About this Event
CHAT – Connecting Ireland’s Assistive Technology Ecosystem
Wednesday, 2 December 2026
Venue: Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Dublin
Format: Hybrid – attend in person or online
Time: 11am - 3pm
Hosted by: FreedomTech CHAT – Community Hub for Accessible Technology
Overview
45 recommendations. Five priority areas. One national conversation.
How can we work together to create a more connected, accessible and equitable Assistive Technology ecosystem in Ireland?
The World Health Organization's Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C) in Ireland identifies 45 recommended actions to improve access to Assistive Technology (AT).
These recommendations provide an opportunity to rethink how people find, access, use and receive ongoing support for Assistive Technology throughout their lives.
But how do we move from recommendations to action?
And what role could a National Assistive Technology Hub play in connecting people, services, expertise, research and innovation across Ireland?
Join FreedomTech CHAT for a three-hour hybrid national conversation, hosted at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
Bringing together people who use Assistive Technology, DigiCoaches, disability organisations, policymakers, service providers, researchers, educators and technology partners, this CHAT will explore how we can strengthen Ireland's AT ecosystem together.
Five Ps. Five community priorities.
Ahead of the event, the CHAT community will be invited to identify its leading priorities across the five areas of the WHO ATA-C framework:
1. PEOPLE – Putting people at the centre
How can people who use AT have a stronger voice in decisions, access trusted information and benefit from peer-led support?
2. PRODUCTS – Getting the right technology
How can we improve access to affordable, appropriate and innovative Assistive Technology, including repairs, maintenance and ongoing support?
3. PERSONNEL – Building skills and expertise
How can we strengthen AT knowledge, professional development, dedicated roles and the contribution of people with lived experience?
4. PROVISION – Making access simpler and fairer
How can we create more consistent pathways, strengthen local and regional services, and support people throughout their lives?
5. POLICY – Connecting the national system
How can national strategy, funding, coordination and accountability support a more equitable AT ecosystem?
Exploring a National Assistive Technology Hub
A central theme of this CHAT will be the potential for a more connected national AT system.
The WHO ATA-C report recommends a national AT information hub, stronger central coordination and regional AT hubs.
Together, we will explore:
- What should a National AT Hub actually do?
- How could a central hub connect regional services, community organisations and existing expertise?
- How can people who use AT help design and lead this approach?
- What can we build on rather than duplicate?
- How can research, innovation, training and peer support become part of a connected national ecosystem?
The aim is not to design another standalone service, but to explore how existing strengths could be connected to make Assistive Technology easier to find, access and use.
What to expect
This will be an interactive CHAT, bringing together different perspectives to explore shared priorities and practical next steps.
The session will include:
- Setting the scene: Key findings and recommendations from Ireland's WHO ATA-C report.
- The community's voice: Findings from the CHAT survey identifying priorities across the Five Ps.
- Five priority conversations: Exploring challenges, opportunities and possible actions.
- Connecting the ecosystem: A facilitated discussion on the potential role of a National AT Hub and regional connections.
- From recommendations to action: Identifying opportunities for collaboration and practical next steps.
Who should attend?
This event is for everyone interested in improving access to Assistive Technology in Ireland. We particularly welcome people who use AT, family members, peer supporters, disability organisations, health and social care professionals, educators, researchers, policymakers, technology developers and suppliers.
Your experience, knowledge and perspective matter.
Accessibility and participation
This is a hybrid event, with opportunities to participate in person or online.
We want everyone to be able to contribute. Please tell us about any accessibility or communication requirements when registering.
Further information about accessibility arrangements and joining instructions will be shared with registered participants.
Help shape the conversation
Before the event, FreedomTech CHAT will invite its community to identify one priority under each of the Five Ps. CHAT – Your Voice, Ireland's AT Priorities – Fill out form
The survey results will help shape the discussions on 2 December and ensure the event reflects the priorities of people who use, deliver and support Assistive Technology.
Together, let's connect Ireland's AT ecosystem and turn recommendations into action.
FreedomTech CHAT is a community of practice This event is an opportunity to explore priorities and potential approaches; it does not represent an announcement of an approved national AT hub or government policy.
Event venue & nearby stays
Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Baggot Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland
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