James

James Casserly is a football coach and an accessible travel advocate from Ireland. He is also a global youth champion for Equal World. James is 18 years old and has cerebral palsy and polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

An accessible travel advocate

A keen explorer, James is acutely aware of the challenges that people with disabilities have to navigate when travelling. In James’ opinion, this isn’t documented enough, so in April 2022, he decided to embark on a journey to all 32 counties of Ireland to show accessible travel experiences on public transport.

James completed his Leaving Certificate Applied in 2023 and aspires to have his own travel show or consultancy when he finishes his education. In September 2024, he began a Certificate in Travel and Airline Studies, with a particular interest in accessible tourism and travel. James uses his social media platform, Jimbo’s Accessible Adventures, to encourage others to travel and explore, and share tips and tricks for businesses, organisations and individuals.

In 2022 James visited the European Parliament and completed an access review. He previously spoke at the Department of Sport on inclusion in sports and the barriers to participation for people with disabilities.

James also worked with the Ombudsman for Children as a speaker and member of the Youth Advisory Panel for Beyond Limits Summit in Sligo and Limerick. James is part of CIE Transport Trailblazers where he, alongside a team of keen travellers, provides person-led experience to help develop best practices in national public transport. He’s worked with the National Transport Authority, Department of Transport, Minister for Disability, National Bus and Rail Union, Irish Rail, Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus, Dublin Airport, Discover Boyne Valley and Harvey’s Point to help improve travel experiences.

Working with Sightsavers Ireland

In September 2024, James represented Sightsavers Ireland at the Summit of the Future in New York, where he engaged directly with global decision-makers and spoke to them about putting their promises into practice. As part of this, James participated in the ‘Equal World?’ film screening event and panel discussion, speaking alongside Dr Felipe Paullier, the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. He also attended the Goalkeepers event led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Find out more about James’s time at the Summit of the Future

In April 2025, James travelled to Berlin for the Global Disability Summit (GDS), where Sightsavers hosted a series of events, exhibition booths and met with decision-makers to push for urgent global action on disability rights and inequality.

Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign, in partnership with Unicef and the International Disability Alliance, held an event at the GDS platforming young people with disabilities to demand their rights and meaningful engagement in decision-making. James hosted a panel discussion, along with fellow Equal World campaign ambassadors Abia Akram and Tapiwa Mutsikira. The three youth advocates reflected on their experiences of school and the importance of inclusive education. James also sat on a panel with Irish Government Minister Hildegarde Naughton to talk all things disability and how important it is for everyone to be involved in change.

A sportsman and coach

James is also very interested in sports, especially football, and has completed his PDP (Player Development Programme) Level 1 and 2 coaching badge. He’s currently working with the Football Association of Ireland to continue his coaching education and wants to encourage other people with disabilities to take up coaching.