Tamara Byrne was one of 20 young people from across the EU who took part in a Youth Policy Dialogue with EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on 19-20 March 2026. Commissioner Lahbib is responsible for equality in Europe.
Tamara Byrne was at the event to speak up for people with intellectual disabilities. She was nominated by Inclusion Europe to participate.
Tamara Byrne is a self-advocate from Ireland. Tamara represents Inclusion Europe in European Disability Forum’s Youth Committee. Tamara works with Inclusion Ireland who supported her for the event.
Tamara Byrne spoke about the importance of having a job.
Tamara Byrne told the Commissioner that in 2024, the European Commission reported that 29% of people with disabilities in the EU were at risk of poverty. Not having a job makes this worse.
“Only 17% of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland have a normal job,” Tamara said.
“Everyone should have the chance to have a job like I do where my colleagues value and support me.”
Tamara Byrne called for action from the EU.
Tamara Byrne told the Commissioner the EU should:
- Hire more disabled people and set a good example to other employers.
- Set targets for employment of people with intellectual disabilities.
Tamara also said:
- Employers should get support to hire and work with people with intellectual disabilities.
- Every school should offer career guidance.
- More investment is needed in job coaches.
- People with disabilities should be able to work as much as they want without losing their social welfare benefits.
- Sheltered and protected employment should change into real jobs, with fair pay and good conditions.
Self-advocates contributiong to EU Disability Rights Strategy
Tamara Byrne’s contribution is important for the upcoming update to the EU Disability Rights Strategy.
Inclusion Europe continues to support self-advocates to have their say about things that affect their life.
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