LINC Shines a Light on Inclusion for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025

The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme marked the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) this evening by illuminating the side of the Tara Building at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick (MIC) in purple, in support of the Disability Federation of Ireland’s annual Purple Lights campaign. The global day, which places a spotlight on the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, is observed each year to promote full and equal participation in all areas of society. More information can be found here.

The theme for IDPD 2025 is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” emphasising the importance of strengthening inclusion, accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities.

Working closely with MIC Buildings and Estates, the Tara Building was lit in purple tonight to demonstrate the College’s ongoing support for disability rights, inclusion and visibility. The Purple Lights campaign invites organisations, communities and members of the public to illuminate buildings or share purple-themed imagery to show solidarity with people with disabilities across Ireland.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education, Early Childhood and Teacher Education at Mary Immaculate College, highlighted the College’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, stating: “As we work towards enacting the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations in 2006 and ratified by Ireland in March 2018, in our education system and in society more broadly, we are proud to be part of the #PurpleLightUp global movement, which focuses on the empowerment of those with disabilities in our community. In the Faculty of Education at MIC, across all of our programmes, we are committed to creating a society, where the rights of persons with disabilities are secured, diversity is the norm and no one is left behind. Supporting the #PurpleLightUp global movement allows us to shine a light on this commitment.”

Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme, emphasised the importance of marking IDPD within the Early Learning and Care and School Aged Childcare sector: “As we mark the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognise the vital leadership that Managers, Inclusion Coordinators and educators bring to creating truly inclusive Early Learning and Care and School Aged Childcare settings, places where every child is supported to participate, flourish and reach their full potential. The LINC Programme Team is proud to be associated with this important initiative at MIC. The commitment of our consortium, team, graduates and students makes a meaningful difference on inclusion and the lives of children, families and communities.”

The LINC Programme, delivered by a consortium led by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in partnership with Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), Maynooth University (MU) Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education and the National Childhood Network (NCN), supports educators to create inclusive environments where every child is valued and supported. The programme is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE).

Further information on the LINC Programme can be found at www.lincprogramme.ie

For further information please contact:
Helena Thompson
Marketing, Communications & Recruitment Officer, LINC Programme
T: +353 86 152 5625
E: Helena.Thompson@mic.ul.ie

You may also like: