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With Walk4Ollie coming up, we wanted to share the impact of Bethlem Myopathy, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. You can support us in helping members like Ollie by donating, sharing, and joining us on the 26th of September for this year's Walk4Ollie! Contact foundation@mdi.ie for more information.

On the 1st of July 2026, 30 racers joined MDI for a fun, fast day at Mondello Park. MDI have proudly partnered with Mondello Park since 2021.. The brave racers got behind the wheel of high-performance electric cars before taking the passenger seat for a once-in-a-lifetime Porsche experience. Accompanied by an experienced driver, they enjoyed a thrilling high-speed lap around Mondello's famous 3.5 km international racetrack. It was a day packed with adrenaline, speed and excitement!

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland has issued notice of its 2026 Annual General Meeting, to be held online via Zoom on Saturday, 5 September at 12 noon. Members will be asked to approve audited financial statements, elect directors, and vote on a special resolution to adopt a new company Constitution. Two Board seats are also open, with nominations sought in HR, legal, and governance expertise. Registration closes 5pm, Friday 21 August, with attendance reconfirmation due by 5pm, Monday 24 August.

MDI is seeking a Quality & Governance Lead to join our team on a part-time, fixed-term basis (17.5 hours per week). This is a key role supporting the CEO, Senior Management Team, and Board Committees in strengthening governance, quality assurance, and compliance across the organisation, helping MDI maintain best practice as we continue to grow and evolve.

This October mid-term, one lucky MDI member could be packing their bags for a break by the sea. MDI is raffling off two four-night stays at Teach Susie, a fully accessible holiday home in the seaside village of Portnoo, Co. Donegal

The August edition of MDI's Assistive Technology Monthly Update is here. This month we invite members to register for an online workshop on 9th September exploring the built-in accessibility features of Windows, iOS and Android, covering touchscreen customisation, hands-free access, and Smart Home technology. We also feature the inspiring story of the Kellycaster, a guitar built bespoke to a disabled musician's access needs, alongside adaptive guitar techniques for disabled players. Our Product Spotlight this month looks at smart sockets, and the resources section rounds up adaptive tools for fishing, kayaking, crafting, and music, from hands-free rod holders to fully customisable Bluetooth switches.

Rare Diseases Ireland has highlighted a critical issue: 163 orphan medicines now have EU approval, but people living with rare diseases in Ireland face long delays getting access. They're urging the Minister for Health to establish an Early Access Scheme so patients can get life-changing treatments within one year of approval, not years down the line.

Walk4Ollie is back! On Saturday, 26 September, Paddy Hickey will tackle the seven-leg journey from North Wall, Dublin to Enfield, Co. Meath, raising vital funds for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland and the Ollie Hickey Fund. The route takes in Cross Runs Bridge, Castleknock, Leixlip Confey, Maynooth, Kilcock, and Fern's Lock, with supporters invited to join for any leg that suits them.

Global Action Plan (GAP) have reached out to MDI and asked us to share their survey on disability and climate change. ChangeABLE is an Erasmus+ project that GAP is delivering with partners in Ireland, Italy and Germany, and it originated out of shared concerns that people with disabilities aren’t being meaningfully included in climate action planning. They want to hear your feelings about climate change. How climate change affects you and what has changed in your daily life.  

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland is one of over 170 organisations benefitting from the latest round of RTÉ Toy Show Grants which been made possible by the generosity of the annual television spectacle.