It’s No Joke! Irish Wheelchair Association teams up with comedians to call out everyday accessibility barriers faced by people with disabilities

It’s April Fools’ Day, but for thousands of wheelchair users across Ireland, the daily struggle for access is anything but a joke. 

Would you walk on the road just to get to the shop because the path is blocked? Ever waited anxiously in the rain, hoping your bus isn’t full?  

Now imagine that stress every time you travel, knowing there’s only one spot you can sit in.

Ever had to call a restaurant just to ask if you’ll be able to use the toilet? 

Still think this is a joke? It’s not.  

But Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is using humour to highlight the absurdity of Ireland’s accessibility failures. 

In a bold new social media campaign, two wheelchair users from Dublin have teamed up with some of Ireland’s top comedians to expose the daily struggles they face. 

Connie Richardson, from Fairview, pairs up with comedian David McSavage.

Connie moved to Dublin over 15 years ago to increase her independence and refuses to let these barriers to get her down.

“By the time I get to the bus stop, I’ve already overcome so many obstacles.

“If the one wheelchair spot is taken, or the ramp is broken, I may miss my appointments, but I try to remain positive or leave the house really early to allow for these situations.”

• Video: David McSavage and Connie Richardson

John Fulham and Anna Clifford

John Fulham (Donabate) joins Anna Clifford to call out ridiculous accessibility oversights.

As Public Engagement Manager for IWA and a wheelchair user himself, John knows small changes could make a big difference.

“Many of these issues are easy to fix. People just need to be aware of them—and care enough to act.”

• Video: John Fulham and Anna Clifford

Irish Wheelchair Association says it is calling for action in the form of:

–  Full-time, fully resourced Access Officers in every county council—ideally, people with the lived experience of disability.
–  Meaningful consultation with wheelchair users, people with disabilities and representative organisations like IWA to prevent costly retrofitting and ensure true accessibility.

Want to help? Join the conversation! Like, share, and comment on IWA’s social media. Tell your story. Call out accessibility failures.

It’s time for change—because access is no joke.

Visit www.iwa.ie or search #AccessNoJoke on social media.