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dw-ireland.bsky.social
Disabled Women Ireland
@dw-ireland.bsky.social
140 followers 120 following 63 posts
Advocating full equality for disabled and Deaf women, trans and non binary people.

Email: disabledwomenireland@gmail.com
Website: www.disabledwomenireland.org
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dw-ireland.bsky.social
This week we are sharing artwork created by participants of our Disabled Women & Poverty Event.

Facilitating multiple forms of engagement is a key part of making our events truly accessible, so participants could also share their views in art-form.
Artwork created on canvas. A red heart with a black crack down the middle is drawn at the centre. Surrounding the heart is a dense circle of small colourful dots in blue, pink, orange, purple, green, and brown. A light blue wash of colour surrounds the dotted circle against a white canvas background. Artwork created on canvas. The design features layered, petal-like shapes outlined in black, radiating outward. Inside the shapes are clusters of smaller forms filled with bright colours including orange, yellow, teal, blue, and green. The background is a white canvas texture. Artwork created on canvas. A hand-drawn black maze fills the centre. At the middle of the maze is a green euro (€) symbol. Along the maze pathways, small handwritten words and phrases appear, including: “No support,” “Forms,” “Disability,” “Accessible,” “Services,” “Time,” “Appointments,” “Travelling,” “Discrimination,” “Medical,” “Long wait,” “No interpreter,” “Bills,” “Jobseekers,” “Phonecalls,” “Transport,” and “Housing.” Outside the maze, at the top are two small stick figures walking. On the left side, a small arrow points to the word “Jobs,” and on the right side, another arrow points to “Supports.” At the bottom, purple text reads “ENDLESS LABOUR OF ACCESS.” Colourful spiral designs decorate each corner of the canvas. Artwork created on canvas. The centre features the large hand-drawn letters “ISL” in blue, with a small green shamrock above it and two small red hearts on either side. Beneath “ISL,” smaller text reads “Irish Sign Languages.” Surrounding the central text are individual handwritten words and short phrases in various colours, spaced randomly around the canvas. The words include: “Equal,” “Women,” “Health,” “Violation,” “Limited,” “Human right,” “Deaf,” “Mental health,” “Work,” “Wellbeing,” “Education,” “Access,” “Choice,” “Interpreter,” and “Freedom.” The canvas background is off-white with a visible fabric texture.
November 28, 2025 at 3:55 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
DWI support the National March on International Day of Solidarity with Palestine this Saturday, Nov 29th at 1pm in Dublin.

Two years into Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, with atrocities continuing daily.
first image poster for National March showing a picture of the front of a previous march with a crowd holding flags, text reads "National March on International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, 1pm, 29th November, Garden of Remembrance, D1, March to the Dáil
November 28, 2025 at 9:14 AM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
The DPO Network, represented by Amy Hassett from DWI, and Mairead Forde and Joe McGrath from the The National Platform of Self-advocates will be appearing before the Joint Committees on Disability and Social Protection.

www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachta...
Oireachtas committee meeting live stream
Live stream of public Oireachtas committee meeting in committee room 1
www.oireachtas.ie
November 26, 2025 at 9:15 AM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
Today, as part of our reflections on last month’s Disabled Women & Poverty event, we are sharing Breaking Silence, the poem read by Alice Doyle (The Autistic Poetess) at the start of our discussion (1/2)
The universe honours brave. Today, if you share who you are, the costs of disability, the costs of exclusion or the barriers to your employment for the first time, the second or the tenth, we will witness your courage and hear your words. Being who we are in a an ever tightening neuronormative world is living courage. There are so many people, spaces and places that seek to diminish our unique voices, to control and define the boundaries in which we exist, the way in which we live, to determine the limits of our needs, the level of supports, the finance available or lack thereof, the levels of accessibility that could enable us or disable us to participate fully and easily in all parts of life. We are women. We are disabled women and non-binary people. Our needs matter. Our autonomy matters. We can determine our own truth. If or when we need support, we can ask. Supports need to meet us where we are. They need to be appropriate, timely, available and easily accessible. Let us name the supports we need. Let us speak about the cost of disability and gender, about parenting, disability and gender about enabling financial independence for disabled women and non-binary people. Let us share our lived experiences, name the obstacles we meet, the systemic barriers, the infringements on our liberty, the fences we must climb or tear down just to be. Let us name the everyday invisible sufferings, the tasks that challenge us, the barriers that fence us out of employment and of full participation in life. Let us name the words that harm us, gaslight us and reduce our beings to depersonalised, voiceless statistics.
November 16, 2025 at 5:52 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
With the orange weather warning keeping many of us indoors, you might find yourself with a little extra time — so it’s a perfect chance to fill out our Disabled Women & Poverty survey:

