High Tech Assistive Technology

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

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland High Tech Assistive Technology 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 High Tech Assistive Technology 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

22 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland High Tech Assistive Technology 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. 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

ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland 23 Postural Management 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.

24 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland Postural Management Strategic Plan 2006 2008 Highlights 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. Participants on Night Positioning Course Computer simulation of rear impact tests

ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland 25 Postural Management Equipment Evaluation Training Day 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 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland Research Strategic Plan 2006 2008 Highlights 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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland 27 Retail & Fundraising Go For Gold during Action Week 2007 with the Connaught Rugby Team in Galway

28 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland Retail & Fundraising Strategic Plan 2006 2008 Highlights 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. 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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland 29 Retail & Fundraising 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 Enable Ireland celebrated 20 years of retail in 2007

30 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 Enable Ireland Retail & Fundraising National Fundraising Campaigns During our annual Action Week on 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. Hayley Twomey congratulates her dad Paul for completing four marathons in one year and raising over 3,000 in aid of Enable Ireland

Retail & Fundraising 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