FASD Ireland is delighted to congratulate Clare FM on winning Gold at the 2026 IMRO Radio Awards for its powerful documentary, The Hidden Disability.
Produced in collaboration with FASD Ireland, the documentary shone a light on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), one of Ireland's most misunderstood and under recognised disabilities. Through the voices of individuals with lived experience, families, and advocates, the programme explored the lifelong impacts of FASD and the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding and support.
The award is a significant achievement for Clare FM and Documentary Producer, Padraic Flaherty, and for the FASD community across Ireland. For many families, FASD remains a hidden disability that is too often overlooked, misunderstood or misdiagnosed. By bringing these experiences to a wider audience, The Hidden Disability helped start important conversations and challenged misconceptions surrounding FASD.
Commenting on the award, FASD Ireland Director of Operations, Scott Casson-Rennie said: "We are incredibly proud to have worked with Padraic and the team at Clare FM on this important project and are thrilled to see The Hidden Disability recognised with Gold at the IMRO Radio Awards. The documentary gave a voice to people and families whose experiences are too often unheard and highlighted the realities of living with FASD in Ireland. We congratulate everyone involved in its production and thank them for their commitment to telling these stories with such care, accuracy and compassion."
The documentary formed part of FASD Ireland's ongoing efforts to increase public understanding of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and to ensure that people living with FASD, along with their families and carers, receive the recognition, support and services they deserve.
FASD Ireland hope this award-winning documentary encourages Government to listen to the lived experiences shared and take meaningful steps towards recognising and supporting people with FASD and their families across Ireland.
FASD Ireland would like to thank the individuals and families who shared their personal experiences, and the team at Clare FM for their dedication to producing a documentary that informed, educated and inspired listeners across Ireland.
As awareness of FASD continues to grow, FASD Ireland hopes that recognition of projects such as The Hidden Disability will encourage further discussion, greater understanding, and meaningful action to improve outcomes for those affected by FASD.
