Former Paralympian Jason Smyth has told the National Disability Authority conference that he had an incredible journey on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ earlier this year.
Mr Smyth topped the leaderboard in March and was crowned winner of the 2024 season of the RTÉ One show.
The now retired sprinter is one of the most successful para athletes in the games, having won 21 gold medals for Ireland at three Paralympic competitions from Beijing 2008, to Rio 2016.
Mr Smyth spoke about one of the key themes of the conference, "Improving the widespread participation of disabled people in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport in Ireland".
He said the dance show was an example of how he had to take "a complete step out of my comfort zone", and that it was a really valuable experience as "you learn things about yourself, and you find out a creative side".
He added that his experience demonstrated the importance of everyone getting an equal opportunity to try things out and explore their creative side.
"We are all individuals who deserve the same opportunities in life," he explained, adding that "what matters now is that conversations, like the ones we are having today, will help accelerate the process" so that everyone gets equal opportunities across the board.
Other contributors at the annual conference in Dublin included actor Kieran Coppinger from the Blue Teapot Theatre Company ensemble in Galway, who has appeared in movies including the acclaimed ‘Sanctuary’ (2016).
He explained that "I was born with Downs and I want to act so I am doing all the training I can so I can be a better actor."
Mr Coppinger said that he really enjoys when younger people tell him that they have been inspired to act having seen him in action, outlining his wish that "I want to see more people like me on stage and screen".
He explained that "acting makes me feel good" and that he would like to see more "of my gang" on stage too, and then added that his dream is to act with people including "Andrew Scott, Will Smith and the legends like Al Pacino".
Blue Teapot Theatre Company Artistic Director Petal Pilley said that there are really practical tips that she wants to share with the industry to encourage access to creative industries, and open up opportunities for her actors so that they can flourish.
She cited challenges such as self taping (where an actor records themselves auditioning) which has become widespread in the industry as a potential challenge.
"Many of our actors find it difficult to record themselves and need support, and even something like getting to an audition and organising transport can be an issue for our casts and that needs to be addressed," she explained.
Ms Pilley is looking to raise more awareness about these unique challenges and she wants casting directors for example, to take these things on board when they seeking to cast parts.
"There is more support, grants and awareness now from places like The Arts Council which is good," she said, adding "we need extra budget to cover extras costs for things like transport, and access before our actors even step on stage".
Also contributing to the discussions were fellow panel members, Emilie Conway of Disabled Artists Disabled Academics and Peter Kearns from the Independent Living Movement Ireland.
Today's conference also heard from Executive Director of Arts & Disability Ireland Pádraig Naughton who outlined the practical supports and services it can offer to expand cultural opportunities and access.