forms.gle/G6cpAvA7qwQN...

If you’d prefer a Word version or need any support, just email us!
A promotional graphic titled “Disabled Women & Poverty: Online Survey.” The design features purple text, abstract shapes, and a pink-and-purple computer illustration. Logos for DWI (Disabled Women Ireland), the Disability Participation News Hub, the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and the Department of Social Protection appear at the bottom. Text states: “Open until: 14th November.”
November 14, 2025 at 4:55 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We are here today in Leinster House with the other members of the DPO Network launching our Co-Creation position paper:

dponetwork.ie/publications...
A group of people sit behind a table in a room in the Irish government buildings
November 12, 2025 at 7:40 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
Last week we talked to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters about the barriers which make it difficult for disabled women to access work.

Read more about it here:
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
Help sought for people with disabilities to secure jobs
Ireland has the lowest rates of employment for people with disabilities in the European Union, politicians have been told.
www.rte.ie
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We’ve started sharing insights from our Disabled Women & Poverty event! 💭

Check out the DWI and DPNH Instagram pages to hear what participants had to say about the real costs of participation. #DisabledWomen #Poverty

www.instagram.com/disability_p...

www.instagram.com/dwireland

#SpeirGorm
Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:47 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability earlier this week about access to work for disabled women.

We talked about the factors that make it difficult for disabled women to access and retain work. You can read more about it here: www.disabledwomenireland.org/news-1
Screenshot of a virtual meeting showing Gillian, a woman with grey and purple hair wearing a grey dress, addressing the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters. The topic is "Access to work for persons with disabilities." The session is dated November 25 and labeled "J.LH 2000."
November 7, 2025 at 5:10 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
Our co-director @amyhassett.bsky.social and treasurer @jonkskearns.bsky.social are appearing before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters, talking about access to work for Disabled Women.

You can watch along (or see the recording afterwards) here:

www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachta...
Oireachtas committee meeting live stream
Live stream of public Oireachtas committee meeting in committee room 1
www.oireachtas.ie
November 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
Following our Disabled Women & Poverty event with Disability Participation News Hub, we’re inviting wider participation through a short survey.

The question is the same one we posed to attendees - share your thoughts here:

forms.gle/G6cpAvA7qwQN...

(or email us for a word doc/help!)
Graphic promoting an online survey titled “Disabled Women & Poverty: Online Survey.” The design includes purple and pink accents, with an illustration of a computer screen and keyboard. Logos at the bottom represent DWI, Disability Participation News Hub, the Department of Social Protection, and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Text indicates the survey is open until 14th November.
November 3, 2025 at 7:27 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We’ve been a bit delayed sharing our #Budget2026 rundown—our Disabled Women & Poverty event kept us busy. But it’s live now! Head to our website for what’s in, what’s funded, and what’s still missing: www.DisabledWomenIreland.org/news-2025
Promotional graphic from Disabled Women Ireland (DWI) titled "DWI Budget 2026 Run down." It features a purple and yellow design with decorative dots and rounded boxes. The section "What's Included?" lists three items: Social Welfare Changes, Funding for Supports and Services, and What’s missing from Budget 2026. The website www.DisabledWomenIreland.org/news-2025 is displayed at the bottom.
October 22, 2025 at 7:23 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
On Friday last week, as part of UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (#IDEP), disabled women and non-binary people came together to discuss the gendered experiences of poverty among disabled people.
A group of people, some using wheelchairs, are seated around a round table in a modern meeting room, engaged in discussion. There are papers, notebooks, and glasses of water on the table. In the background, a wall mural shows large portraits of two people, and a screen displays colorful notes.
October 21, 2025 at 6:36 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
🌟 Join our next Social Chat! 🌟

