PICTURES | Irish Wheelchair Association Longford branch welcomes Minister Rabbitte

Martin Tarmey Service Coordinator for the Irish Wheelchair Association welcomed Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and at the Department of Health; Joe Flaherty TD; Senator Micheal Carrigy; Ms Chris Moran Chairperson, Longford Branch and local councillors Colm Murray and Mick Cahill and guests on a visit to Kenagh IWA on Monday January 24, 2022.

Martin informed all gathered that the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) was founded in 1960 by a small group of wheelchair users committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Ireland.

The Irish Wheelchair Day centre in Kenagh is open four days a week with over 40 members attending ROC and availing of the outreach service. The centre provides services and supports to people with disabilities living in towns and communities across Longford.

Since it opened its doors in February 2000 the Centre has acted as a hub in the local community, a place where people can get advice, seek support and learn new skills by taking part in programmes, activities and social events that make a big difference to all members.

Sadly, some of these members are now deceased, but are fondly remembered.

Irish Wheelchair Association’s frontline workers have been delivering vital services to people with physical disabilities in Longford throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Martin Tarmey of Irish Wheelchair Association in Longford said: “This is a very worrying time for people who use our services and are dependent on our assistance to allow them to remain living safely in their own homes. Many of them are aware that due to their disability they are extremely vulnerable to Covid-19.

“The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), in response to the Covid 19 pandemic, has adjusted their model of service from a Community Centre based approach to that of Outreach. This reconfiguration happened in a matter of days and is getting very positive feedback from our service users.

“The IWA offer services every week to over 4000 people across the country. The Outreach model has been devised to ensure that vulnerable adults with disabilities are catered for during the social distancing & lockdown phase.

“IWA staffs are continuing to support our service users through various initiatives, including but not limited to: daily phone calls, text messages, home visits to deliver groceries, collection of prescription medications, delivering of over 40 activity packs, leaflets, programme materials every week to our Service Users across Co Longford supported by LWETB.”

In partnership with the HSE and the County Councils, IWA centres are now acting as hubs for rural and isolated people who may be vulnerable. Once these people have been identified by other community groups, IWA is making contact and ensuring that their needs are being met.

All staff have completed various HSE Training re PPE, Hand Hygiene & Face Masks.

Martin also mentioned that In mid-2021 IWA were asked to look at the possibility of developing a new service in Longford to address the needs and preferences of school leavers.

“This service is based around the principles of New Directions, and we are delighted to say that this service commenced in September 2021,” he said.

“Our first two Early school leavers Jason and Bernadette brought so much to IWA Kenagh. Both attended programmes in the centre and in the community with their team of staff to support them.

“Sadly, we lost Bernadette unexpectedly on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Bernadette will be truly missed by us all and has left a huge mark on both the SU’s and staff in Kenagh ROC.”

IWA have secured a service location in Longford town where the school leavers service will have a dedicated space and also provide services to a wider group of people. This will provide a real opportunity to grow and develop services in the area.

Since its foundation IWA has played a key role in implementing many improvements and changes to the lives of people with disabilities, supporting, encouraging, and enabling independence for all.

During her visit, Minister Anne Rabbitte made two presentations on behalf of Kenagh ROC to Service users Samantha Thomsen and Sean Carthy in recognition of their involvement with the Lough Ree Access for All Wheelchair Accessible boat advertising campaign. The advertisements are aired nationally and internationally on TV.

Presentations were also made to Minister Rabbitte, including a handcrafted stool by Stewart Glendenning, assembled and weaved in the ROC with support from staff member Sean Percival.

Jason Teague presented the St Bridget’s Cross made by service users in the centre with support from staff member Rose Derwin. Ms Chris Moran, Chairperson of the Longford Branch, also presented the Minister with flowers.