The creation of this resource aligns with Ireland’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that disabled people participate in public life.

The Self-Advocacy Kit, co-designed with disabled people, offers a “suite of resources” that seeks to support individuals and organisations to build and sustain self-advocacy.

According to the federation, self-advocates and frontline workers from two member organisations across five regions have introduced the trial to ensure relevance and usability.

Laine Teague, DRI Chief Executive, has described it as a significant milestone in efforts to embed the voices of disabled people in Ireland’s policy-making processes. “It supports people to speak up, be heard, and help shape a society that reflects their lived experiences”, she stated.

Ms Teague added that people advocating for themselves will help create a more “inclusive and accountable policy environment”, where decisions are shaped by those impacted.