Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) was thrilled to team up with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, for the launch of Christmas at the Mansion House.

The highlight of this festive celebration is the unveiling of the wheelchair-accessible sleigh, promoting inclusivity for all.

As Ireland’s leading organisation supporting people with disabilities, IWA has been tirelessly working throughout 2023 to provide essential services and support in areas such as sport, transport, assisted living, and day services. Additionally, they have been championing key issues through their advocacy arm.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste and a host of special guests including our Advocacy Manager Joan Carthy during the launch of an inclusive Starry Nights Christmas at the Mansion House, Dublin. For the first time, the Mansion House Sleigh is Wheelchair accessible and a sensory room on the forecourt as the Lord Mayor invites the public partake in the spectacular Display on Dawson Street.

In line with the festive spirit, IWA is proud to kickstart its Christmas Appeal, titled “Home Truths,” as they strongly believe that everyone deserves a place to call home. It comes as a surprising fact that Ireland’s building regulations only require properties to be visitable by wheelchair users, rather than liveable.

To combat this alarming situation, IWA is determined to bring about a major change. “Sadly, it is clear that the serious lack of accessible housing means that across Ireland, thousands of people with physical disabilities do not have a home of their own, and many are living in housing that is unsafe and unsuitable for their needs,” says Joan Carthy, National Advocacy Manager.

This is a crisis within a crisis, and IWA recognises the urgency to address it promptly. Therefore, they are taking concerted efforts to raise awareness, engage policymakers, and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities to have safe and suitable housing.

You can support their work by making a donation to their Christmas Appeal online today at iwa.ie or call 01 818 6485.