Enable Ireland Galway Children's Services

Enable Ireland Galway has been in operation since 1996 and was set up in co-operation with the Western Health Board.

The Child Development Centre provides:

• An integrated team assessment and therapy service for children with physical disabilities in Co. Galway and a support service to their families.
• Specialist assessment and consultancy services for children with physical disabilities in the region.
• A specialist resource (information, expertise and technology) for the region.
• Assistive Technology Service
• Developmental Co-ordination Disorder Programme
• Personal Assistant & Family Support Service

Assessment and intervention programmes are implemented by the interdisciplinary team which brings together expertise from the disciplines of psychology, physiotherapist, early education, child care, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, social work, assistive technology and medical services.

Children up to the age of 18 years and their families avail of the centre's services.
 

Early Services

The Early Intervention Service caters for children aged 0 to 6 years. Enable Ireland is part of a collaborative service with the HSE Primary Community Continuing Care team (PCCC) and the Brothers of Charity services, for children in Co. Galway.  The Enable Ireland children’s centre is the base for network 6, serving Galway City West area.

Pre-school 

A pre-school is located at the centre and provides pre-school, therapy and family support services to children aged between 2 and 5 years. In addition the pre-school service encompasses an outreach function in support of children on either shared placement or full time placement in mainstream pre-schools. This involves integrated team support to children, guidance to teachers and provision of programmes in school.
 

Support Services
 

Children who attend local schools receive therapy support services at the Galway Centre.
 

Family Support & Personal Assistants
 

Family support services include social work and a children's Personal Assistant service. The children's PA service is provided to children from 0-18 years. The type of service is based on the particular needs of the child and family and is monitored and co-ordinated by the social worker. The social worker also provides service-user support, counselling and advocacy.
 

Transport
 

Adapted vehicles provide transport to children attending Enable Ireland Services.

Assistive Technology (AT)

• Mobility.
• Communication.
• Education.
• Written communication.
• Environmental Controls.

Service is person and family centred and is provided on an outreach basis to people in their own communities. The fully equipped mobile unit visits people in their own locations.

• Clinical Engineering Technician.
• Occupational Therapist.