Conference Programme

26th March 2025. Spencer Hotel, Excise Walk D01 X4C9

This conference, hosted by the National Platform of Self-Advocates, focuses on the right to employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Many marginalised groups struggle to gain and keep employment, but people with intellectual disabilities face unique barriers that are often overlooked. Today, we will explore these challenges and discuss solutions for a more inclusive workforce. This conference is being run in collaboration with Inclusion Ireland.

You can read a biography by clicking on the photograph of the person.

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10:30AM

Registration and Breakfast refreshments
Greeters:

Dermot Lowndes

Board member, The National Platform of Self-advocates

Brian Carroll

Board member, The National Platform of Self-advocates



11:00AM

Opening remarks from the Chair

Brian Hayes

Chair, The National Platform of Self-advocates



11:05AM

Keynote address

Minister Hildegard Naughton

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability



11:15AM

Address from Rethink Ireland

Dr. Karen Galligan

Head of Equality and Fund Manager, Rethink Ireland



11:20AM

Plan for the day

Mairead Forde

Board Member, The National Platform of Self-advocates

Session 1: Pathways to Paid Employment - Improving Inclusion in the Workplace.

Finding employment is the first hurdle. People with intellectual disabilities are often seen as incapable, despite their skills and potential. This session will explore the barriers to employment and the pathways that can lead to meaningful paid work. We’ll discuss ways to improve hiring practices, raise awareness in workplaces, and make sure people feel welcomed and supported. Topics will include creating inclusive job descriptions, offering flexible application processes, and providing training for employers to understand the needs of people with disabilities.

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11:25AM

Presentation: Developing Employment Opportunities

Marie Devitt

Business Partnerships Manager, The Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Trinity College Dublin

Dúalta Callan

Administrator, Grant Thornton.



11:35AM

Panel discussion:

Joe McGrath

Vice-chair The National Platform of Self-advocates

Derval McDonagh

CEO Inclusion Ireland

Jeanne McDonagh

CEO Open Doors Initiative

Ann-Marie D'Souza

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Houses of the Oireachtas, in the Social and Environmental Sustainability Unit with responsibility for the Work Learning (OWL) Programme



11:55PM

Chat break. 10 minutes to refresh yourself and refocus for the next session.

How is it going so far?

Session 2: Supporting Paid Employment - Reimagining the Workplace for Inclusion.

Getting a job is just the beginning—staying in employment requires the right supports. This session will focus on how workplaces, policies, and services can ensure long-term success for employees with intellectual disabilities.
This panel will focus on how to make workplaces better for people with intellectual disabilities. We will talk about the importance of offering flexible work options, providing support based on individual needs, and making sure everyone has a chance to plan a future career. We’ll also discuss ways to listen to employees, create safe spaces to share ideas and remove barriers in hiring. By making these changes, we can build workplaces where everyone is included and supported.



12:05PM

Presentation: The Employment Pillar of the New Disability Strategy

Sarah O'Brien

Assistant Principal, Disability Equality Policy Unit, The Department of Children Equality Disability Integration and Youth



12:15AM

Panel Discussion:

Fiona Colton

Member of The National Platform of Self-advocates

Mary Hayes

Supported Employment Coordinator, St Josephs Foundation

Brenda Kealy

Assistant Director - EY-P Turnaround & Restructuring Strategy, Co-Chair EY Ability Network Ireland

Margaret Turley

Assistant, EY



12:45PM

Lunch

Session 3: The Right to Employment

Employment is not just an opportunity; it is a right. In this session, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission will discuss the right to work as enshrined in the UNCRPD, and Rethink Ireland will share how they support employment and social enterprise for marginalised groups.

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13:30PM

Presentation: The Right to Employment

Liam Herrick

IHREC Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission



13:40PM

Presentation: Employment and Social Enterprise
Rethink Ireland

Mario Vottero

Impact Director, Rethink Ireland

Session 4: Roundtable discussions

This session is an opportunity to explore the key challenges in accessing and maintaining paid employment, and how inclusive workplaces can be built to support all employees. Together, we will discuss ways to remove barriers, improve workplace supports, and create meaningful employment opportunities. We want people to share experiences and collaborate with colleagues from various sectors to drive positive change.



13:50PM

Discussion Themes:
1. What challenges have people with intellectual disabilities experienced in getting employment and staying in paid employment?
2. How does Social Enterprise help people with intellectual disabilities to get paid employment?
3. What do employers need to do to be more inclusive?
4. What should a person do to progress in their workplace?



14:25PM

Remarks from participants
A short opportunity for participants to have their voice heard.



14:35PM

Summary of the day – What we talked about

Mairead Forde

Board Member, The National Platform of Self-advocates



14:45PM

Themes from roundtable discussions – Themes and messages to government

Brian Hayes

Chair, The National Platform of Self-advocates



14:55PM

Closing address

David Fraughen

Board Member of The National Platform of Self-advocates and Board of Inclusion Ireland



15:00PM

Conference ends