People with disabilities have called for a ‘top-down’ consultation with the community at the second annual Disability Pride march. 

The procession began at the Garden of Remembrance at 2pm and concluded at Custom House Quay, with organisers calling for a move away from the charity model of providing services. 

Access For All Ireland member Sean O’Kelly said it’s important to remember people with disabilities “also have abilities”. 

“It's important to show that in society and in the built environment,” he said. 

“The built environment doesn't always cater for people with disabilities, but it's important to include people with disabilities in conversations from the top down when in planning.” 

Disability Pride march in Dublin, 27/04/2024. Image: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Disability Power Ireland organised the first pride march last year at Government Buildings. 

The group said the march allows people to feel pride in their identities. 

Organiser Hannah Bryson said being disabled can be an “isolating experience”. 

“Days like this remind people that there are other people out there and that we're here to support each other,” she said. 

“It’s to let people know that we're not just going to sit around and not fight for our rights.” 

Disability Pride march

Disability Power Ireland celebrated the Government’s decision to scrap the proposed Green Paper on reform.  

The paper proposed establishing a three-tiered system for payments for disabled people from €265.30 to €220.  

Activists said the plans were “degrading and humiliating” and suggested some people with disabilities falsify the extent of their condition. 

Disability Pride march in Dublin, 27/04/2024. Image: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

The group will also celebrate the failure to pass the ‘Care referendum’ in March – which they said infantilised people and removed the responsibility of the State to offer support.  

Activists argued the amendment would have denied disabled people’s autonomy and denied them the right to State support such as personal assistance services.  

Some carers argued at the time that the referendum would “provide constitutional recognition for Ireland's family carers” - but the referendum failed by 74%.