Annual Report 2007 - Enable Ireland
Annual Report 2007 - Enable Ireland
Annual Report 2007 - Enable Ireland
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ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
19<br />
High Tech Assistive Technology<br />
“I use a screen reading program for Windows that uses a voice synthesiser<br />
and a computer sound card to speak the contents of my computer screen.<br />
It allows me to do so much more than I thought I would ever have been<br />
able to do and that so many people take for granted.”<br />
Laura Dempsey, <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> Assistive Technology user.<br />
Sylvie Laffarge and Stephen Kavanagh at the launch<br />
of the AT Training Centre in November <strong>2007</strong><br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability
20<br />
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
High Tech Assistive Technology<br />
Strategic Plan 2006 –2008 Highlights<br />
• <strong>2007</strong> was an extremely busy year for the National Assistive Technology<br />
Training Service, with a total of 773 training participants and 817 AT training<br />
days delivered.<br />
• For the first time, we delivered our accredited AT Training Course twice in<br />
<strong>2007</strong>, due to increased demand from both the Health Services sector and<br />
the public sector.<br />
• A number of support and training services were available in <strong>2007</strong> to help users<br />
make informed choices. 43% of all service areas provided service users with<br />
newsletters and AT workshops. In addition 36% of service areas participated<br />
in regional AT work groups and enrolled in our certified AT training courses.<br />
• Staff training continued with national and customised workshops having the<br />
highest number of staff attendees. 32% of all staff attended AT training in <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
• Service users also availed of training through the AT Training forum,<br />
Certified AT Training, and National AT seminars.<br />
• Strategic partnerships with corporations and third level universities<br />
continued in <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
• There are currently 63 AT course graduates and regional working group<br />
members within <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>.<br />
Assistive Technology (AT) is any item which enhances an individual’s<br />
independence. It can be as simple as enabling someone to turn on<br />
a light switch independently or as life changing as giving someone<br />
a voice for the first time. In <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> worked to ensure that<br />
our service users had access to the latest information and training<br />
on existing and emerging assistive technologies.
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> 21<br />
High Tech Assistive Technology<br />
Official launch of AT Training Service<br />
In <strong>2007</strong>, 42 students graduated from our two AT training courses in a ceremony officiated<br />
by Senator David Norris and Professor Frank McMahon of Dublin Institute of Technology<br />
(DIT). This brings the total number of course graduates to-date to 161. The official<br />
launch of <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>’s AT Training Service by Micheál Martin TD, Minister of<br />
Enterprise, Trade and Employment, also took place in November <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
Microsoft Partnership<br />
Partnership activities continue to be a key factor in our ability to expand services. Further<br />
funding of €61,000 was successfully secured under Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential CSR<br />
Programme to support the roll out of AT training programme nationally. An accessibility<br />
review of their Sandyford Campus was completed and has resulted in actions being<br />
taken to enhance accessibility on site. In recognition of their ongoing partnership with<br />
<strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>’s Assistive Technology Service, Microsoft received a Chambers <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
Corporate Social Responsibility Award.<br />
Our AT team also continue to act as the disability expert on IrishJobs.ie’s Workwise site.<br />
“Very impressive that AT is being taught to so many disciplines as the more<br />
competence that people have in this area, the more beneficial for service users.”<br />
AT training participant.<br />
Senator David Norris with Virginia<br />
Towo and Deirdre Madden at the<br />
AT Graduation<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability
22<br />
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
High Tech Assistive Technology<br />
AT Loan Library<br />
More progress was made on the collaborative project to establish a much needed online<br />
AT Loan Library, in partnership with National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire,<br />
NCBI, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and ACTON, the Association of AT Advisors<br />
in Third Level Education. The planned launch date for this Loan Library is May 2008.<br />
Extending Our Influence<br />
A diverse range of AT training workshops were delivered in 15 different locations<br />
nationwide throughout <strong>2007</strong>. As well as delivering training in local <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
centres in Crumlin, Sandymount, kilkenny, Cork, Limerick and Clare, we worked with<br />
the Cedar Foundation, the Open Training College, the Irish Association of Teachers in<br />
Special Education, TCD, NALA and DIT to deliver customised training to meet their needs.<br />
Recognising the need to strengthen links in the third level sector, we expanded our<br />
training portfolio to include an AT module on DIT’s Product Design Degree Course<br />
(final year), and secured commercial sponsorship for a student award for best AT project.<br />
The first of these awards was presented at Dublin City Council in June <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability<br />
Minister for Trade, Enterprise and<br />
Employment Micheal Martin pictured<br />
with AT Training Centre Manager<br />
Siobhan Long at the opening of the<br />
National Assistive Technology Service
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> 23<br />
Postural Management<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability<br />
Participants on Seating Assessment<br />
and Solutions Training Course<br />
24-hour postural management is an approach to the handling,<br />
treating and positioning of children and adults to promote their<br />
motor development. The use of specific equipment and methods can<br />
help service users to participate in their normal daily activities,<br />
enhance their physical ability and hence their overall quality of life.
