp/disabilityparticipation/disability-participation-news-hub-newsletter-6756251

More news over on our website: www.disabilityparticipation.ie

Image: a pink and red checkered graphic with a white box in the centre holding orange text. The text reads: "Latest newsletter out now! Bumper Edition. www.disabilityparticipation.ie." The logo for the Disability Participation News Hub and an illustration of a graphic border the text.

06/09/2026

There are still a few tickets left to the next session of our Access Media webinar series. Our next session, on the 15th of September (at 7pm) focuses on Disabled Journalists and will be facilitated by Louise Bruton.

Get your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/access-media-session-3-disabled-representation-in-irish-journalism-tickets-1991583861943

Delivered in partnership with the Disability Participation News Hub with support from Coimisiún na Meán

05/09/2026

📚 News Hub Book Club - with Blezzing Dada

We are delighted to share our next News Hub Book Club session featuring the one and only, Blezzing Dada!

Blezzing (she/they), from Dublin, Ireland, is a multiple award-winning Black-Irish mental health activist, who’s an outspoken passionate on various social justice issues, especially on a focus of intersectionality within the mental health spaces, shaped by harm reduction & anti-capitalist frameworks.

Join us from the comfort of your own home on the 23rd September to learn more about Blezzing's work, ask questions, connect with others, and share ideas.

These sessions are relaxed ones, so come as you are and enjoy the chat!

Details: 23rd September, 7pm-8pm, via Zoom
ISL Interpretation available
Tickets are free, donation optional.

Register through Eventbrite here (or through the link in our bio): https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/news-hub-book-club-session-3-tickets-1999657919667

Our News Hub Book Club is a celebration of disabled authors, writers, poets and creators.

Disabled people and allies are all welcome to join us for these relaxed online sessions.

We are grateful to West Midlands Credit Union for their support of this series.

If you'd like to support or sponsor a Book Club session, reach out to our team at [email protected] 🌱

[Image: a rectangular graphic with a pink and purple faded background and white stars scattered around the image. Text reads: “News Hub Book Club. Featuring Blezzing Dada. Date: 23rd September Time: 7pm. Venue: Zoom. ISL Interpretation available. Register via Eventbrite”. The graphic features a circular photo of Blezzing, wearing glasses, a black face mask, and a pink polka-dot dress poses in front of a bright pink and purple party backdrop with metallic streamers and balloons. The image has colourful lighting and a festive atmosphere. An illustration of a row of books with flowers and plants growing from them is along the bottom of the images along with the logos for the West Midlands Credit Union and Disability Participation News Hub.]

04/09/2026

Calling all disabled people in Sligo: The Disability Act 2005 is being reviewed. Sligo DPO would like to put in a submission but we want to know what everyone thinks. Our first consultation will be in person next Tuesday (September 8th) from 10 am to 1 pm in the Abbeyquarter Community Centre in Devins Drive, Cranmore F91 KNN3. All Sligo-based disabled people are welcome whether you are already a DPO member or not.

The poster has a neon pink background and the word consultation in white across the top. A white box below has our logo and the words "Disability Act 2005 Review" Beneath that box in white text on the left it says: The Disability Act 2005 is out of date and out of time. Do we reform it or scrap it and start again? Whatever we do, Disabled People need to lead the conversation. Come and join us, have your voice heard" In a white box on the right it says "Tuesday, September 8th, 10 am to 1 pm. Abbeyquarter Community Centre, Devins Drive Cranmore F91 KNN3."

04/09/2026

📢 Call for Participation: Employers for Change's new Disability Inclusion Manager Toolkit Survey

Employers for Change's new Disability Inclusion Manager Toolkit is now in the data-gathering phase, aimed at being built on what people experience at work.

They have commissioned Braver to carry out a consultation process and develop a toolkit informed directly by the experiences of line managers, HR / EDI professionals and disabled employees. In particular, if you are a disabled manager or disabled HR / EDI professional, they are eager to hear how that informs your view of inclusive management.

If you would like to share your experience to inform the development of the toolkit, please complete the survey using the link below. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

Survey link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/EFC-HaveYourSay

Closes Friday 11 September 2026

A note on language: the survey uses identity-first language ("disabled employee"). We know preferences vary, and that many people prefer person-first language (“employees with disabilities”) or prefer not to self-identify as disabled e.g. neurodivergent.

Image: Poster for the Have Your Say – Disability Inclusion Manager Toolkit online survey, closing Friday 11 September 2026. Full details in the post.