A Summary of the Report Examining the Impact of the Economic Downturn on Voluntary Disability Organisations in Ireland

The purpose of the DFI research was to examine the impact of the economic downturn on voluntary disability organisations and their service users. As main providers of direct health and social services to people with disabilities, DFI wanted to know what impact, if any, the recession has had on funding for disability services. A survey examining opportunities as well as challenges arising from the recession was circulated to 120 DFI member organisations in July 2009, and approximately 60% of organisations responded to the questionnaire. This provides a meaningful representation of the DFI membership. A summary of the findings from the survey are outlined here. We encourage our members to use these findings in your pre-budget submissions.