Annual Report 2007 - Enable Ireland

ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland 

19 

High Tech Assistive Technology 

“I use a screen reading program for Windows that uses a voice synthesiser 

and a computer sound card to speak the contents of my computer screen. 

It allows me to do so much more than I thought I would ever have been 

able to do and that so many people take for granted.” 

Laura Dempsey, Enable Ireland Assistive Technology user. 

Sylvie Laffarge and Stephen Kavanagh at the launch 

of the AT Training Centre in November 2007 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability

20 



Strategic Plan 2006 –2008 Highlights 

• 2007 was an extremely busy year for the National Assistive Technology 

Training Service, with a total of 773 training participants and 817 AT training 

days delivered. 

• For the first time, we delivered our accredited AT Training Course twice in 

2007, due to increased demand from both the Health Services sector and 

the public sector. 

• A number of support and training services were available in 2007 to help users 

make informed choices. 43% of all service areas provided service users with 

newsletters and AT workshops. In addition 36% of service areas participated 

in regional AT work groups and enrolled in our certified AT training courses. 

• Staff training continued with national and customised workshops having the 

highest number of staff attendees. 32% of all staff attended AT training in 2007. 

• Service users also availed of training through the AT Training forum, 

Certified AT Training, and National AT seminars. 

• Strategic partnerships with corporations and third level universities 

continued in 2007. 

• There are currently 63 AT course graduates and regional working group 

members within Enable Ireland. 

Assistive Technology (AT) is any item which enhances an individual’s 

independence. It can be as simple as enabling someone to turn on 

a light switch independently or as life changing as giving someone 

a voice for the first time. In 2007 Enable Ireland worked to ensure that 

our service users had access to the latest information and training 

on existing and emerging assistive technologies.

ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland 21 


Official launch of AT Training Service 

In 2007, 42 students graduated from our two AT training courses in a ceremony officiated 

by Senator David Norris and Professor Frank McMahon of Dublin Institute of Technology 

(DIT). This brings the total number of course graduates to-date to 161. The official 

launch of Enable Ireland’s AT Training Service by Micheál Martin TD, Minister of 

Enterprise, Trade and Employment, also took place in November 2007. 

Microsoft Partnership 

Partnership activities continue to be a key factor in our ability to expand services. Further 

funding of €61,000 was successfully secured under Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential CSR 

Programme to support the roll out of AT training programme nationally. An accessibility 

review of their Sandyford Campus was completed and has resulted in actions being 

taken to enhance accessibility on site. In recognition of their ongoing partnership with 

Enable Ireland’s Assistive Technology Service, Microsoft received a Chambers Ireland 

Corporate Social Responsibility Award. 

Our AT team also continue to act as the disability expert on IrishJobs.ie’s Workwise site. 

“Very impressive that AT is being taught to so many disciplines as the more 

competence that people have in this area, the more beneficial for service users.” 

AT training participant. 

Senator David Norris with Virginia 

Towo and Deirdre Madden at the 

AT Graduation 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability

22 



AT Loan Library 

More progress was made on the collaborative project to establish a much needed online 

AT Loan Library, in partnership with National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, 

NCBI, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and ACTON, the Association of AT Advisors 

in Third Level Education. The planned launch date for this Loan Library is May 2008. 

Extending Our Influence 

A diverse range of AT training workshops were delivered in 15 different locations 

nationwide throughout 2007. As well as delivering training in local Enable Ireland 

centres in Crumlin, Sandymount, kilkenny, Cork, Limerick and Clare, we worked with 

the Cedar Foundation, the Open Training College, the Irish Association of Teachers in 

Special Education, TCD, NALA and DIT to deliver customised training to meet their needs. 

Recognising the need to strengthen links in the third level sector, we expanded our 

training portfolio to include an AT module on DIT’s Product Design Degree Course 

(final year), and secured commercial sponsorship for a student award for best AT project. 

The first of these awards was presented at Dublin City Council in June 2007. 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability 

Minister for Trade, Enterprise and 

Employment Micheal Martin pictured 

with AT Training Centre Manager 

Siobhan Long at the opening of the 

National Assistive Technology Service


Postural Management 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability 

Participants on Seating Assessment 

and Solutions Training Course 

24-hour postural management is an approach to the handling, 

treating and positioning of children and adults to promote their 

motor development. The use of specific equipment and methods can 

help service users to participate in their normal daily activities, 

enhance their physical ability and hence their overall quality of life.

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• In 2007 Eastern Region Postural Management (ERPM) provided a service 

to 469 service users around the country. 

• Training and support services for postural management were further 

developed in 2007 in formal and informal settings and for both individuals 

and groups by ERPM and other service centres. 