24<br />
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
Postural Management<br />
Strategic Plan 2006 –2008 Highlights<br />
• In <strong>2007</strong> Eastern Region Postural Management (ERPM) provided a service<br />
to 469 service users around the country.<br />
• Training and support services for postural management were further<br />
developed in <strong>2007</strong> in formal and informal settings and for both individuals<br />
and groups by ERPM and other service centres.<br />
• Training was given to service providers, service users, parents, carers<br />
and disability product suppliers. Topics covered included seating, night<br />
positioning, standing, 24 hour postural management, and powered<br />
and manual wheelchair mobility.<br />
• 80% of service areas provided training on an informal basis to individuals.<br />
• 90% provided 24 hour postural management for service users.<br />
The Eastern Region Postural Management (ERPM) Team, based in<br />
Sandymount, work with service users to provide the best possible<br />
seating, wheelchairs and positioning aids to meet their individual<br />
needs. In <strong>2007</strong> ERPM provided a service to 469 service users around<br />
the country. Improved premises and increased levels of partnership<br />
with <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> centres and with the community occupational<br />
therapy services, have contributed to this expansion.<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability<br />
Participants on Night<br />
Positioning Course<br />
Computer simulation<br />
of rear impact tests
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> 25<br />
Postural Management<br />
Equipment Evaluation Training Day<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability<br />
Developing Best Practice<br />
Work continued in <strong>2007</strong> on joint policy development and procedures to inform best<br />
practice. A section on standing was added to the shared 24-hour postural management<br />
assessment tool and 161 service providers have been trained on the tool. This tool ensures<br />
that a uniform and structured approach to postural management assessments and the<br />
selection of postural management solutions is taken by those who work in conjunction<br />
with ERPM.<br />
Focus on Safety<br />
As part of a proactive safety programme, the wheelchair systems of 436 service users<br />
were upgraded to deliver significantly improved flame retardance in line with current<br />
standards and best practice.<br />
Collaborating to Enhance Product Design and Safety<br />
ERPM continued to engage in knowledge sharing and awareness raising initiatives<br />
around postural management both nationally and internationally. The Equipment and<br />
Evaluation event in November proved a success with 13 companies and 118 service<br />
providers attending. The collaborative research venture with Trinity College Dublin on<br />
transport safety for wheelchair users continued in <strong>2007</strong>. The findings of this work will<br />
lead to improved product design and enhanced user safety. <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> staff have<br />
also contribute to a number of publications and conference presentations helping to<br />
inform on best practice in postural management.
