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Beyond Barriers:
Inclusion, Rights, Action

On 5 November 2025, more than 100 people who have intellectual disabilities came together at the Beyond Barriers service user conference.

People shared their views on the things that matter most in their lives, including work, education and relationships. They spoke about what works well, the barriers they face, and what needs to change.

What we learned

This page brings together the videos from the conference and clear summaries of the key learnings from the group discussions. These insights are helping us to move beyond barriers and are directly shaping Kare's next organisational strategy.

We are also sharing these learnings so others can see what people spoke about on the day, reflect on how it resonates with their own work, and consider how it may apply within their own lives and organisations.

Welcome to Beyond Barriers

This video captures the opening of the conference, with welcomes from:​

  • David Leigh, Chairperson of Voice for Kare

  • Margaret O'Neill, CEO of Kare

  • Matthew Behan, Chairperson of Kare's Board of Directors.

They explain the background of the conference, the importance of listening to service users' voices, and how it will help to shape what comes next.

The Imaginary Country exercise

This video introduces the 'Imaginary Country' exercise, which was used throughout the day to facilitate discussion. 

After each session, people worked together at their tables to imagine how the topic would work in an ideal country. They shared their views, discussed what matters most, and recorded what would need to change to make life better and more inclusive.

Topic 1: Accessibility and Assistive Technology

Accessibility and assistive technology (AT) support independence, dignity, safety and participation – they are not optional extras. 

Service users want reliable access, clear information, affordable technology and inclusive design. 

WHAT OUR SERVICE USERS SAID

ACCESSIBILITY SHAPES EVERYDAY LIFE

It determines whether people can: 

  • Leave their home

  • Understand information

  • Travel independently

  • Feel safe, respected and included

TRANSPORT LIMITS INDEPENDENCE

  • Buses/trains are not reliably accessible

  • Ramps may be missing, broken or staff-dependent

  • Footpaths, crossings and bus stops can be unsafe or unclear

  • Travel info and timetables are hard to read/understand

INFORMATION MUST

BE CLEARER

  • Public information (signs, menus, forms, websites) is often inaccessible

  • Easy Read should be standard, not an extra

  • ​Pictures, symbols, videos and plain English support understanding

AT SUPPORTS

INDEPENDENCE

  • Tablets and larger screens to read

  • Voice assistants for reminders/routines

  • Safer home equipment and easy-to-use controls

  • Smart locks, alarms and doorbells

  • Voice-to-text and communications apps

BARRIERS ARE COST,

AWARENESS, SUPPORT

Tech solutions are often underused because:

  • People do not know what is available

  • Training and ongoing support are limited

  • Equipment can be expensive

  • AT is not treated as an essential support

RESTRICTED ACCESS 

TO PUBLIC SPACES

  • 'Accessible' toilets are often unsuitable

  • Changing Places facilities are limited

  • Inaccessible buildings stop people from going out

  • Staff attitudes/lack of understanding create more barriers

WHAT OUR SERVICE USERS WANT

EASY READ

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