Organization
Inclusion Ireland
Inclusion Ireland is the national association advocating for the rights of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland, representing over 160 member organisations since its founding in 1961 as NAMHI. It promotes self-advocacy, equal access to education and employment, and full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Irish law.
About
Founded in 1961 as the National Association for the Mentally Handicapped of Ireland (NAMHI) and renamed Inclusion Ireland in 2005 to reflect a rights-based approach, the organisation is now the umbrella body for over 160 organisations serving people with intellectual disabilities across Ireland. It is a member of Inclusion International and Inclusion Europe, connecting Irish advocacy to the global intellectual disability rights movement.
What They Do
Inclusion Ireland provides information, advice, and guidance by phone and through its online resource hub, publishes accessible policy resources and a quarterly newsletter, and organises conferences and training events for the sector. It actively promotes self-advocacy among people with intellectual disabilities, supports families navigating services and rights, and represents the intellectual disability sector in consultations with government and the Oireachtas on legislation, national strategies, and UNCRPD compliance.
Who They Serve
People with intellectual disabilities across Ireland, their families and carers, and the member organisations that support them — with particular emphasis on enabling self-advocacy and equal participation in community and civic life.
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