Carlow College, St. Patrick’s was proud to host the Social Care Ireland Disability Special Interest Group (SIG) Annual Conference on Thursday, 6th November 2025. The event, titled “Stronger Together – Building Resilient Communities of Practice in Disability Care”, marked a significant milestone in the SIG’s journey, celebrating ten years of volunteer-led advocacy, professional development, and sectoral collaboration in disability social care.
The conference was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, who commended the work of the SIG and the importance of community-based, person-centred care in shaping inclusive services across Ireland.
Attendees included social care professionals, students, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, all coming together to reflect on the evolving challenges in disability care and to explore innovative approaches to building resilient communities. The programme featured keynote speakers Dr Nicola O’Sullivan and Dr Victoria Hogan, as well as interactive workshops and contributions from experts with lived experience.
Welcoming the conference to Carlow College, Dr Lisa Fortune, Director of Student Services, said: “We are honoured to host this important event at Carlow College. The Disability SIG’s commitment to inclusive practice and professional excellence aligns closely with our values. This conference not only celebrates a decade of impactful work but also inspires future directions in disability care through collaboration, reflection, and shared learning.”
The event also supported Continued Professional Development (CPD) for registered Social Care Workers, reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning in maintaining professional standards and enhancing outcomes for service users.
Carlow College extends its gratitude to Social Care Ireland, the Disability SIG, and all participants for making the day a meaningful success.