Who we are

Who we are

The Centre for Disability Law and Policy (CDLP) undertakes research, education and community engagement with disabled people in Ireland and globally. Our work focuses on centering the voices of disabled people as the key decision-makers in their own lives, and as leaders in developing legal, social and political change. We are interested in inclusive and collaborative research together with disabled people and their representative organisations on a wide range of human rights issues including legal capacity, independent living, reproductive justice, advocacy, technology, care and support, and political participation. Our work aims to be intersectional in its approach and acknowledges that disabled people often hold other marginalised identities. Through our education and engagement programmes we aim to educate and equip the next generation of disability scholars and advocates with the evidence base and strategies needed to generate sustainable structural change. 

Within the University the Centre is a member of and actively collaborates with colleagues in the School of Law (including the Irish Centre for Human Rights) and the Institute for Lifecourse and Society. 

A Case Study in Policy Entrepreneurship

 This case study published in May 2015 by The Atlantic Philanthropies documents how the CDLP became such an integral resource to policymakers and practitioners. It highlights the practical stepsit took to become so useful to so many people and institutions. In addition to capturing the CDLP’s key accomplishments, the case study includes its challenges and lessons learned—both for funders considering an investment in such centres and other university centres seeking to make a bigger impact.

It highlights that carefully researched studies are essential for advocates to make persuasive arguments to legislators and for policymakers to make informed decisions. But too often academic research is disconnected from the real world concerns of those who make or wish to influence policy. The CDLP is presented as a rare example of a university research centre that is having a positive impact on policy and practice. It has influenced domestic, regional and international policy in disability rights. It has done so through its accessible research and training of advocates and academics in the field. Few such research centres have made this kind of impact.

The CDLP was an Atlantic Philanthropies grantee.

Download case study here (PDF): Atlantic Philanthropies Case Study