June TCAID: InFocus - International Day of Action for Women’s Health 2025; Celebrating and Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Women with Intellectual Disabilities
To mark the International Day of Action for Women’s Health 2025, the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID), led by Gavin Dann, Louise Lynch, and Kieva Leslie, hosted a meaningful and inclusive day of activities focused on supporting the health and wellbeing of women with intellectual disabilities.
On Wednesday, 28th May 2025, TCAID hosted a specially designed Women’s Health and Wellbeing Exercise Class at the Trinity College Sports Centre. Thirty women from Stewarts Care, Avista, and St. Michael’s House participated in the hour-long session, which was tailored to suit a range of physical abilities and needs.
Led by the engaging and supportive instructors Caitríona and Belinda from Trinity Sport Centre, and assisted by TCAID staff, the class provided an enjoyable and energising experience for all involved. Their positive energy and encouragement created an inclusive atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed and motivated to participate. We also received excellent support from Naz Velic, Participation & Engagement Officer, whose assistance contributed greatly to the success of the session.
At the end of the session, each woman received a certificate of participation, a goodie bag, and a home exercise booklet to continue promoting physical activity beyond the day itself. A well-earned lunch followed the class, offering time to relax and celebrate the achievements of the morning together.
The celebration continued the following day, Thursday, 29th May 2025, with a dedicated webinar exploring the unique health and wellbeing challenges faced by women with intellectual disabilities. This session brought together researchers, practitioners, and advocates to share current research, frontline experience, and practical strategies for improving care and support.
Topics discussed included bone health, menopause, obesity, social determinants of health, loneliness, and mental health. Speakers included: Prof. Éilish Burke, Dr. Judy Ryan, Dr. Fidelma Flannery, Dr. Kálya Lima, Anne Power, Carmel Erksine, Stephanie Corrigan, Niamh Carberry, Angela Colgan, Monika Carter, Lisa McGuiness, and Kelly Fitzgerald.
The webinar highlighted the importance of inclusive healthcare, accessible services, and the value of lived experience in shaping better outcomes. It was a rich exchange of ideas that underlined the need to bridge the gap between research and practice in women’s health.
Together, the exercise class and webinar showcased the importance of recognising and responding to the specific health needs of women with intellectual disabilities.
We are incredibly proud of the women who took part—with such enthusiasm, commitment, and positivity—and we extend our thanks to the instructors, staff, and speakers who helped bring this celebration to life.
Events like this serve as a powerful reminder that health and wellbeing must be inclusive, empowering, and accessible to all. When we come together in partnership, we move closer to a future where every woman is supported to thrive.