News

CKAN and the Kildare Local Access Groups have been celebrating Kildare Disability Week and International Day of Persons with Disabilities by holding events across the county all week. We have been delighted to meet so many people and make new connections. Check out some pictures of our activities from the week!   Flying the CKAN […]

A big thank you to Barker and Jones, Naas for marking the International Day of People with Disabilities (#IDPwD) — a meaningful day that promotes understanding, inclusion, and support for the rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities.

The winning posters and a selection of other excellent entries based on the theme “Not all disabilities are visible.” The posters were created by 5th and 6th class students for our International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 competition. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and thank you for your wonderful contributions.

Wednesday 3rd December is International Day of People with Disabilities (#IDPwD) A day dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and support for the rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities. Naas Disability Access Group marked the occasion with a schools poster competition with this years theme “Not all Disabilities Are Visible”. A selection of the posters […]

Leixlip Disability Access Group with County Kildare Access Network (CKAN) would like to thank everyone who helped and everyone who came and enjoyed our Christmas events this weekend.   Sensory Santa Event On Sunday 30th of November we had a Sensory Santa Event in the Court Yard Hotel. Families came to visit Santa with their […]

For those of you visiting our Sensory Santa in Leixlip this Sunday, we have provided a Social Story for you so you know what to expect on the day. We have also provided an information sheet regarding the accessibility at The Court Yard Hotel. We are looking forward to Sunday and hope you all have […]

We were delighted to receive the below review from a recent visitor to the new Play Park in Leixlip, which has unofficially opened its gates! An official opening ceremony with CKAN, KCC Parks Department and Intel will be taking place next week, and we can’t wait! ‘We visited the new inclusive playground in Leixlip the […]

Come and meet Santa this Sunday and bring all the family! Our magical experience is designed to be a little calmer and more relaxed, while still full of Christmas cheer. You can take your time with Santa, and enjoy your visit at your own pace. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa and post […]

Join us in celebrating Kildare Disability Week 2025, taking place from the 1st of December to the 8th of December, and incorporating International Day of Persons With Disabilities on the 3rd of December. CKAN will be marking the week and IDPWD by turning the county purple, with buildings lit up and CKAN flags flying. We […]

A Playground Where Everyone Belongs! We’re delighted to announce that construction is officially underway on a brand-new inclusive and accessible playground at Leixlip Amenities Centre! This dream project, spearheaded by Íde Cussen and Cllr. Bernard Caldwell of the Leixlip Access Group, and backed by the County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), is a shining example of […]

Thank you everyone ! Were you at the Kildare Inclusivity Festival 2025?  Huge thank you to all who attended (over 6.5k people attended) and all who participated and helped to make this such a success.  Yes over 6000 people attended, this is fantastic and we are already planning for 2026.  Please let us know if […]

Come and see the brand new Nua Mobile Sensory Units at the Kildare Inclusivity Festival on 11th May at the Curragh Racecourse, 11am to 4pm. These bespoke and unique mobile units are worth a look! Find out more information from the staff at Nua on the day, who will be happy to answer any questions.

06 May 2025: Kildare County Council has today announced details of a programme of initiatives to mark Kildare Disability Week 2025, which will take place from Sunday, 11th May to Sunday, 18th May. The week kicks off with a bang, with the first ever Kildare Inclusivity Festival which takes place at The Curragh Racecourse from […]

Plan your day ahead of time, so you can be sure not to miss anything!  See our Festival Site Map above, along with a schedule of events. Looking forward to seeing you on the 11th of May, 11am to 4pm.  

If you are coming to the Kildare Inclusivity Festival on the 11th of May at the Curragh Racecourse, 11am to 4pm, you won’t leave hungry! Check out the range of food and drink available to purchase on the day. With a hot food counter, The Atrium Café and Spar shop inside the Champions Hall, the […]

Dressage Demo by Kildare’s Heather Lemmon at the Kildare Inclusivity Festival!   Don’t miss the chance to see Para National Champion 2024, Heather Lemmon, and her Connemara mare, Freya, in action! They will be giving a dressage demo, showcasing how dressage can be adapted and enjoyed by riders of all abilities. Come say hello, watch […]

We are thrilled to announce our comperes for the Kildare Inclusivity Festival on the 11th of May at The Curragh Racecourse! Award winning actor Mark Smith joins podcaster and former 2FM DJ Keith Walsh to guide us through the day onstage. Mark will also be our guest Grand Marshall at the parade. The Festival kicks […]

Maynooth Access Group was proud to have delivered “Our World”, a disability awareness programme designed for and about children — promoting understanding, acceptance, and the celebration of what makes each of us unique, all part of the Inclusion & Diversity Week in Maynooth Educate Together School. What is “Our World”? “Our World” is a vibrant, […]

Maynooth Access Group is delighted to announce the installation of a new accessible bench on Parsons Street, Maynooth! This project marks another step forward in enhancing the inclusivity and comfort of our #ActiveTravelNetwork. A Special Thanks This wonderful addition wouldn’t have been possible without the help and collaboration of: Area Engineer Cyril Buggy The local […]

Maynooth Access Group was thrilled to loan out the inclusive toy resource “Our World” to Simona Leonard for her presentation on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to the Sallins’ Ladybirds, Brownies and Girl Guide groups. The Our World programme is all about learning through play and our diverse and inclusive toys and teddies affords children the […]

The Stewarts Care Regional Equine Therapy Hub in Kilcloon, Co. Meath will be at the Kildare Inclusivity Festival offering an opportunity for children to be introduced to their horses and team. They deliver equine assisted learning to children and adults with intellectual disability and autism from across Dublin, Meath and Kildare. Find out more here.

We are thrilled that Para National Champion 2024, Heather Lemmon and her Connemara mare Freya will be joining us at the Kildare Inclusivity Festival on the 11th of May, giving a dressage demo showcasing how dressage can be adapted and enjoyed by riders of all abilities. Come say hello, watch them in action, and learn […]

Join Us! The Kildare Inclusivity Festival is a free event, and all members of the community are encouraged and invited to attend.   Date: Sunday, 11th May 2025 Location: The Curragh Racecourse Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Admission: Free   Festival Highlights Attendees can enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages and […]

The Maynooth Access Group (MAG), in collaboration with CKAN.ie, is committed to enhancing accessibility for neurodiverse individuals in Kildare’s public libraries. Due to the high demand for CKAN’s sensory toy boxes, a comprehensive audit was conducted to assess their usage and effectiveness. As part of this initiative, MAG actively engaged with all 15 libraries in […]