Enable Ireland Dun Laoghaire Adult Services
Assistive Technology Service
The Enable Ireland Assistive Technology Service works in partnership with service users so that their assistive technology needs can be best identified and met in the manner that realises each individual's personal goals.
SEAT Programme
The SEAT (Supported Employment and Assistive Technology) project aims to provide technology, advice, equipment and training for people with disabilities who want jobs that match their talents and skills. In 2002, the East Coast Area Health Board allocated a grant to Dublin Adult Services to provide Assistive Technology support, thereby increasing service user access to employment and training through the use of Assistive Technology.
Physiotherapy/Exercise Programme
A weekly physiotherapy session and exercise programme is in place to enable service users to achieve their physical potential.
Mainstream Adult and Further Education
As part of the philosophy of involving service users in community based training and other activities, Enable Ireland places and supports people on courses run by other agencies. These include FETAC accredited courses, and courses run by Dun Laoghaire Vocational Education College.
Community Development Programme
The Community Development Programme, which is guided by the person-centred planning process, provides opportunities for service users to explore and develop options in their communities. The programme links service users directly with an expressed area of interest in their community, assisting them to access and participate in the many leisure and cultural facilities available in the local area.
The programme makes and develops contacts with organisations that cater for the social, educational, recreational and sporting needs of the community and supports such organisations in developing a policy of greater equality and inclusion. The programme also links into initiatives that advocate for the social inclusion of people with disabilities into the community, such as the Local Partnership Company.
Staff and service users from the Dun Laoghaire service are actively involved in the Disability Interest Group of the Southside Partnership. The partnership works towards developing better service and access in the area and in the provision of disability equality training.
Supported Employment Programme
A key aim of the Supported Employment Programme is to introduce the service user to the world of work. The programme facilitates opportunities for service users to avail of work experience or employment in careers that they have expressed an interest in. The programme offers support, advice and training to interested parties and where possible the support of a personal assistant and access to transport.
Enable Ireland Dublin Adult Services is a member of the Dublin South Supported Employment Initiative which covers the catchement area of the Dun Laoghaire service. This project, supported by FAS and funded under the National Development Plan, was set up to provide quality supported employment opportunities to service users with a wide range of disabilities.
The consortium members work together to implement a model of good practice, which is designed to meet specific employment needs and provide the necessary supports to assist individuals to be successfully integrated into the open labour market. Membership of the Supported Employment Initiative allows Enable Ireland to provide job coaches, specialised job training, individually tailored placement and supervision and employer support.
