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Disability Act 2005: National Survey

Hello, we are Dr Shivaun Quinlivan and Dr Charles O’Mahony, Associate Professors in the School of Law at the University of Galway. With support from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Communicating Europe Initiative 2025, we are examining the Disability Act 2005 at its 20th anniversary and hosting a national conference in December 2025.

This survey will help inform that conversation and contribute to the Government’s commitment in the Programme for Government to reform the Disability Act 2005 in consultation with stakeholders.  Your participation will ensure the perspectives of disabled people, families, advocates, practitioners, and other stakeholders are heard as plans for review take shape.

Take part

Please complete the survey by 5 pm on Friday, 7 November 2025.

Here is the link to the survey: Survey Disability Act 2005

An Easy Read PDF version is 2005 Act Survey Easy Read, or an online version is available here.  The document can be returned by email or post to the contact points listed below.  

We are also available to support you to complete the survey over the phone.  Get in touch and we will arrange a time that suits you.  If there is anything else we can do to make this accessible for you, please let us know.

About the survey

The survey is anonymous.  You do not need to give your name or any identifying information.  There are no right or wrong answers. Please answer based on your own experience.  If you need help understanding a question or filling in the survey, you can contact us. The survey has eight sections with thirty-three questions.  Based on our pilot, it should take about 10 – 15 minutes to complete.

By completing the survey, you are giving your consent to take part in this research.

About the Conference

We will host a national conference titled “The Disability Act at 20: Reflecting and Reforming” on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, from 9.30am to 4.00pm at the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), University of Galway.

This conference marks twenty years since the enactment of the Disability Act 2005 and comes at a pivotal time, as the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to review and reform the Act in consultation with stakeholders. Supported by funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Communicating Europe Initiative 2025, the conference will bring together disabled people, families, policymakers, academics, and advocates to reflect on the Act’s impact and to discuss its future direction.

The programme will feature a presentation of the findings of this survey, as well as roundtable discussions and panels featuring perspectives from lived experience, representatives of Disabled Persons’ Organisations, and key state agencies.

Click here to register for the conference.

Contact

E: Dr Shivaun Quinlivan – shivaun.quinlivan@universityofgalway.ie

E: Dr Charles O’Mahony – charles.omahony@universityofgalway.ie

T:  +353 (0) 91 494391

Address:

University of Galway,
University Road,
Galway, Ireland
H91 TK33