Making real change happen

Since 1999, the Association for Real Change in Northern Ireland have been bringing people together.

We change thinking, change practice and change the lives of people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs.

We work with Experts by Experience and the people, organisations and communities that share our vision in order to put real change into action.

5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
50
+
Easy Reads a year
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1200
+
Learners a year
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
2100
2200
2300
2400
2500
2600
2700
2800
2900
3000
3100
3200
3300
3400
3500
3500
+
Connections a year

Changing thinking, Changing Practice, Changing Lives

LATEST

Highlights

Jul 3, 2024

Training Hub – Leaders, Managers and Front Line Staff

Having the right information, tools and support at your fingertips.

Read More
Jul 3, 2024

Consultation Responses

Learn about public consultations and explore our responses to them.

Read More
Jul 3, 2024

Information Hub – Parents, Carers and Professionals

Having the right information, tools and support at your fingertips.

Read More

News &
Events

Events and news that challenge, inform and help you to take action.

Jun 18, 2026

Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry

ARC NI Statement following the publication of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Report

Read More
Jun 15, 2026

Learning Disability Week 2026: Living Longer, Living Well

Celebrating people’s voices, achievements, friendships, communities and futures.

Read More
Mar 21, 2026

World Down Syndrome Day 2025!

ARC NI and Team TILII are celebrating Human Rights Day 2025

Read More
Dec 10, 2025

Human Rights Day 2025

ARC NI and Team TILII are celebrating Human Rights Day 2025

Read More

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

Experts by Experience who Tell It Like It Is

We come from across Northern Ireland to get our voices heard so real change happens in our lives and in the lives of people like us.

We have different strengths and experiences.  Together, we work as a team to make a difference and have a whole lot of fun while we do it!

 

Book meeting space in Belfast city centre

Our Members

Logo for Direct Homecare.
The logo of the National Autistic Society, featuring a circular, gradient design in blue, purple, and orange beside bold purple text, reflects its commitment to Making Real Change Happen for autistic people.
Autism Initiatives Logo
Mainstay Logo
Logo with three abstract human figures forming a house shape. The words “EMPOWERMENT THROUGH LIVING” arc above, symbolising Making Real Change Happen, and “FAIRWAYS” is written in large letters below. Colours used are teal and navy blue.
Logo with the word
Threshold Services Logo
Green text on a white background that reads
Logo of Home Instead, featuring a stylized flower within a circle to the left of the company's name written in bold, purple letters.
Logo of Ann's Nursing Care featuring a green tree beside the text
ARC NI Members talking in a breakout group.
TILII member talking to a room of people during a meeting.
A group of people with a learning disability holding certificates which confirm their completion of a film making course. A video camera in the foreground captures this joyful scene. Everyone is smiling, a mix of men and women, casually dressed, standing and seated, with a banner proudly displayed in the background.
2 women signing graphic facilitation artwork

Support our work

Help us create communities that celebrate difference, listen to, respect and include everyone.

Contact us to learn about volunteering opportunities and working in partnership with us.

If you would like to raise money for ARC NI we’d love to hear from you.

All donations to ARC NI help us to deliver our core body of work.

 

Website funded by

Want to stay up to date with our News & Events?

This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.

Accept All Accept Required Only