26<br />
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
Research<br />
Strategic Plan 2006 –2008 Highlights<br />
• Stakeholder consultation on research activity within <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> began, and<br />
in <strong>2007</strong> almost 20% of service areas had arranged stakeholder participation.<br />
• A high percentage of service areas currently have structures in place to create<br />
awareness around the relevance of research for best practice and for the<br />
delivery and development of quality services. 87% of service areas did this<br />
through staff involvement in working groups and 75% through EFQM reviews.<br />
• The majority of service areas have structures in place to share the results<br />
of research and highlight the importance of research in <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
to a wider and external audience. 62% of service areas did this through<br />
attending conferences, having a local information officer, using post<br />
graduate students and working with the third level educational system.<br />
• 60% of service areas were involved in projects that supported innovative<br />
service developments and approaches.<br />
• Research was undertaken in <strong>2007</strong> in a number of ways, 38% of service<br />
areas undertook private research projects, 25% undertook research<br />
projects as part of their day to day activity, and 31% undertook research<br />
with an external body.<br />
In Cork, we continued our work with two research groups – Surveillance of Cerebral<br />
Palsy in Europe (SCPE) and Study of participation and quality of life of children with<br />
cerebral palsy living in Europe (SPARCLE). A highlight from <strong>2007</strong> was the publication<br />
in The Lancet, one of the world’s leading independent medical journals, of research<br />
entitled ‘Self-reported quality of life of 8–12 year old children with cerebral palsy:<br />
a cross-sectional European study.’<br />
In Sandymount, the Occupational Therapy Department began a research project to develop<br />
and test an upper limb assessment kit and procedure to use with children who have a<br />
diagnosis of cerebral palsy. A pilot study with Central Remedial Clinic staff is underway.<br />
Across the organisation individuals and departments submitted a number of research<br />
projects for publication.
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> 27<br />
Retail & Fundraising<br />
Go For Gold during Action Week <strong>2007</strong><br />
with the Connaught Rugby Team in Galway<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability
28<br />
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
Retail & Fundraising<br />
Strategic Plan 2006 –2008 Highlights<br />
• In <strong>2007</strong> the <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> retail and fundraising activities increased the<br />
income generated to record profits of €3,658,135. Of this, retail contributed<br />
€1,402,393, campaigns contributed €175,435 and community fundraising<br />
€2,080,307.<br />
• Through EFQM and our Key Performance Indicator focus, we improved<br />
profitability in every aspect of our retail and fundraising activities and all<br />
three areas generated increased income levels.<br />
• The retail shop refurbishment programme was completed signalling an<br />
investment in the future income potential of the retail network.<br />
• We saw an increase in the number of donors and volunteers during <strong>2007</strong><br />
and all donations were gratefully acknowledged.<br />
Action on Disability was expressed through many thousands of gifts<br />
of time, cash and donated goods during <strong>2007</strong>. This generous public<br />
and community support for <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>’s retail and fundraising<br />
activities resulted in a strong performance in all areas of fundraising<br />
and raised €3,658,135.<br />
We are delighted to have this opportunity to acknowledge all our<br />
supporters, particularly those who organise events each year or<br />
make regular donations. Your commitment allows <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
to develop the vital services and facilities for people with disabilities<br />
and to build on sixty years of service to the community.
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> 29<br />
Retail & Fundraising<br />
20 Year Milestone for Retail<br />
<strong>2007</strong> was a year when we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of the first<br />
<strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> shop in Capel Street. The <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> retail network has made a huge<br />
contribution over the past 20 years with funds raised providing the building blocks<br />
for many of our new and modernised facilities throughout the country. Hundreds of<br />
volunteers and the retail staff are justly proud of this wonderful achievement. Two<br />
decades later, they continue to be highly motivated by the needs and aspirations of<br />
the people who use our services. The Capel Street party in September and three<br />
celebration events with volunteers later in the year were a welcome opportunity for<br />
the management team to acknowledge all that has been achieved to date.<br />
