Erris Youth Disability Network- EYDN

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Erris Youth Disability Network- EYDN

Working to create inclusive structures & equal opportunities for young people with special needs across education, training,employment & society as a whole

Erris Youth Disability Network is made up of representatives from various organisations, agencies, services, supports and schools, as well as parents & disability advocates. The Network has a vision to live in an inclusive community, where people of all abilities can be active members of society, living independent & self-determined lives. We have been working to develop a PEER Mentoring Programme for the area, that will allow young people with special needs to participate fully in their school community with the support of their PEERS. Our Objectives:

Create inclusive structures for young people with disabilities across education, training, employment and society as a whole. Facilitate equal opportunities for young people with disabilities, giving them the opportunities to live, work and socialise in the community as their peers do. Open avenues to the community, training and employment through supportive structures, while also cultivating a culture of independence among young people with special needs. Provide the necessary supports to build the skills and capacity necessary to participate fully in society. Provide bridges and supports to foster the first steps towards entering the labour market. Enable young people to realise their maximum potential by respecting their rights and hearing their voices. Creating disability awareness and encourage support for social inclusion among young people and in the wider community. To engage with and work collaboratively with educational, disability and employment structures and social supports to fully support young people with special needs. To promote a practice of collaboration and cooperation among services to avoid duplication and ensuring gaps in services and supports for young people with special needs are reduced.

20/09/2026

This week the Taoiseach said the Government is "pushing very strongly" for a Cost of Disability payment in the Budget, and that "the entire government are committed to this." Though he wouldn't confirm the amount, or that it will be paid this year.

With Budget 2027 weeks away, the gap disabled people are left with is a stated commitment and not yet a confirmed payment. It's been reported that the Social Protection Minister doesn't expect it to be ready this year.

Here's why the wait costs so much. Disability Allowance is €254 a week. The extra costs of disability run to between €488 and €555 a week. It covers less than half of what it actually costs them to live.

A recurring Cost of Disability payment is what starts to close that gap. A commitment only becomes real when it's delivered.

Read our pre-Budget submission: https://rebrand.ly/9j23yyk

20/09/2026

What does real community living actually look like?

Community living is about much more than an address.

Some people have no clear plan for where they will live in the future. Others are living far from family, friends and the communities they know. And too often, conversations about housing focus on finding a residential place rather than asking a much more important question: what kind of life does this person want to live?

Our new resource, 'The Right to an Ordinary Life: Choice, Belonging and Community Living', sets out a clear picture.

At its heart is a simple Three Choice Test.

When we talk about community living, can the person answer these three questions?
1. Do I have a choice about where I live?
2. Do I have a choice about who I live with?
3. Do I have a choice about how I spend my time?

As Budget 2027 approaches, this is the picture we want to keep at the centre of conversations about investment in housing and supports.

The question isn't only where people live. It's what kind of life they are supported to live.

🔗 Read The Right to an Ordinary Life: Choice, Belonging and Community Living on our website here - https://www.inclusionireland.ie/.../budget-2027.../

14/09/2026

Erris Workability (Mayo North East) are very excited to join forces with TFI Local Link Mayo & Sláintecare Healthy Communities North West Mayo to deliver new weekly workshops on travel independence and transport empowerment, starting next Monday 7 September.

Eligibility criteria applies. Booking is essential.
Ní mór áirithint a dhéanamh roimh ré!

Please email [email protected] or call 087 499 6605 to find out more!

10/09/2026

A huge thank you to The Turner family for choosing us as the recipient’s of this years charity for Great Erris Run Event in memory of Rob Turner. Thank you to for their generous donation of two hampers and congratulations to our two winners Kyle Holmes and Marcella Monaghan. Thank you most sincerely to all who donated, we are incredibly lucky to live in such a supportive and generous community. Kyle and Marcella please get in contact with us to arrange pickup of your hamper please.❤️💙

09/09/2026

Entering the workforce as a person with a disability can definitely be challenging and stressful. A work placement is a great way to get an idea of what the workforce is like and gain confidence.

As part of Irish Wheelchair Association’s Ability Programme, people with disabilities have the possibility to get a work placement in a day-to-day environment. It is an opportunity to get real work experience, from the application to the job.

Stephen Reynolds, a 20-year-old IWA member, works in retail at the Dublin Co-op in Kilmainham, Dublin. Spoke Out recently caught up with Stephen who shared his positive experience. “I quite enjoy it, everyone there is so nice! You can crack a joke with everyone,” he said.

Read Stephen's full story in the latest issue of Spoke Out magazine here: https://link.iwa.ie/4qYHucC

27/08/2026

📣 Have your say: Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) survey.

Proposed changes could affect vital financial supports for disabled drivers and passengers, their families, and carers.

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Relief Scheme (DDPTRS) currently provides:

✅ VRT exemption
✅ VAT refund
✅ Motor tax exemption
✅ Fuel duty refund
✅ Toll exemptions.

A new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) has been proposed, but it doesn't include these wider supports. DDAI is concerned the DDPTRS could be removed entirely, leaving many disabled drivers and passengers significantly worse off.

Your feedback will help DDAI represent those affected and highlight the real impact of any changes.

👉 Take the short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2YYZY3L

Please share through your networks. 🔁

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

Ready to join us this October? 💙

The Autism Parenting Summit is back October 9–12, 2026!

Join parents, caregivers, and autism professionals from around the world for a FREE online event featuring expert-led sessions filled with practical strategies, helpful insights, and support for everyday challenges.

🏠 Join from the comfort of home
🎤 Learn from autism experts, advocates & parents
💡 Discover practical strategies you can use
🎟️ Get your FREE Summit pass
🎓 BCBAs! Select Summit sessions are also available for General CEUs.

📅 October 9–12, 2026

👉 Register FREE: autism.ws/Summit-Oct-2026

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

☕️ 🫶🏼 PARENT PEER SUPPORT GROUP

Our next meet up is Tuesday 15th September 7-8.30pm at the IWA Centre.

If you are a parent / guardian to a child or young person who is neurodivergent, please join us!

This is a supportive space, offering connection, care and learning. 🥰

💫 Shared experiences, real stories & mutual understanding.

Best of luck to everyone for back to school over the next few days! 🍀

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