CHAT – Researching AT, Enabling Research in Ireland and EU

Exploring AT research in Ireland – and how technology is making research itself more accessible

As part of World Sight Day @ TU Dublin and an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, FreedomTech CHAT will explore Assistive Technology research and innovation happening across Ireland and Europe.

During this CHAT, we'll explore:

• Assistive Technology research and innovation in Ireland and Europe
• How AT can support people to participate in research
• How researchers use AT and accessibility tools themselves
• Accessible approaches to communication, consent and engagement
• The role of people with lived experience as co-researchers and research partners

We'll hear short research showcases and first-hand experiences, followed by a CHAT discussion exploring how we can make research more accessible, inclusive and led by the people it is intended to benefit.

Accessibility in Action @ TU Dublin

CHAT forms part of a two-day programme at TU Dublin's Central Quad, Grangegorman, bringing together students, researchers, educators, people with lived experience, community organisations and industry to explore the latest developments in Assistive Technology research and innovation.

The programme also includes an Assistive Technology Exhibition, workshops, research collaboration opportunities and a Fireside CHAT: From Innovation to Impact – Can Ireland Lead the Next Generation of Assistive Technology?

Accessibility: Please let us know when registering if you require any accommodations to participate.

Contact: Sarah@freedomtech.ie

Who should attend?

AT users, researchers, students, practitioners, disability organisations, educators, technology developers and anyone interested in Assistive Technology and inclusive research.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require more information about this event. We are committed to ensuring its accessibility for all participants. Your assistance in letting us know if any special accommodations are required would be greatly appreciated.

Contact: Sarah@freedomtech.ie

Twitter @Freedomtech_Irl

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8407996/

Website https://freedomtech.ie/

Sight and Sound Technology invites you to attend their Assistive Technology Exhibition before or after CHAT. Their expert staff will be on hand to demonstrate products, talk through options and help you find the right solution for you.

Register here Assistive Technology Exhibition Attendee Registration

Monday 12th Oct: 11-5pm

Tuesday 13th Oct 10 - 2pm

Central Quad, TU Dublin, Grangegorman Lower, Dublin 7, D07 ADY7

Monday 12th October 17:15- 18-00 Fireside CHAT: From Innovation to Impact: Can Ireland Lead the Next Generation of Assistive********Technology?

A relaxed 30–40 minute fireside conversation between Dr Dympna O'Sullivan, Vice President of Research and Innovation, TU Dublin, and Stuart Lawler, Sight and Sound Technology Ireland, followed by questions and discussion with the CHAT community.

[Registration link for the Fireside CHAT]

*Please note that this session will be recorded, and you will be asked to consent to this recording per EU regulations. If you do not wish to be part of the recording, please let us know.

CHAT (Community Hub for Accessible Technology) is a community of practice for Assistive Technology Practitioners and Assistive Technology Users that connects the Assistive Technology sector in Ireland like never before.

FreedomTech established a vibrant community of practice called The Community Hub for Assistive Technology (CHAT). This is community-driven by people who believe in the transformative impact that assistive technology has on individuals’ lives. CHAT aims to facilitate and create opportunities for people to learn from each other in an atmosphere that supports equality, collective and individual sharing and learning. This approach makes the most of people’s expertise to identify better challenges and gaps and to consider solutions regarding AT.

CHAT has a national membership of over 200 people and organisations. This includes people with disabilities (expert and non-expert AT users), AT practitioners, researchers, educators, service providers, developers, suppliers, and other interested parties. Each CHAT gathering is co-created by those involved. As participants share knowledge, we think together and work horizontally across and beyond the disability sector.

Enable Ireland and the Disability Federation of Ireland have partnered since 2014 to promote and develop a national Assistive Technology ecosystem. This partnership is FreedomTech, currently sponsored by Sight and Sound Technology and the CREATE fund.

Thanks again, and remember to keep in contact, keep posting and sharing.