AHEAD Ireland

21/08/2026

Why haven't you signed up for the launch of our Annual Report 2024-2025 then?! Any staff or practitioners from any of our members are invited to attend. Students, postgraduates and early career researchers, feel free to check this event out too if you're curious about our work!

We're having an online get-together next Thursday on Zoom from 2-4ish. See you there?

Sign up to deep dive into the work of AHEAD, our inner workings, how we do all the great work we do across our Operations, Research & Policy, Education and Employment teams - https://buff.ly/Rj3bah8

20/08/2026

Join the AHEAD and Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn Students with Disabilities Advisory Group! The SwDAG shares insights into the experiences of students and learners with disabilities, both positive and negative. Members of the group give feedback and advice on the strategy, working agenda, and outputs of AHEAD and AMLÉ. These findings are fed into the research, policy, and advocacy agenda of the organisations. You are not required to have previous advocacy experience to be eligible.

The advisory group also plays a key role in designing Power of Disability, an annual conference for students with disabilities, SUs, clubs and socs, and allies. The SwDAG amplifies the lived experiences within AHEAD and AMLÉ. Got questions? Email [email protected], or DM us. Wanna apply? Visit

- AHEAD

14/08/2026

Invitation to Tender 🚨 We are looking for support to develop and implement a new CRM system.

We envisage the finished will:

Provide a centralised database of AHEAD’s stakeholders, organisations, members, students, graduates, employers and partners.

Provide a complete view of stakeholder engagement across AHEAD’s programmes.

Improve reporting for management, the AHEAD Board and funders.

Support GDPR-compliant data management and subject access requests.

Enable more targeted communications and effective relationship management.

Reduce manual administration and disconnected processes.

Integrate with AHEAD’s existing systems where appropriate.

Meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility requirements.

The call closes on September 11th. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions. More details on the CRM tender call here -

- AHEAD

12/08/2026

Come along to our AGM to hear about where we've been and where we're going! All staff from any of our member organisations are welcome. The meeting will start with highlights from our work in 2025 and a look to the future.

Where and When; Online via Zoom on Thursday August 27th from 2pm.

As our strategy grows and evolves, it's important that we continuously evaluate our membership model to ensure we're meeting the needs of the sectors we work with. We hope to see many of you at our AGM - sign up here to attend - https://buff.ly/laFUz2y

11/08/2026

Come to our Better Options webinar to get advice on planning your education journey, hear about options from students with disabilities, and learn more about the DARE scheme.

Whether you're studying for your leaving cert, considering returning to education, or on any other education journey, Better Options is designed to help you consider your options and think about what supports you might benefit from.

Sign up now to attend Better Options, a free online event taking place Thursday October 1st from 7pm - https://buff.ly/5xaHEDb

07/08/2026

How does our work impact the lives of disabled learners, students and graduates? Read how our work contributes to empowering and inclusive environments in tertiary education and employment. The Research and Policy Team highlight current initiatives.

Impact Through Research - A Synopsis of AHEAD’s Research and Policy Team activities for 2025 from Dara Ryder, Richard Healy, Catherine Murray, Nicole Bennett. Read more at: https://buff.ly/8nufxCo

We'll be sharing regular highlights from the latest issue of the AHEAD Journal. Follow along to see showcases and stories of inclusive education and employment practices. Explore Issue 19 - Out now: https://buff.ly/bsi4uFW

07/08/2026

Want to make a meaningful impact, and receive training you can bring to job-searches or career development? AHEAD are inviting applications to join the LEAD Advisory Group.

This group will centre the lived experiences of disabled grads, employees and jobseekers. Group members will attend meetings, provide feedback and input into work related to inclusive employment, and will receive upskilling opportunities. Group members will be paid for their time and expertise.

You can be out of work, currently working, between jobs, disabled people from all career levels are welcome to take part. Applications close on Sept 1. More info or apply here -

- AHEAD

06/08/2026

This time last week many members of our team completed Mental Health First Aid Ireland training. While it was a challenging few days, we each came away with important skills and resources we can bring to our work.

Our insightful facilitators Helena Dilleen & Oliver Barbour led us through the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan;

Approach, assess and assist with any crises.

Listen and communicate non-judgmentally.

Give support and information.

Encourage appropriate professional help.

Encourage other supports.

A key takeaway message was for us to remember we have a responsibility to mind ourselves at all times, the same as any form of first aid.

Helena and Oliver's lived experiences and professional insights shone throughout the two days. Many of our team shared their own experiences, both personally and professionally, which added richness and nuance to the sensitive subject matter we covered.

If you or your organisation are interested in Mental Health First aid training, more information can be found here - https://buff.ly/xkVDwxX

29/07/2026

Help shape the future of employment, careers and job searching for disabled people across Ireland! Graduates, employees and job searchers with disabilities, you are invited to join the LEAD Advisory Group at AHEAD.

The group will inform AHEAD’s employment programmes, resources, advocacy and related events, ensuring that they reflect the realities of disabled people transitioning into, navigating and progressing in employment. Group members will be paid for their time and expertise. Applications close on Sept 1. More info or apply https://buff.ly/uCV2r9n

20/07/2026

Join us this Wed July 22nd to learn about all things Employee Resource Group / Staff Networks!

You asked, we listened. Join us July 22 to learn all about Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the workplace at our latest . The session will explore setting up an ERG, highlight the impact they can have in organisations, outline ways to engage senior leadership and offer practical tips to help you implement an ERG in your own workplace.

This session is particularly relevant for HR professionals, diversity and inclusion leads, hiring managers, and anyone interested in fostering inclusive workplace cultures.

More information or sign up for the session here - https://buff.ly/aUVzu89