• Training was given to service providers, service users, parents, carers 

and disability product suppliers. Topics covered included seating, night 

positioning, standing, 24 hour postural management, and powered 

and manual wheelchair mobility. 

• 80% of service areas provided training on an informal basis to individuals. 

• 90% provided 24 hour postural management for service users. 

The Eastern Region Postural Management (ERPM) Team, based in 

Sandymount, work with service users to provide the best possible 

seating, wheelchairs and positioning aids to meet their individual 

needs. In 2007 ERPM provided a service to 469 service users around 

the country. Improved premises and increased levels of partnership 

with Enable Ireland centres and with the community occupational 

therapy services, have contributed to this expansion. 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability 

Participants on Night 

Positioning Course 

Computer simulation 

of rear impact tests



Equipment Evaluation Training Day 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability 

Developing Best Practice 

Work continued in 2007 on joint policy development and procedures to inform best 

practice. A section on standing was added to the shared 24-hour postural management 

assessment tool and 161 service providers have been trained on the tool. This tool ensures 

that a uniform and structured approach to postural management assessments and the 

selection of postural management solutions is taken by those who work in conjunction 

with ERPM. 

Focus on Safety 

As part of a proactive safety programme, the wheelchair systems of 436 service users 

were upgraded to deliver significantly improved flame retardance in line with current 

standards and best practice. 

Collaborating to Enhance Product Design and Safety 

ERPM continued to engage in knowledge sharing and awareness raising initiatives 

around postural management both nationally and internationally. The Equipment and 

Evaluation event in November proved a success with 13 companies and 118 service 

providers attending. The collaborative research venture with Trinity College Dublin on 

transport safety for wheelchair users continued in 2007. The findings of this work will 

lead to improved product design and enhanced user safety. Enable Ireland staff have 

also contribute to a number of publications and conference presentations helping to 

inform on best practice in postural management.

26 


Research 


• Stakeholder consultation on research activity within Enable Ireland began, and 

in 2007 almost 20% of service areas had arranged stakeholder participation. 

• A high percentage of service areas currently have structures in place to create 

awareness around the relevance of research for best practice and for the 

delivery and development of quality services. 87% of service areas did this 

through staff involvement in working groups and 75% through EFQM reviews. 

• The majority of service areas have structures in place to share the results 

of research and highlight the importance of research in Enable Ireland 

to a wider and external audience. 62% of service areas did this through 

attending conferences, having a local information officer, using post 

graduate students and working with the third level educational system. 

• 60% of service areas were involved in projects that supported innovative 

service developments and approaches. 

• Research was undertaken in 2007 in a number of ways, 38% of service 

areas undertook private research projects, 25% undertook research 

projects as part of their day to day activity, and 31% undertook research 

with an external body. 

In Cork, we continued our work with two research groups – Surveillance of Cerebral 

Palsy in Europe (SCPE) and Study of participation and quality of life of children with 

cerebral palsy living in Europe (SPARCLE). A highlight from 2007 was the publication 

in The Lancet, one of the world’s leading independent medical journals, of research 

entitled ‘Self-reported quality of life of 8–12 year old children with cerebral palsy: 

a cross-sectional European study.’ 

In Sandymount, the Occupational Therapy Department began a research project to develop 

and test an upper limb assessment kit and procedure to use with children who have a 

diagnosis of cerebral palsy. A pilot study with Central Remedial Clinic staff is underway. 

Across the organisation individuals and departments submitted a number of research 

projects for publication.


Retail & Fundraising 

Go For Gold during Action Week 2007 

with the Connaught Rugby Team in Galway 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability

28 




• In 2007 the Enable Ireland retail and fundraising activities increased the 

income generated to record profits of €3,658,135. Of this, retail contributed 

€1,402,393, campaigns contributed €175,435 and community fundraising 

€2,080,307. 

• Through EFQM and our Key Performance Indicator focus, we improved 

profitability in every aspect of our retail and fundraising activities and all 

three areas generated increased income levels. 

• The retail shop refurbishment programme was completed signalling an 

investment in the future income potential of the retail network. 

• We saw an increase in the number of donors and volunteers during 2007 

and all donations were gratefully acknowledged. 

Action on Disability was expressed through many thousands of gifts 

of time, cash and donated goods during 2007. This generous public 

and community support for Enable Ireland’s retail and fundraising 

activities resulted in a strong performance in all areas of fundraising 

and raised €3,658,135. 

We are delighted to have this opportunity to acknowledge all our 

supporters, particularly those who organise events each year or 

make regular donations. Your commitment allows Enable Ireland 

to develop the vital services and facilities for people with disabilities 

and to build on sixty years of service to the community.



