About this Event
The in-person 30th Anniversary Conference is a half-day event for professionals interested in disability policy, practice, and networking.
Theme: Disability Policy to Practice
Join us for discussion and debate on the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030 and the Autism Innovation Strategy.
Speakers
Speakers include representatives from the National Disability Authority, the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, Inclusion Ireland, ASIAM, Neurodiversity Ireland, and many others.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Networking with refreshments provided (tea, coffee, and water)
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Ministerial address and welcome
🕑: 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People
Info: Presentation by Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary for Social Policy and Public Service Reform in the Department of the Taoiseach.
Chaired by Prof. Christine Linehan, a panel discussion including:
• Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary for Social Policy and Public Service Reform
• Dr Alison Harnett, Chief Executive Officer of National Federation of Voluntary Bodies
• Ciaran Finley, Senior Policy & Public Affairs Advisor, National Disability Authority
• Derval McDonagh, Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Ireland
• Fiona Weldon, Capacity Officer, Independent Living Movement
🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:40 AM
Break and networking
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
Autism Innovation Strategy
Info: Presentation by Zarah Doyle, Head of National Supports at AsIAm.
Chaired by Dr. Alison Stapleton, a panel discussion including:
• Zarah Doyle, Head of National Supports at AsIAm
• Nessa Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Neurodiversity Ireland
• Dr Sarah Cassidy, Founder and Director of Smithsfield Clinic and President of the Psychological Society of Ireland
🕑: 12:40 PM - 01:00 PM
Reflection and close
Event venue & nearby stays
UCD Sutherland School of Law, Mason Hayes & Curran Lecture Theatre (LAW L024), Dublin 4, Ireland