The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) team, in collaboration with the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers and the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Clinical Programme for People with Disability, is excited to announce the Integrating Disability Evidence into Action for Supports (IDEAS 2024) conference, 17-18 October 2024. This two-day event will spotlight how cutting-edge research from IDS-TILDA is being translated into real-world practices, improving care and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.

Proceedings will focus on understanding the needs of people with intellectual disability, and addressing the real-life, day-to-day practical challenges currently faced by service providers and inform future planning to support a growing population of older adults with intellectual disabilities.

Day One will bring together organisations supporting people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland to consider how key findings and recommendations from IDS-TILDA may be implemented to support individuals and their families as they age. Presentations and discussion groups will focus on translation to practice of key longitudinal findings from IDS-TILDA on social inclusion and community participation, physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioural well-being, and end-of-life care.

Day Two will begin with a focus on IDS-TILDA Carers Study data on family caregiving. There will also be Focus Group activities with the Reference Group of the Commission for the Care of Older People. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the Commission’s consultation process to inform its deliberations and recommendations on future care for older persons in Ireland. Several commission members will be in attendance.

The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) is a longitudinal study researching ageing in Ireland among people with an intellectual disability aged 40 and over. IDS-TILDA is the flagship research project within the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID).

The Commission for the Care of Older People is chaired by Professor Alan Barrett (Chief Executive Officer, Economic and Social Research Institute) and is comprised of independent experts charged with examining the provision of health and social care services and supports for older people. The Commission for the Care of Older Persons makes direct recommendations to the government for their strategic development.

In collaboration with the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers and the HSE. Day 2 will feature key IDS-TILDA insights into family caregiving and provide family caregivers an opportunity to share their experiences with the Commission for the Care of Older People.

This event closely aligns with the goals of the UN Decade on Healthy Ageing, showcasing the depth and extent of data from IDS-TILDA and spotlighting how findings are being implemented in practice to better support individuals with intellectual disabilities as they age. The event will contribute to shaping future care models in Ireland, echoing the Decade’s mission to enhance long-term care and foster healthier ageing.

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte, TD, will be in attendance and will open the conference on Thursday, 17 October 2024. Minister Rabbitte has consistently demonstrated her strong commitment to advancing policies that support the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities, making her participation particularly significant for this event.

Professor Mary McCarron, Director of the Training Centre for Ageing & Intellectual Disability, said: "We stand at a pivotal moment in our field, where the intersection of ageing and intellectual disabilities presents both challenges and opportunities. Over the past 15 years, Ireland has led the way in understanding the ageing of people with intellectual disabilities. The findings from IDS-TILDA directly influence policy and services across sectors, but our real challenge is ensuring this research drives evidence-informed policy and practices that transforms lives. Our commitment, and today’s discussions alongside key partners like the HSE and the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers will be a crucial step in moving from evidence to action."

Dr Alison Harnett, CEO of the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, said: “The hugely valuable research from IDS-TILDA has demonstrated that people with intellectual disability experience the effects of ageing at an earlier age than the general population and have many associated health and social support needs. It is essential that service providers who support people with intellectual disability, are empowered with evidence to support people to have the best possible outcomes and quality of life as they age, and to develop sustainable models of practice that acknowledge the challenges of the changing needs of older adults with intellectual disabilities. We are delighted to be partnering with Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability, and the HSE to create this important space to share and reflect on research findings and how these can influence and support practice now and into the future.”