DFI Kicks Off Engagement with New Health Regions

DFI has taken a significant step in shaping the future of disability services within Ireland’s newly reconfigured Health Regions. To facilitate collaboration, DFI CEO Elaine Teague recently introduced the organisation to the Regional Executive Officers (REOs), ensuring that the voices of disabled people and the organisations supporting them are heard at the highest levels.

As a follow-up to these initial conversations, REO for the West and North West Tony Canavan met with DFI members on 4 March in Tuam Co Galway, marking the first of many key engagements. The discussion focused on the evolving healthcare structure and the opportunities it presents for improving disability services. HSE Head of Services for Disability Aoife O'Donoghue joined Tony and Elaine to share insights on the changes ahead and their potential impact.

With 78 attendees, including representatives from 40 DFI member organisations, the strong turnout underscored the sector’s eagerness to engage in shaping the future of disability services. This first meeting set the stage for ongoing collaboration, ensuring that DFI members have a direct line to key decision-makers within the new health system.

We extend our thanks to HSE West and North West region for supporting this vital conversation. This is just the beginning—DFI will continue to champion structured engagement for our members in this region and across all others, ensuring that disability inclusion remains a priority in Ireland’s evolving healthcare landscape.

For more on the landscape of disability in the West and North West region, see our factsheet.

📷 Primary image L to R: Tony Canavan, Elaine Teague and Aoife O'Donoghue. 

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