The Independent Advocacy Gathering 2026
The Independent Advocacy Gathering 2026
About the Event
On February 25th 2026, The Independent Advocacy Gathering will be held in the Aula Maxima, UCC, Cork. This event brings together independent advocates, self-advocates, and independent advocacy supporters to:
- Share skills and knowledge
- Explore human rights issues affecting people with disabilities
- Strengthen connections across the advocacy community
The day will include presentations, group discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, all focused on raising awareness of people’s rights and pathways to independent advocacy.
Themes & Speakers
This year’s themes:
- Decongregation
- Rights and psychotropic medication
- Group and collective advocacy
Speakers include:
- SHEP – Launching a paper on group advocacy supporting decongregation
- National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) – Insights on decongregation policy
- Self and UNCRPD advocate- on group, self, and human rights advocacy
- Our Rights and Medication Group – Advocating for rights-based prescribing of psychotropic medication in Ireland
- EQUIP – on its project on psychotropic prescribing for older adults with intellectual disabilities
- More speakers to be announced
Why Attend?
- Learn from advocacy-led research and lived experience
- Connect with advocates and advocacy organisations
- Share knowledge and strengthen advocacy practice
- Explore rights-based approaches to key issues affecting people with disabilities
Refreshments: Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival and during the tea break. Water will be available on the UCC campus or bring your own.
Lunch: Not provided. Food Available to buy on UCC campus Lunch Break: 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
Closing Time: Event ends at 3.00pm, with space available for informal networking until 3.30pm.
Accessibility & Dietary Requirements:
Please let us know any access or dietary needs when registering.
Book your ticket here
This event is sponsored by Cork Equal and Sustainable Communities Alliance (CESCA) and SHEP’s Advocacy Programme.