Active Disability Ireland National Conference to spotlight leaders driving disability inclusion in sport and physical activity

National event will bring together leading voices, innovators and people with lived experience to showcase what ‘Leading By Example’ means in creating a more inclusive culture for sport and physical activity in  Ireland. 

Active Disability Ireland will bring together leaders from across sport, health, education and community sectors for its 2026 National Conference on Wednesday, 2nd December at Lyrath Estate, County Kilkenny, in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

Under this year’s theme, ‘Leading by Example’, the conference will shine a spotlight on the organisations, individuals and initiatives demonstrating best practice in disability inclusion, guided by the principles of the organisation’s Sport Inclusion Disability Charter, and driving meaningful change across sport and physical activity in Ireland. 

The annual conference has become a flagship event in the sport sector for sharing knowledge, challenging perspectives and celebrating progress in creating more inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities to be active. Bringing together national stakeholders, policymakers, professionals working in the sectors and people with lived experience, the event aims to turn conversations around inclusion into action. 

This year’s schedule will feature a series of panels, presentations and personal impact stories exploring disability inclusion across sport and physical activity. Among the highlights will be a CEO panel discussion bringing together the leaders of Active Disability Ireland, Disability Sport Wales and Scottish Disability Sport to share international perspectives on embedding inclusion within organisational structures, cultures and practices. 

The keynote address will be delivered by former international rugby player and Active Disability Ireland Ambassador Ian McKinley, whose remarkable journey saw him return to professional rugby after a career-ending eye injury left him visually impaired at just 21. He went on to represent Italy on the international stage and has since become a passionate advocate for inclusion in sport, championing initiatives that create more accessible sporting experiences for people with disabilities. 

The Together Academy will showcase its work supporting young adults with Down syndrome through tailored training and employment opportunities. Its CEO and graduates will share personal reflections on creating inclusive environments that recognise individual potential and foster a sense of belonging, while highlighting the valuable contributions people with disabilities make to society. 

Innovation and accessibility will also take centre stage, with Field of Vision showcasing its award-winning work in redefining the spectator experience for people with vision impairments. Through innovation, the organisation is demonstrating how sporting experiences can become more accessible and inclusive for everyone. 

Other sessions throughout the day will explore disability advocacy, digital accessibility, inclusive participation, and the importance of co-design and consultation in developing accessible facilities and environments. 

Speaking ahead of the conference, Active Disability Ireland CEO Brenda O’Donnell shared: 

“Leadership in inclusion is not defined by words, but by the actions we take every day to create opportunities, remove barriers and ensure everyone feels they belong. Our National Conference highlights the people and organisations who are leading this work across Ireland and beyond. While we have made significant progress, there is still more to do. By sharing knowledge, listening to lived experience and working collaboratively, we can accelerate change and create a future where people with disabilities can fully participate in every aspect of sport and physical activity. That is the example we must all strive to lead.” 

Active Disability Ireland has spent more than two decades working to support national policy and promote inclusion across the sport and physical activity sector. Through its work with national governing bodies, local sports partnerships and organisations across Ireland, it continues to support the development of more accessible opportunities for people with disabilities. 

While significant progress has been made through collaboration with partners and stakeholders, barriers to participation remain. The annual conference provides an opportunity to recognise the work being done, learn from those leading the way and identify the steps needed to create lasting change.