National Conference 2026
Schedule
Registration and refreshments
Adults and young people together
Time to meet others and visit the Discovery and Wellness Zone
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Adults' programme
Opening remarks
Bindu Nair, MDI Chairperson
Alan Breathnach, MDI CEO
Cusack Suite, Level 5
One-minute intros – Discovery and Wellness Zone exhibitors and therapy taster providers
Cusack Suite, Level 5
One-minute energiser
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Keynote – Shared Voices, Shared Strength
Pádraig O'Sullivan, TD
Campaign advocates share their reflections. Followed by facilitated discussion and Q&A.
- Helen Kearney – Skyclarys campaign
- Aoife McNicholl – SMA Treatments for All
- Karen Thompson – Time is Muscle
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Presentation of the MDI Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award
by Deputy O'Sullivan
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Youth programme
8 to 17 years
11:00 – 12:30
STEM Free Play Workshop
Using a range of engaging educational technologies, Tangible coding resources, PHOTON robots, Sphero Indi, and more, participants will have the freedom to explore, create, and experiment in a fun and supportive environment.
Level 6
Children's programme
5 to 7 years
11:00 – 12:30
Free Play Fun
Facilitated by a sensory and therapeutic play practitioner.
Level 6
Light lunch
Adults and young people together
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Adults' programme
Living life my way – Choice, connection and community
MDI members Helena Fogarty, Stephen Myall, and Rachel O'Reilly share their thoughts on this theme. Followed by facilitated discussion and Q&A.
Cusack Suite, Level 5
One-minute energiser
Cusack Suite, Level 5
The shared strength of multidisciplinary teams
Health care professionals from both paediatric and adult teams offer their insights in a facilitated discussion. Followed by Q&A.
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Refreshment break
Cusack Suite, Level 5
From mountains to miles, stories of awareness and fundraising
MDI members Eoghan Clifford, Claire Ellis, and Tommie and Adam Thornton share their stories of raising awareness and taking on fundraising challenges. Followed by facilitated discussion and Q&A.
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Energiser
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Sibling voices – Growing up with a person with a neuromuscular condition
MDI members Caitlin McAuley and Ella O'Reilly share their experiences. Followed by facilitated discussion and Q&A.
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Reflection and closing remarks
Alan Breathnach, MDI CEO
Conference raffle
Cusack Suite, Level 5
Youth programme
8 to 17 years
13:30 – 16:15
STEM Free Play Workshop continued
Using LEGO Education SPIKE Prime and Essential.
Level 6
Children's programme
5 to 7 years
13:30 – 16:15
Get Ready to Get Sticky: Let's Make Slime!
Level 6
MDI acknowledges the financial support of the HSE. The event is also kindly supported by independent grants from Biogen, Novartis and Roche who have had no editorial influence over the content