20 Year Milestone for Retail 

2007 was a year when we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of the first 

Enable Ireland shop in Capel Street. The Enable Ireland retail network has made a huge 

contribution over the past 20 years with funds raised providing the building blocks 

for many of our new and modernised facilities throughout the country. Hundreds of 

volunteers and the retail staff are justly proud of this wonderful achievement. Two 

decades later, they continue to be highly motivated by the needs and aspirations of 

the people who use our services. The Capel Street party in September and three 

celebration events with volunteers later in the year were a welcome opportunity for 

the management team to acknowledge all that has been achieved to date. 

We rely entirely on quality donations and effective collections to maintain our fundraising 

capacity through charity retailing. Volumes of donated goods improved, despite the 

continuing impact of theft on doorstep collections. Public interest in recycling and a 

commitment to the work of Enable Ireland accounted for this. As the hub of our stock 

sorting and recycling operation, the Blanchardstown warehouse achieved record output 

in 2007. 

Volunteers Phyllis McDonald, Marie Johnson, 

Laura O’Connor and Kathleen Poole at the 

20 years celebration in the Capel Street shop 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability 

Enable Ireland celebrated 

20 years of retail in 2007

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National Fundraising Campaigns 

During our annual Action Week on Disability 2007, we encouraged the general public 

to “Go for Gold”. The Gold Badge appeal was publicised at our Capel Street event on 

20 September and throughout the Enable Ireland network. Thanks to our volunteers 

and local co-ordinators, Enable Ireland’s action on disability was brought to public 

attention in a meaningful way which also raised valuable funds from the community. 

Our House to House campaign was run in 15 counties and its continued success relies 

on volunteer effort. Our 2007 donor recruitment campaign added some 500 new donors 

who pledged regular support through monthly gifts which allow us to plan for future 

developments. The payroll giving project – Children Direct – run in conjunction with 

four other good causes, yielded further dividends in 2007. 

Community Fundraising 

Each year, thousands of people throughout the country support Enable Ireland through 

individual and group effort, organising events, nominating Enable Ireland as the 

beneficiary of fundraising activities or as charity of the year. Many more support events 

organised by Enable Ireland fundraising co-ordinators or join Enable Ireland teams for 

sporting challenges. Our results for 2007 reflect their commitment and contribution, 

allowing us to improve services in the communities where the funds have been raised. 

Taking 

Action on 

Disability 

Hayley Twomey congratulates 

her dad Paul for completing 

four marathons in one year 

and raising over €3,000 in aid 

of Enable Ireland


Special Acknowledgement: 

Voluntary Committees 2007 Social Events 

• 6th Annual Ladies Lunch in Tralee for Kerry Services 

• Castletown Kinneagh Fundraising Committee, Enniskeane, Co. Cork 

• Trim Ladies Circle Summer Ball for Meath Services 

• Summer Strawberry Fair for Kilkenny Services 

• 11th Lavanagh Ladies Lunch for Cork Services 

• Cork Lions Club Christmas Concert for Cork Services 

• Barley Hill Riding Stables’ Christmas Bonanza for Mayo Services 

• Tir Na Mona Donadea Forest Park Wren Boys Concert for Kildare Services 

• Big Buster Night at the Dogs Parent Committee for Galway Services 

Sporting Challenges 2007 

• Marathon and Mini Marathon participants in Ireland, London and New York 

• Golfers who supported Kildare, Kerry and Nenagh Golf Classics 

and the Ria Kenny Memorial Salver (ILGU Eastern District) 

• Galway Blazers 

• Cyclists in 24th Annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 

• Christmas Day Swimmers, Galway and Cork 

• The Balla 10km Walk 

• Dublin Fire Brigade Class of 2007 Everest Challenge 

• Irish Classic and Vintage Motor Show 2007 

Corporate Fundraising Supporters 2007 

• Milano Restaurants – Fashion Shows in Dublin, Galway and Limerick 

• Microsoft 

• Ulster Bank Risk Management Team, Dublin 

• State Street Bank, Kilkenny 

• Supermacs Lotteries supporting Galway and Mid West Services 

• Irish Classic and Vintage Motor Show 2007 

Retail Partners 2007 

• TKMaxx Retail Partner 

• Bring Back Day participants: Boston Scientific (Galway), Musgraves, Vodafone, 

Cork County Council, Pepsi Cola (Cork), Hewlett Packard, Department of Defence 

(Galway), National University of Ireland, Breast Check Clinic, St. Josephs Secondary 

School Castlebar, SAP (Galway) 

Recruit Aidan O'Sullivan taking part in the Everest 

Climb Challenge for Enable Ireland in August 2007

Annual Report 2007 - Enable Ireland

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