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Expanding Horizons - Inclusion Means Everyone

Next Event

Expanding Horizons focuses on championing the voices of disabled people through honest, impactful conversations.

Our aim is to increase public understanding of ableism and disabled rights.

See here for the Next Event.

Who we are

We’re a proudly disabled-led crew, all volunteers and fuelled by lived experience. This isn’t a job it’s a mission. We’re here to shake things up, to build something that lasts, and to make sure disabled people aren’t just included, but leading the way.

Through Expanding Horizons we bring together disabled voices, allies, and the wider community, centering lived experiences, tackling head-on the issues that are often ignored in mainstream conversations.

Read here for more on Our Committee.

Model of Disability

These models provide a framework for how people perceive those of us with disabilities. Understanding the differences helps create truly inclusive societies, changing policies and attitudes from pity to full rights, and empowering disabled people to live fully.

Medical Model

The medical model views disability as a personal deficit, an illness or impairment needing a cure/fixing, focusing on the individual.

"You are disabled by your impairment."

Impact: Can lead to pity, dependency, loss of choice, and focusing on what's "wrong" rather than needs

Social Model

The social model views disability as society's failure to accommodate differences, identifying societal barriers (attitudes, inaccessible environments) as the real problem.

"Society disables you by not adapting."

Impact: Empowers people with disabilities, promotes independence, and challenges labels.

Previous Speakers

Geraldine Lavelle

"What an honour to be part of an amazing panel last week alongside other human rights activists Avril Greham, Ann Marie Flanagan and Dr James Casey at the Great National hotel Ballina.

We need more of these fantastic events to create awareness and to show those that access matters. Visibility matters. Inclusion is non-negotiable"

-Geraldine Lavelle

Peter Kearns

Avril Greham

For my small part It was a great evening to celebrate disability pride in Mayo with so many wonderful people! Disability is not about difference -its about diversity and community.

If all of us aren't equal, then none of us are. Thanks to everyone for coming and looking forward to next year!

- Dr James Casey

Dr James Casey

Rebecca Connor-Wood

“I was delighted to share the stage with James Casey and Geraldine Lavelle, with Avril Graham doing a brilliant job as MC.

I hope we sparked a real conversation and conscious awareness about rights and citizenship of disabled people.

It isn’t about charity, it’s about fairness, justice and rights. Every person should be treated as equal.

That means having the right supports, like personal assistance, a home and an end to the ways disabled people are pushed aside or left out.

Government locally and nationally must act with real intention, not just words.”

- Ann Marie Flanagan

Ann Marie Flanagan

As Seen on:

For other media appearances and radio interviews about the Expanding Horizon Event, see more here.

Next Event

The next Expanding Horizons event will be on July 24th 2026, in the Great National Hotel Ballina. More information will be available shortly.

This is a great opportunity to meet people passionate about disability advocacy and inclusion.

Attendees will leave Expanded Horizons with a greater understanding of;

disability more broadly
how external barriers created by society impact disabled people
how non-disabled people can view the world through a lens of accessibility and inclusion, demanding better from our decision-makers for the benefits of disabled people, themselves and society as a whole.

To stay up to date and reserve your spot for Expanding Horizons, Sign-up to our email list.