We’re getting together on 23rd October at 7pm (on Zoom) — come hang out, have a chat, and enjoy some relaxed time with other disabled people. 💬💜

Want to join us? ✉️ Message or email us to get the Zoom link and/or be added to our mailing list!
Promotional graphic for a virtual event titled "DWI Social Chat." The background is purple with a circular yellow "DWI" logo and stylized "Social Chat" text. Central illustration shows a virtual meeting with four avatars, one highlighted as the speaker. Below, a woman in a yellow shirt is seated at a laptop. Event details at the bottom: "Thursday, 23rd October at 7pm" and "Zoom (Email / DM us for the link)," accompanied by clock and location pin icons.
October 12, 2025 at 10:12 AM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We support the National Demonstration for Palestine this Saturday, Oct 4th at 12.30pm in Dublin.

We are proud to join over 175 organisations endorsing this demonstration, calling for real action and sanctions now.

#FreePalestine #SanctionsNow #IrelandForPalestine
Poster for a national demonstration organized by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Bold red and white text reads “SANCTIONS NOW!” and “FREEDOM & JUSTICE FOR PALESTINE.” The event is scheduled for Saturday, 4th October at 12:30 PM at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin. A background photo shows protesters holding Palestinian flags and banners. The bottom includes the IPSC website (www.ipsc.ie) and social media handle (@ipsc48). A map of the route the National March for Palestine on October 4th will take, with the following points of interest noted: • Start: 12.30pm Garden of Remembrance • Union meeting point: Mandate Head Office, 12.15pm • Access meeting point: 1pm, D’Olier Street and College Green junction • End: The Dáil, Molesworth Street
October 2, 2025 at 2:40 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
Join ourselves & the Disability Participation News Hub on Oct 17 (UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty) for an event on Disabled Women & Poverty.

🆓 Free to attend, online or in-person (ISL, travel reimbursed up to €20).

👉 Register below or contact us for help!
www.eventbrite.ie/e/disabled-w...
Alt Text: Promotional flyer for an event titled 'Disabled Women and Poverty: The Cost of Exclusion,' scheduled for 17th October 2025, available both in person and online. The flyer features bright colors and bold text, with logos of supporting organizations including the Disability Participation News Hub and DWI. The event is partially funded by the Department of Social Protection, and is part of initiatives around the International day for the Eradication of Poverty. Registration is through Eventbrite
September 19, 2025 at 7:37 AM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
Join us for this week’s DWI Social Chat 💬
We’re diving into the New Disability Strategy — what it means, how it affects our community, and what we want to see next.
🗓 Thursday, 25th September
🕖 7pm
📍 Zoom (DM or email us for the link!
Promotional flyer for DWI Social Chat featuring a purple and yellow design. Central illustration shows a person using a laptop for a Zoom call with multiple participants. Text reads: "DWI Social Chat – Topic of the Week: New Disability Strategy. Thursday, 25th September at 7pm. Zoom (Email / DM us for the link)."
September 15, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Reposted by Disabled Women Ireland
amyhassett.bsky.social
@nemkearns.bsky.social and I are down in Cork this weekend at Q-Con with LINQ Ireland (representing @dw-ireland.bsky.social), giving a workshop on Cripping and Queering relationships. It's lovely to be in the same place as so many amazing queer people. Looking forward to tomorrow!
Amy and Nem are smiling at the camera and are in front of a powerpoint screen that says "Cripping and queering relationships" which is brightly coloured. A group of four people stand smiling at the camera. Amy is standing on a wheelchair wearing a blue shirt, beside them Nem is wearing purple tights, black shorts, shirt and jacket and has rainbow coloured hear, beside them is Blezzing wearing a floral dress and a mask and on the right hand side of the photo is Ailbhe wearing leather trousers, a black top and a black leather jacket.
September 13, 2025 at 5:08 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We’ve been asked to share this survey from Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail.

