Assistive Technology News Monthly: March 2026
The MDI Assistive Technology Monthly Update is a free resource produced by Muscular Dystrophy Ireland for our community. Each edition brings together the latest news and developments in assistive technology, a product spotlight featuring recommendations from our members, and a curated selection of resources, tools, and links to help support daily living.
Donahies Community School Students Score Big for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland!
The MDI Team were delighted to be invited to Donahies Community School, Co. Dublin to give a talk to some of its students about Muscular Dystrophy Ireland and to also thank them for fundraising for us.
Opportunity for young people aged 14 to 17 - Join UNICEF Ireland Youth Action Group!
UNICEF Ireland is launching a Youth Action Group, bringing together a small group of young people from across the country to share ideas, learn about youth activism and children’s rights, as well as helping to shape their advocacy work for young people and contributing to conversations and campaigns on issues affecting young people today.
![[RTE] Muscular Dystrophy – One family’s experience ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63c138561d3afd3c27c17d5d/201fc09c-6f44-4f07-a4de-3436a9761e2a/00240736-1200.webp)
[RTE] Muscular Dystrophy – One family’s experience
Parents of children with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy are continuing to campaign for access to a new game-changing drug. Michael Brogan, who's son Fionn has this rare muscle-wasting condition spoke to David. Also Fianna Fáil Senator Teresa Costello who has been involved in this campaign.
Webinar to Shine a Light on the Vital Role of Neurology Nurses as Brain Awareness Week Gets Underway
A webinar will take place on Monday, 16 March to launch a national awareness campaign, #MyNeurologyNurseAndMe - highlighting the Vital Role of Nurse Specialists in Neurological Care. Organised by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland as part of National Brain Awareness Week
Passion, Pride & Champions: Team MDI Honoured to Witness the AIPF League Final
Some of Team MDI were lucky enough to be invited, by the AIPF board, to the decider of the league in Gormanstown park on Saturday 7th of March 2026.
Your Experience Matters: Share Your Diagnosis Story
We’re inviting members to share their path to diagnosis - particularly if you experienced a long, difficult, or uncertain path to getting answers. We know that many of our members have had challenging journeys to reach a diagnosis, and sharing those experiences can make a real difference in improving understanding among our members and healthcare professionals.
New Changing Places Toilet at St James's Hospital!
We are delighted to share good news that a brand-new Changing Places Toilet has been installed at the Cardiac Respiratory Building, just a 2-minute roll or walk from the main concourse at St James's Hospital, Dublin.
NCPE Completes Givinostat Review: What It Means for Duchenne Families
In November, MDI, in collaboration with Duchenne families, launched a survey to capture the lived experience of families living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to support the patient submission for the reimbursement of givinostat. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to participate.
Would you like to receive a free night stay at the MDI Home from Home apartment?
As the only fully accessible, self-catered apartment in Ireland, the MDI Home from Home apartment is an essential and invaluable resource for our members and members of the public with accessibility needs.
Care Alliance Ireland Calls for Tax Exemption on Carer's Allowance in New Position Paper
Care Alliance Ireland has published a new Position Paper making the case for exempting Carer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit from income tax in the Republic of Ireland. The paper was presented directly to An Tánaiste, Simon Harris, during a meeting at Government Buildings yesterday.
Action Duchenne Webinar Series 2026: Women's Health; Genetics and Decisions
Action Duchenne will host a special online event, Women's Health: Genetics and Decisions, on Monday 9th March 2026 from 6–7pm, marking International Women's Day 2026 with a spotlight on the often-overlooked needs of Duchenne carriers.
Members Apply Now: Water-based exercises for individuals living with neuromuscular conditions - Ballymun Leisure Centre
Siel Bleu currently provide our one-to-one physical training and nutrition programmes, along with our online group exercise classes. These pool sessions are a great addition to the Siel Bleu offering for MDI, expanding opportunities for accessible, water-based exercise in a supportive setting.
Apply Now: Bespoke Coaching Programme with Albert Quigley
The coaching programme offers structured conversations that help you surface deeper insights from your head, heart, and gut, define what matters, and move with intention. It’s a space to “use the difficulty”—turning friction, uncertainty, or feeling stuck into learning and forward motion.
AIPF Premier League 2025/26 End of Season – Saturday March 7.
With just one match day left the AIPF Premier League has come down to the last day with not two but three teams in serious contention to take the trophy home. A convincing 3-1 win for Heroes Cork in their latest round of matches against longtime rivals Midlands United put them into pole position with a slight lead over Midlands and reigning champions Belfast Trailblazers leading into the final round of fixtures on March 7th.
International Women's Day Health Fair Coming to Claremont Stadium
With just one week to go, Claremont Stadium is putting the finishing touches in place ahead of its International Women's Day Health Fair on 6 March.
Want to vote at our AGM? Ensure your application, membership renewal, and payment are all submitted by 31 March 2026.
The Board determine the annual membership fee and notify members of same and date of payment each year. The Board have agreed an annual membership fee of €15 for all member categories and the closing date for ‘full’ membership entitlements for the current year as 31 March 2026. Annual membership runs from January to December.
To Mark Rare Disease Day 2026: MDI Launches National GP Awareness Campaign
Many individuals living with neuromuscular conditions in Ireland are not aware that support is available to them and diagnosis can sometimes be delayed.
Share Your Voice: Rare Disease Family Cost Diaries: Economic Impact
This project forms part of a wider research study examining the social and economic impacts of living with a rare disease on families of children with rare diseases across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The research is being conducted as part of a PhD project by researchers at University College Dublin.