Enable Ireland Dublin South West is one of four children’s services in the eastern part of the country and started delivering services for children in the area in 1994, operating from part of a national school building in Tymon North in Tallaght. The service has grown steadily since, reflecting the fact that this is an area of Dublin where there is major population increase, particularly of young families.  

The service is here to provide therapy and support for children with a physical disability and their families.  We have a team of professionals with extensive experience and expertise in the needs of children with a physical disability, including occupational therapy, paediatrics, physiotherapy, psychology, social work, speech and language therapy and early education. 

We all want our children to be happy and healthy, steadily developing independence throughout their childhood and adolescence, and of course children with disabilities are no different. Their parents want them to have friends, be educated to their maximum potential and learn to make their own choices. Our service is therefore focussed on how we can support children to become as independent as possible and take a full part in their school and community.

Our team works with children and parents through a programme of courses, individual and group therapy. Courses for parents include understanding stages of development, learning about equipment to help children with physical disability, the importance of play and how to encourage a child’s developing language and communication. Groups for children include helping them to get ready for pre-school and school. 

All the children of school age who attend our service go to mainstream school. The therapy team links with the children’s schools (currently over 60 different schools and pre-schools) providing advice and support for school staff. 

As children grow older, social opportunities also become more important. We give information on sports and other leisure activities available in the area. We take a group of teenagers away once a year for a weekend to an outdoor activities centre and this has been a great success giving some young people their first taste of being away from home and a chance to try out adventure activities. When the time comes for leaving school we offer young people information about disability services available to them as an adult and in college.

Who is eligible for services?

We provide services for children from birth to 18 years, living in the South West Dublin area, who have a physical disability. Currently 160 children are attending, most of whom have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy or other rare conditions. 

How can I make a referral?

Referrals can be made by a child's parents or guardians, or by any health or educational professional with the parent’s or guardian’s agreement. Please give as much information as possible about the child’s condition and enclose any existing reports. The referral should be addressed to the Clinical Co-ordinator or to the Consultant Paediatrician. 

Download Referral Form for Dublin South West Children's Services