Last week we were inspired by attending the Active Disability Ireland 2024 National Conference.
It was a day of inspiring guest speakers, panel discussions, personal reflections, profiling sessions and more.
The theme for the conference was ‘Increasing Profile and Visibility’ and the conference did exactly that.
The array of presentations across the day captivated the audience; the energy and emotion,in the room was felt by all 250 delegates. The conference begun in a unique way with MC for the conference Jack Kavanagh arriving into the room, accompanied by Robert Purcell, Active Disability Ireland staff member, following a video that highlighted the journey they took (live…) from the Sport Ireland Campus to the hotel in Athlone.
Smart messaging and good storytelling with a dose of humour was a great way to get things started.
Nathan Stephens, three-time Paralympic athlete, Word Champion Javelin Throw (F57) and Head of Performance Development at Disability Sport Wales, was the keynote for the day.
He gave a very honest account of his experiences in sport following a horrific accident on his 9th birthday that resulted in losing both of his legs. Nathan captured the room with his spirit, humility and motivation to succeed in both is personal and professional careers.
He spoke of how he has channelled his energy and experience into guiding athletes, and the wider sport sector, to achieving excellence in para and disability sport.
The day was also filled with panel speakers, the first panel representing UNESCO, Sport Ireland and The Irish Centre for Diversity & Inclusion. This panel focused on ‘A Human Perspective’ and discussed UNCRPD Article 30 and the rights of a person with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity.
This segment closed with a compelling personal reflection video from Geraldine Lavelle, published author, disability advocate and sport enthusiast.
She reflected on her experiences in sport and physical activity since acquiring a spinal cord injury in 2013.
The second panel of the day focused on ‘An Educational Perspective’ with guests representing Primary School Teachers, Students, Parents and Researchers.
This panel discussed the experiences and importance of teacher training to accommodate inclusive Physical Education for students in school settings.
Findings from the Teacher Research conducted by Active Disability Ireland in 2024 were highlighted as part of the Education panel and the research
report was officially launched.
This segment closed powerfully by Fiacre Ryan, autistic non-speaking published writer, poet and disability advocate who co- presented with his mother, Carmel Ryan to share his story and experiences in sport and physical activity using a letter board for communication. The
audience was captivated by Fiacres story that was told O N E L E T T E R A T A T I M E.
Other disability sport organisations had the opportunity to profile the work they are doing to the conference delegates. With representation from Special Olympics Ireland, Irish Wheelchair Association for Sport, Deaf Sports Ireland, Vision Sport Ireland and Paralympics Ireland a key message of collaboration and connection was evident.
The day also presented the opportunity for Active Disability Ireland to highlight some of the exciting projects that are lined up for 2025.
The team announced that there will be an online eLearning workshop for Disability Inclusion in Physical Activity and Sport available from January 2025. A second announcement told the audience about a series of Xcessible Club Roadshow workshops that will be rolled out regionally next year, as well as an Xcessible Awards celebration.
“This year’s conference was a tremendous success for the organisation and the team,” said CEO Brenda O’Donnell.
“We worked hard to ensure that the message of the conference reflected the living experience of people with disabilities and painted the picture of what the living reality of access to sport and physical activity is really like.”
“Across the organisation, we understand the true value of participation and the opportunities that it can bring to someone with a disability, but we also
understand the realities and priorities that life can bring with it.”
She finished her closing remarks by reinforcing the message that we should all “look to the human side of our delivery and think of the lasting effect that our
actions for inclusion could make to our communities.”
“This was a day of incredible energy, insights, and collaboration,” added Brian O’Callaghan Chairperson of Active Disability Ireland.
“It was a proud moment for us at Active Disability Ireland to bring together such a diverse group of voices dedicated to advancing active inclusion in Ireland. The conference showcased not only the progress we have made but allowed us to reflect on the challenges we currently face and also acknowledge the work that lies ahead. The engagement and shared passion of attendees reaffirmed our collective commitment to creating a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of ability.”
“I extend heartfelt gratitude to all the participants and attendees who made this event a resounding success.”
Jack Kavanagh closed the conference with a message that stemmed across the day asking the audience ‘What one Act can do you to make an impact? ’ Active Disability Ireland look forward to living through the next year of their strategy and to bring to life the theme of “Influencing and Challenging” throughout their programmes.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Sport is about so much more than the result of a game and the power of providing physical activity for all was powerfully expressed at the conference. If you have never experienced the work of Active Disability Ireland it will be well worth your time exploring what they do and seeing whether it is something that you can assist in. On a personal level, what is the ‘One act for Impact which you can do today or over the next week that will make a difference to those who need to travel a different path to activity than you.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Every event we stage has toi be in a venue that is fully accessible. Harder than you think but worth the time it takes to do so.
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