Active Disability Ireland Conference 2025

Active Disability Ireland Conference 2025

Promotional graphic for Active Disability Ireland Conference
Promotional graphic for Active Disability Ireland Conference

The national Active Disability Ireland Conference will take place on Wednesday, 3rd December, at The Johnstown Estate, County Meath, marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s theme is “Influencing and Challenging” and we are proud to welcome a line-up of leading voices in disability and sport to challenge perceptions, share lived experiences and discuss creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities to be active. Joanne Murphy from TriTalkingSport has been announced as the conference MC. Joanne is a dynamic and influential voice at major international events, dedicated to amplifying athlete stories, promoting inclusion and championing the belief that sport is for everyone.

Active Disability Ireland announces Key Voices in Disability and Sport for the National Conference

Speakers

CEO Brenda O’Donnell will open the conference and welcome Minister Charlie McConalogue, who will join Sport Ireland’s Ger McTavish (Disability in Sport Lead) and Adam Harris (AsIAm) for a panel discussion. Active Disability Ireland Brand Ambassador Liam Beville will take the stage for a personal reflection piece, sharing his story of resilience which led him to a Guinness World Record, World titles and huge success competing as a powerlifter. Welsh actor Jay Lusted will close the morning session with a segment about breaking barriers and challenging perceptions in disability and sport. The afternoon will start with an engaging sensory experience for the audience, followed by a personal reflection with Brand Ambassador, Chloe Whelan, who made history as the first vision impaired World Champion Irish Dancer. Rob Hartnett’s segment ‘Unscripted Conversations’ will invite three surprise guests on stage, where Rob will uncover their story and explore three unique perspectives from the world of disability and sport. Brand Ambassador Mei Lin Yap will deliver the closing message of the day, sharing her lived experiences as a person with a disability.

Promotional graphic of guest speakers for the Active Disability Ireland 2025 Conference
Active Disability Ireland Conference Guest Speakers

Event Video

 

Overview Schedule

Conference schedule displayed on a teal background. Times listed on the left from 09:00 to 16:15, with corresponding sessions on the right. Sessions include: Registration; MC Welcome; CEO Address; Minister Address: Influencing Systems; Fireside Chat: Panel Discussion; Personal Reflection: Liam Beville; Coffee Break; Demonstration Slot; Challenging Perceptions: Jay Lusted; Active Disability Ireland Announcements; Personal Reflection: Chloe Whelan; Lunch & Networking; Audience Sensory Experience; Unscripted Conversations with Rob Hartnett; Closing Message: Mei Lin Yap.
Active Disability Ireland Annual Conference 2025 Schedule

Active Disability Ireland Conference 2025 Overview Schedule

Vendors 

A variety of vendors will join us at the conference to connect with the attendees and share their products and services designed to support people with disabilities.

Promotional graphic of platinum, gold, silver and bronze vendors
Promotional graphic of platinum, gold, silver and bronze vendors

Accessibility Supports

Active Disability Ireland provide accessibility supports to ensure all events are inclusive for all. The following supports will be available on the day:

  • Quiet Zone
  • Irish Sign Language Interpreter
  • Accessible Parking & Facilities
  • Communication Stickers
  • Contrast tape to aid individuals with vision impairments
  • Visual Guide issued prior to event
  • Staff support
  • Ear plugs