National Conference 2025
Booking your place
Who is the conference open to?
The conference features three programmes: one for adults, one for young people aged 8 to 17 yrs, and one for children aged 5 to 7 years.
The adults’ programme is open to individuals living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, their family members, friends, and other stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals and researchers.
The youth programme (8-17 yrs) is designed for young individuals aged 8 to 17 years who are living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, as well as their siblings.
The children’s programme (5-7 yrs) is designed for children aged 5 to 7 years who are living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, as well as their siblings.
You are welcome to bring children under the age of five to the conference, provided they remain under your supervision at all times. Please note that we do not offer childcare services or a programme for children under five, so you will be responsible for their care throughout the event. Please also note, the content of some of the workshops may not be appropriate for this age group – this is up to the discretion of parents.
If I bring my own Personal Assistant, do I need to book a ticket for them on Eventbrite?
No, you don't need to book a separate ticket for them. When booking your ticket on Eventbrite, you will be asked to indicate if you are bringing a PA and to let us know any dietary requirements they may have and photo consent.
Getting there
How do I get there?
You will find travel directions by car, train and bus to the Cusack Stand Car Park here.
Check out how to access the car park and the venue in this video.
Where in Croke Park is the conference taking place?
The conference is taking place in the CUSACK STAND, levels 5 and 6, not the Hogan Stand, where we were last year - we're looking forward to seeing you in our new location which has a Changing Places Toilet! Just head for the GAA Museum Eircode D03 P6K7. The conference venue entrance is just to the left of it.
Where can I park?
The Cusack Car Park is available from St Joseph’s Avenue, Clonliffe Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 3. It’s outdoor and very close to the venue entrance.
Can I get dropped off at the main door?
Yes – if you wish, you can get dropped at the main door. Please tell us in advance if you wish to do so by emailing respite@mdi.ie or phoning MDI’s Helpline on +353 01 6236414 by 1 December.
Will there be anyone at the main entrance to direct me to registration?
Yes. Members of the MDI staff team will be there to direct you.
Where and when is registration?
Registration for everyone will take place in the Cusack Suite, Level 5 at 10am.
How do I get to the youth / children’s programmes?
First, you will need to register at Level 5, Cusack Suite, with any adults attending. Registration opens at 10am. Then make your way to Level 6 by taking a lift. Members of the MDI Team will be there to direct you. Please make sure to leave plenty time for registration and getting to Level 6 for the 11am start.
Children and young people
Is childcare provided at the conference?
No. Please note that we do not offer childcare services or a programme for children under five. However, you are welcome to bring children under the age of five to the conference, provided they remain under your supervision at all times and you are responsible for their care throughout the event. Please also note, the content of some of the workshops may not be appropriate for this age group – this is up to the discretion of parents.
How do I get to the youth / children’s programmes?
First, you will need to register at Level 5, Cusack Suite, with any adults attending. Registration opens at 10am. Then make your way to Level 6 by taking a lift. Members of the MDI Team will be there to direct you. Please make sure to leave plenty time for registration and getting to Level 6 for the 11am start.
Who will be responsible for personal and medical care of participants on the youth / children’s programmes?
MDI staff will be on hand to assist young members during the workshops. However, personal and medical care will be the responsibility of parents/guardians on the day. Parents/guardians will be contacted during the day by the MDI Youth Team, if and when required for such care.
What happens at lunchtime for participants on the youth / children’s programmes?
Young people will join their parents / guardians for lunch with all of the conference participants at Level 5.
Will photos / video recording of the youth / children’s programmes be shared with the public?
We may share photos/videos if you have given permission when booking on Eventbrite. We won’t share photos/videos if you haven’t given permission.
Toilets and personal care
Are there accessible toilets?
Yes. Accessible toilets are located on Levels 5 and 6 where the conference will take place. Members of the MDI Team will be available to guide you to them.
Is there a Changing Places Toilet?
Yes. There is a Changing Places Toilet at Level 4 at Section 409. This can be accessed easily from the venue entrance and from Levels 6 and 5 by lift. Members of the MDI Team will be available to guide you there and back! Watch our video here.
What is a Changing Places Toilet?
A Changing Places Toilet is an accessible sanitary facility with a toilet, hoist, washbasin, adult-sized changing bench and optional shower with adequate space for use by persons with a range of disabilities who may require assistance.
Slings
Here is a photo of the ceiling hoist in the Changing Place.
Will hoists be available?
There will be hoists in appointed toilets on Levels 5 and 6. While some slings will be available, we also kindly ask that you bring your own looped-type sling if possible..
Who will be responsible for personal and medical care of participants at the youth/children’s programmes?
MDI staff will be on hand to assist young members during the workshops. However, personal and medical care will be the responsibility of parents/guardians on the day. Parents/guardians will be contacted during the day by the MDI Youth Team if and when required for such care.
Additional disability access requirements
Please let us know of any additional disability access requirements when booking your place on Eventbrite.
Will there be any supports available for participants with a hearing impairment?
A hearing aid system can be made be available for you to collect at registration. They are worn on a lanyard that will be provided and come with a single earphone. Just let us know if you’ll need one when you’re booking your place on Eventbrite.
Lunch and refreshments
What times are lunch and refreshments?
Refreshments will be served on arrival at 10:00am.
Light lunch will be served in the Ash Suite, Level 5 at 12:30.
Refreshments will be served again from 3 to 3:15pm.
What are the lunch arrangements?
Light lunch – soup, sandwiches and dessert - will be served at 12:30. Table service will be provided.
Will adults and young people eat lunch together?
Yes, adults and young people will eat together. Young people will join their parents / guardians for lunch.
Additional queries
Who can I ask a question that you haven't answered?
If you have any additional queries, please contact Gillian Reid on respite@mdi.ie or phone our Information Line on +353 01 6236414.
