The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY), Hub na nÓg, and the National Disability Authority (NDA) sought the views of children and young people on creating guidance documents for policy makers and those who facilitate the participation of disabled children and young people in decision making, with a particular focus on those who use augmentative or alternative communication.

The aim of the documents is to provide advice on approaching participative consultations and initiatives in the most accessible and inclusive way possible. This included exploring and outlining specific methodology for this purpose as well as highlighting practical considerations needed to ensure accessibility for all children and young people, including children and young who are non-speaking. A steering group with representatives from Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) and a team from Dublin City University’s School of Inclusive and Special Education (DCU) supported the creation of the guidance documents.