It’s about a new Customer Assistance Portal they’re developing, and they’re looking for feedback on what features would be most useful. You can fill it out here: form.jotform.com/250282595409...
Survey: Irish Rail Customer Assistance Portal
Please click the link to complete this form.
form.jotform.com
September 9, 2025 at 11:42 AM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
DWI is taking a break for the month of August to rest and recharge.

We will be back in September!
Yellow background with bold purple text saying “It's okay to TAKE A BREAK.” A purple circle with “DWI” inside is below, alongside the message: “We are taking a break for the month of August. Rest is Revolutionary. See you in September!”
August 1, 2025 at 9:20 AM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
As Disability Pride Month ends, DWI's pre-summer break chat was spent talking about rest, community and everything in between.

In a world that doesn't want us to be proud of ourselves, these spaces are vital.

#DisabilityIsntADirtyWord #RestIsRevolutionary
Promotional graphic for Disability Pride Month with a purple background and yellow accents. It features a screenshot of a virtual meeting with six blurred participants. Text on the image includes a quote by Lucy Webster: “In a world that ignores the disability community, standing together with pride is a radical act. And in a world that fundamentally devalues disabled lives, celebrating and being proud of ourselves is a radical act.”
July 31, 2025 at 8:00 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We’re sharing this opportunity from Good Day Cork:
ONE GOOD DAY is a new arts journal open for submissions 15 July – 1 September 2025.
Submissions can include:
-Prose (up to 3,000 words)
-Poetry (up to 3 poems / 50 lines)
-Visual art or photography (up to 3, black & white)
forms.gle
July 30, 2025 at 6:42 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
📢 Calling all artists, arts workers, and producers with a passion for Creative Accessible Production

In 2025/’26 Disrupt Disability Arts Festival will offer a groundbreaking opportunity for PAID Professional Development.
- Starting in Autumn 2025
- Application deadline: 1pm Monday 18th August 25
A dancer in a wheelchair performs gracefully in front of a vibrant red curtain. The person wears a flowing orange dress, and the wheelchair features the word "Motivation" on its frame. Overlaying text reads "CREATIVE ACCESS PRODUCTION PROGRAMME 2025." Bottom corners display logos for "Disrupt" and "The Arts Council / funding the arts,".
July 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
Continuing our posts highlighting our Disabled Isn't A Dirty Word campaign for Disability Pride month we have this powerful piece from one of our co-directors, Nem Kearns.

Disability Pride is not about ignoring struggles...
A quote in bold yellow text reads, “Disability Pride is not about ignoring struggles but instead celebrating the strength and power within our community that continues to strive for better. Pride is a form of resistance.” — Nem Kearns, Disability isn’t a Dirty Word, 2021. The quote is set against a purple background with yellow quotation marks flanking the text. Let me know if you’d like a shorter or more descriptive version—it’s easy to tweak for different uses.
July 27, 2025 at 5:55 PM
dw-ireland.bsky.social
We’re talking all things rest at this week’s DWI Social Chat—because slowing down isn’t lazy, it’s radical.

🗓 Thursday, 31st July at 7pm
💻 On Zoom (DM or email us for the link!)
💬 Topic: Rest is Revolutionary
A bright promotional flyer for the "DWI Social Chat" event. It features a yellow background with bold purple text. On the left side, a purple circle displays the "DWI" logo. Next to it, the title "Social Chat" is written in a playful font. Below, there's a cheerful illustration of a woman with purple hair wearing a yellow shirt, engaged in a video call at her laptop. The screen shows four friendly faces chatting. A purple banner reads: "TOPIC OF THE WEEK: REST IS REVOLUTIONARY." Beneath that, the event time and platform are noted—“Thursday, 31st of July at 7pm” via Zoom, with icons for a clock and location.
July 24, 2025 at 7:14 PM