COFACE member organisation LEAP Ireland has shared a 60 second video capturing key moments from its recent Leadership for Inclusion Series in Galway, which ran over six months and concluded earlier this year.
The three weekend learning series was developed for people with intellectual disabilities and or autism, their families and allies who are committed to strengthening community inclusion. The initiative provided a structured and reflective space for participants to deepen their understanding of what meaningful inclusion looks like in everyday life.
LEAP was honoured to welcome Robin Acton, who recently completed her second term as President of Inclusion Canada, to lead the series. Robin is currently supporting the LEAP leadership team to deliver the Leadership for Inclusion Series independently in the future, enabling the programme to reach more families and communities. LEAP expressed its deep gratitude to its Canadian colleagues for their generosity and collaboration.
Over the course of the series, participants gained an in depth understanding of inclusion and began developing strategies to act at both personal and community levels. The programme encouraged participants to reflect critically on existing systems and to consider how to create meaningful inclusion for people with disabilities in the everyday life of their communities.
Key themes explored throughout the series included:
- Understanding the difference between genuine inclusion and superficial approaches and why achieving real inclusion can be so challenging.
- Recognising the critical importance of having a clear and ambitious vision for an inclusive life.
- Developing skills in critical analysis to distinguish between practices that enable inclusion and those that undermine it.
- Gaining insight into how systems operate and how they can either support or hinder participation.
- Exploring practical ways to drive social change.
- Sustaining hope and long-term commitment in the pursuit of systemic and societal transformation.
The series also examined what it takes to bring about real structural change and how to maintain momentum over time. By combining reflection, learning and action, the programme aimed to equip participants with both the confidence and the tools needed to advocate for inclusive communities.
The 60 second video offers a short glimpse into the energy and commitment that characterised the six-month journey. You can view the video here:
Learn more about LEAP Ireland.
