National Conference of Inclusion 2024

Theme: Increasing Profile & Visibility

The National Conference of Inclusion has always been a place of great learning and sharing whilst highlighting and discussing areas of importance in sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities in Ireland. Active Disability Ireland hosted this event on the 5th December in the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone. This was the second conference since the organisation’s rebrand in mid-2023 and similar to last year’s event the theme of ‘Increasing Profile & Visibility’ was derived from one of the themes in Active Disability Ireland’s 4-year strategy. This ambition for this year’s event was bigger and better and that’s exactly what was achieved. Over 250 delegates from across sport, health, education & community sectors attended on the day. all focusing on how can make #OneActForImpact in the lives of people with disabilities. 

Vendors:

Keynote Speakers

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. Nathan gave a very honest account of his experiences in sport following a horrific accident on this 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. Nathan 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 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. Geraldine 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 the other disability sport organisations in the sector. They 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 final panel of the day featured  ‘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 Fiacre’s story that was told; O N E L E T T E R A T A T I M E.