We rely entirely on quality donations and effective collections to maintain our fundraising<br />
capacity through charity retailing. Volumes of donated goods improved, despite the<br />
continuing impact of theft on doorstep collections. Public interest in recycling and a<br />
commitment to the work of <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> accounted for this. As the hub of our stock<br />
sorting and recycling operation, the Blanchardstown warehouse achieved record output<br />
in <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
Volunteers Phyllis McDonald, Marie Johnson,<br />
Laura O’Connor and Kathleen Poole at the<br />
20 years celebration in the Capel Street shop<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability<br />
<strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> celebrated<br />
20 years of retail in <strong>2007</strong>
30<br />
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2007</strong> <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
Retail & Fundraising<br />
National Fundraising Campaigns<br />
During our annual Action Week on Disability <strong>2007</strong>, we encouraged the general public<br />
to “Go for Gold”. The Gold Badge appeal was publicised at our Capel Street event on<br />
20 September and throughout the <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> network. Thanks to our volunteers<br />
and local co-ordinators, <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>’s action on disability was brought to public<br />
attention in a meaningful way which also raised valuable funds from the community.<br />
Our House to House campaign was run in 15 counties and its continued success relies<br />
on volunteer effort. Our <strong>2007</strong> donor recruitment campaign added some 500 new donors<br />
who pledged regular support through monthly gifts which allow us to plan for future<br />
developments. The payroll giving project – Children Direct – run in conjunction with<br />
four other good causes, yielded further dividends in <strong>2007</strong>.<br />
Community Fundraising<br />
Each year, thousands of people throughout the country support <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> through<br />
individual and group effort, organising events, nominating <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> as the<br />
beneficiary of fundraising activities or as charity of the year. Many more support events<br />
organised by <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> fundraising co-ordinators or join <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> teams for<br />
sporting challenges. Our results for <strong>2007</strong> reflect their commitment and contribution,<br />
allowing us to improve services in the communities where the funds have been raised.<br />
Taking<br />
Action on<br />
Disability<br />
Hayley Twomey congratulates<br />
her dad Paul for completing<br />
four marathons in one year<br />
and raising over €3,000 in aid<br />
of <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>
Retail & Fundraising<br />
Special Acknowledgement:<br />
Voluntary Committees <strong>2007</strong> Social Events<br />
• 6th <strong>Annual</strong> Ladies Lunch in Tralee for Kerry Services<br />
• Castletown Kinneagh Fundraising Committee, Enniskeane, Co. Cork<br />
• Trim Ladies Circle Summer Ball for Meath Services<br />
• Summer Strawberry Fair for Kilkenny Services<br />
• 11th Lavanagh Ladies Lunch for Cork Services<br />
• Cork Lions Club Christmas Concert for Cork Services<br />
• Barley Hill Riding Stables’ Christmas Bonanza for Mayo Services<br />
• Tir Na Mona Donadea Forest Park Wren Boys Concert for Kildare Services<br />
• Big Buster Night at the Dogs Parent Committee for Galway Services<br />
Sporting Challenges <strong>2007</strong><br />
• Marathon and Mini Marathon participants in <strong>Ireland</strong>, London and New York<br />
• Golfers who supported Kildare, Kerry and Nenagh Golf Classics<br />
and the Ria Kenny Memorial Salver (ILGU Eastern District)<br />
• Galway Blazers<br />
• Cyclists in 24th <strong>Annual</strong> Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle<br />
• Christmas Day Swimmers, Galway and Cork<br />
• The Balla 10km Walk<br />
• Dublin Fire Brigade Class of <strong>2007</strong> Everest Challenge<br />
• Irish Classic and Vintage Motor Show <strong>2007</strong><br />
Corporate Fundraising Supporters <strong>2007</strong><br />
• Milano Restaurants – Fashion Shows in Dublin, Galway and Limerick<br />
• Microsoft<br />
• Ulster Bank Risk Management Team, Dublin<br />
• State Street Bank, Kilkenny<br />
• Supermacs Lotteries supporting Galway and Mid West Services<br />
• Irish Classic and Vintage Motor Show <strong>2007</strong><br />
Retail Partners <strong>2007</strong><br />
• TKMaxx Retail Partner<br />
• Bring Back Day participants: Boston Scientific (Galway), Musgraves, Vodafone,<br />
Cork County Council, Pepsi Cola (Cork), Hewlett Packard, Department of Defence<br />
(Galway), National University of <strong>Ireland</strong>, Breast Check Clinic, St. Josephs Secondary<br />
School Castlebar, SAP (Galway)<br />
Recruit Aidan O'Sullivan taking part in the Everest<br />
Climb Challenge for <strong>Enable</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> in August <strong>2007</strong>