I’m Avril Greham. I am a disability advocate, public speaker, and proud Mayo woman on a mission to break down barriers and build a more accessible Ireland.

My work is grounded in lived experience and nearly two decades of community involvement, activism, and professional engagement. From city streets to conference stages, I speak honestly about the challenges disabled people face and the change that’s possible when we lead the conversation ourselves.

My advocacy journey began in earnest back in 2001, when I staged a 24-hour protest outside Dáil Éireann to fight for the survival of a local Community Employment Scheme. That was the spark I needed and I’ve been campaigning for inclusion, access, and equality ever since.

After studying at UCD and Roslyn Park College, I spent years navigating the practical realities of disabled life in Dublin battling inaccessible housing, unreliable public transport, and an often indifferent system. These everyday experiences pushed me deeper into activism and taught me how to make noise where it counts.

Now based in Mayo, I’m actively involved in local and national initiatives to promote disability rights, health equity, and social inclusion. I currently serve as the Chairperson of Mayo Disabled People’s Organisation (Mayo DPO), where we’re building a strong, united voice for disabled people across the county.

You’ll also find me on stage and online. Delivering disability awareness training, custom workshops on allyship and ableism, and speaking at schools, workplaces, and events across Ireland. Whether I’m addressing a boardroom or a classroom, my goal is the same: to make inclusion real, relatable, and long overdue.

Outside of advocacy, I stay connected to my community through volunteering. I am currently the PRO of my Ardnaree GAA club, Social Media Manager of the Ballina One Act Drama Festival, co-founder of the Ballina Dragon Boat Club. In 2023, I also served as Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Ballina 2023, where I collaborated with OutWest and Gloria LGBTQ+ Choir Dublin to create vibrant, inclusive community events.

Why it matters?

Living with a disability has given me a unique perspective but this isn’t just about me. True accessibility benefits everyone. Whether it’s a parent with a buggy, someone recovering from surgery, or a person ageing into disability; universal design helps us all.

My work is about challenging systems that exclude and celebrating communities that include. Because when we break down barriers, everyone moves forward.

So, join me on this wild ride as we break down barriers, one step at a time!