Ireland has been highlighted as a leading example of disability‑inclusive health practice in a new World Health Organization (WHO) Europe report, drawing praise from Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley and Minister of State for Disability Emer Higgins.
The publication, GOOD Practices in Disability‑Inclusive Health, features 28 case studies from across Europe, including seven Irish initiatives. These examples demonstrate practical approaches that are improving access to healthcare, strengthening inclusion, and ensuring people with disabilities have a meaningful voice in how services are designed and delivered.
Minister Foley said the recognition reflects Ireland’s ongoing commitment to embedding disability inclusion across the health system, aligning with the goals of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. She noted that the initiatives showcased illustrate real progress in supporting people with disabilities to access high‑quality, inclusive care.
Minister Higgins welcomed the report’s emphasis on lived experience and co‑production, saying the highlighted projects show how involving people with disabilities directly in service design leads to more effective and inclusive outcomes.
The Irish case studies include the Health Passport for adults with intellectual disabilities, breast cancer awareness initiatives developed with Special Olympics Ireland, disability awareness training delivered by autistic people, and the National Clinical Programme for People with a Disability, which features advisory groups chaired by individuals with lived experience.
The WHO report also acknowledges Ireland’s broader work on inclusive health, including intersectoral children’s disability network teams and continued efforts to transition away from congregated settings.
Designed to support shared learning across countries, the report aims to help scale effective approaches to disability‑inclusive health throughout the region.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley picture from The Office of the President of Ireland
