Ministers welcome WHO report highlighting good practice in disability-inclusive health in Ireland
- Published on: 24 December 2025
- Last updated on: 24 December 2025
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, have welcomed the publication of a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe highlighting examples of good practice in disability-inclusive health across the region, with Ireland featuring strongly.
The WHO Europe publication, GOOD practices in Disability-Inclusive Health, includes 28 case studies from across Europe, seven of which are drawn from Ireland. The case studies showcase practical initiatives that are improving access to health services, promoting inclusion, and strengthening the voice of people with disabilities in the design and delivery of care.
Minister Foley said:
“This report is an important recognition of the progress being made in Ireland to embed disability inclusion across our health services. It reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are supported to access high quality, inclusive healthcare, in line with the goals of our National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.”
Minister Higgins added:
“What is particularly encouraging is the focus on lived experience and co-production. These initiatives show how involving people with disabilities directly in service design leads to better outcomes and more inclusive services.”
Among the Irish initiatives highlighted in the report are:
- The Health Passport for adults with intellectual disabilities, which supports improved communication between individuals and healthcare professionals
- Breast cancer awareness initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities, developed in partnership with Special Olympics Ireland
- Disability awareness training delivered by autistic people, supporting greater understanding and inclusion within health services
- The National Clinical Programme for People with a Disability, including the establishment of disability advisory groups chaired by people with lived experience of disability
The WHO report also recognises Ireland’s wider work on inclusive health, including intersectoral children’s disability network teams and ongoing efforts to move away from congregated settings.
The report is intended to support countries in sharing learning and scaling effective approaches to disability-inclusive health.
ENDS
Notes to editors
A copy of the report can be accessed at: