The IDS-TILDA Health Fair, led by Professor Eilish Burke and her team, has entered a new phase with full appointments now underway and running until mid-2026. Building on earlier waves, the Health Fair continues to provide non-invasive, person-centred health assessments while introducing new measures and improved facilities. With a dedicated assessment area, redesigned waiting space, and innovative new tools, Wave 6 reflects IDS-TILDA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing participant experience and advancing understanding of health and ageing among people with an intellectual disability.

Researchers are invited to join our upcoming IDS-TILDA Data Workshop, designed to support the use of data from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA). This interactive session will introduce participants to the structure, scope, and potential of the IDS-TILDA dataset. Attendees will gain practical guidance on navigating datafiles, understanding survey design, and applying reproducible research methods. Senior IDS-TILDA researchers will share their expertise and insights throughout the day. Whether you’re new to the dataset or seeking to deepen your analysis, this workshop provides an invaluable opportunity to explore one of the most comprehensive longitudinal datasets on ageing and intellectual disability.

TCAID recently carried out a project investigating the feasibility of the Echolight device, a portable bone health screening tool that offers an alternative to the traditional DXA scan, which many individuals with intellectual disability are unable to access. The project was led by Professor Éilish Burke, Professor in Intellectual Disability Nursing, together with Anne Power, Advanced Nurse Practioner, Wexford Regional Intellectual Disability Service. This video was presented as part of European Researchers’ Night 2025, highlighting the collaborative work and its potential impact on improving bone health assessment for people with intellectual disability.

On World Alzheimer’s Day, TCAID and Avista launched a series of practical videos from the Avista Memory Clinic to raise awareness about dementia and brain health in people with intellectual disabilities, who are at higher risk and often affected at a younger age. The videos focus on modifiable risk factors—such as cholesterol, sleep apnoea, and hearing—offering practical, evidence-based steps to support brain health, reduce risk, and build resilience for individuals, families, and professionals.

Easy Read Roscommon was officially launched on August 13, 2025, by Minister Hildegarde Naughton, marking a significant step toward accessible communication for people with intellectual disabilities. The initiative, Ireland’s first Easy Read Peer Review Group and dedicated website, uses plain language, short sentences, and images to make information clearer, with Speople who have lived experience reviewing materials to ensure usability. Supported by IDS-TILDA and the TCAID, the project relects a shared commitment to inclusion, equality, and ensuring that vital information is easy to understand for everyone in our communities.