Irish Wheelchair Association Holds AGM and First Members’ Consultative Forum

Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 21st, online and in person at the Mullingar Park Hotel. The event brought together members, volunteers and staff to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next strategic cycle for the Association.

The AGM was chaired by Dermot Murphy, Chairperson to the Board, who reflected on IWA’s values and shared examples of how they were demonstrated throughout the year.

Chief Executive Officer Ann Marie O’Grady also addressed attendees, highlighting key achievements delivered during the current strategic period (2022–2025) and over the past year. This included progress across IWA’s advocacy priorities, many of which are now reflected in the Government’s National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030.

These include:

Access: Campaigning for a fully resourced Access Officer in every county council.
Transport: Calling for a review of the standards, guidelines and regulations that apply to public transport, as outlined in IWA’s Getting Nowhere report.
Cost of Disability: Welcoming the decision to bring forward the Cost of Disability consultation from 2027 to 2026.

Service achievements were also recognised, with staff acknowledged for continually going above and beyond to support members in living independent lives of their choosing. Members attending the AGM spoke warmly about the positive impact of IWA services, expressing their appreciation and satisfaction with the support they receive.

As an organisation with people at the heart of everything it does, progress across sport, human resources, finance, technology, fundraising and communications was also highlighted. A separate sport AGM will be held on Tuesday, May 26^th.

During the meeting, members approved the adoption of the agenda, Annual Report, Financial Accounts and the minutes of the 2024 AGM. IWA was also pleased to announce the reappointment of Board Members Padraic Moran and Michelle Taite, while also recognising and thanking Sean Bresnan for his contribution following his retirement from the Board during the year.

The afternoon session saw IWA members and the Advocacy team lead the Association’s first Members’ Consultative Forum. The forum provided members with an opportunity to help inform the future work of the Association by sharing their lived experiences across themes identified within the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.

Discussion themes included Independent Living and Active Participation in Society, Transport and Mobility, Employment, Education, and Health and Wellbeing.

A more detailed report on the Consultative Forum will follow, but IWA would like to sincerely thank everyone who engaged so openly and thoughtfully throughout the day.

Head of Advocacy, Joan Carthy concluded the forum by saying: “It has been a privilege to be in the room today and we know that IWA’s advocacy work still has much to do. I want to reassure you that we hear you, and we will continue to ensure your voices are heard when key decisions are being made. Thank you to everyone for your honesty and courage in sharing your experiences.”