Inclusion of Young People with Physical Disabilities
National Forum on Collaborative Approaches to Supporting for Young People with Physical Disabilities
Date: Monday May 19th, 2025
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: IHREC National Office, Dublin
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Youth Work Ireland is proud to announce an upcoming National Forum on developing collaborative approaches to supporting the inclusion of young people with physical disabilities in youth work. The event is planned and hosted by the Access and Inclusion Working Group, and will focus on building stronger, more inclusive pathways for young people with physical disabilities.
This event will bring together key voices in the youth work, disability and policy sectors, along with young advocates to explore how we can work better together to ensure that all young people with physical disabilities have access to safe, supportive, and empowering youth spaces.
Who’s Involved?
The forum will be a space for connection and collaboration between:
Young people with physical disabilities – as advocates, activists, and leaders
Youth Work Ireland Member Youth Services
Policy makers and government representatives
National disability organisations
What We Aim to Achieve
The day will be action-focused, with clear outcomes that reflect our shared commitment to inclusion:
Empowerment: Giving young people with physical disabilities a platform to share their lived experiences and shape inclusive solutions
Awareness & Understanding: Providing deeper insight into the challenges young people face in accessing community-based youth services
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between youth services and disability organisations
Shared Learning: Exchanging tools, resources, and practices to improve accessibility in youth work
Policy Influence: Developing practical strategies and recommendations for inclusive youth policy and service provision
Commitments for Change: Launching follow-up actions and working groups to ensure lasting impact
Why This Matters
This forum is rooted in the belief that Youth Work is for All. Inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about belonging, voice, and participation. Through this event, we hope to amplify young voices and ensure they are central to how we design and deliver youth services going forward.
Youth services are safe spaces for all young people irrespective of their abilities or disabilities.
Youth work is a planned programme of informal education designed with and for young people to support their personal and social development. Youth work services are provided by voluntary organisations and supported by professional staff and trained volunteers. We welcome all young people into our services and can provide supports to enable the full participation of young people with physical disabilities.
Young People and Parents
Youth Work Ireland member youth services are located across Ireland and run a range of programmes and activities which offer fun, developmental and recreational supports for all young people.
Find a service near you>>
Young Workers and Volunteers
Youth workers from Youth Work Ireland member youth services can access information and resources to support their practices with young people with physical disabilities in the staff section of our website..
Find resources to support your practice>>
