Useful Links

Brainwave was established in 1966 by a group of individuals concerned to improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy in Ireland

Better Together is a nationwide campaign which aims to build support for hundreds of charities, community groups, clubs and associations across the country by encouraging the public to support these good causes and make a difference in their communities.

The Catholic Schools Partnership (CSP) is an umbrella group providing support for all Catholic schools in the Republic of Ireland.

Citizens Information Centres provide useful information on public services and entitlements in Ireland.

This website gives information about the range of services and supports available to learners at all levels of the education system and across the full range of key agencies within the system.

The Department of Health and Children is responsible for the development of the policies that shape the way services are delivered and developed. Of particular interest to Intellectual Disability Services are:

A Time to Move On

New Directions

Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in Ireland

Housing Strategy for People with Disability

The Department of Social Protection is a department of the Government of Ireland. The mission of the department is to promote a caring society through ensuring access to income support and other services, enabling active participation, promoting social inclusion and supporting families. It is led by the Minister for Social Protection who is assisted by one Minister of State.

Down Syndrome Ireland is a national voluntary organisation supporting people with Down syndrome and their families in twenty-five branches nationwide. Down Syndrome Ireland represents and supports 3,500 members through a national team and twenty-five local branches nationwide. Down Syndrome Ireland is substantially funded through donations and national fundraising events.

Genio was established in 2008. Its mission is to bring together government and philanthropy in cost-effective ways to support disadvantaged people to live full lives in their communities.

HIQA is the independent authority established to drive continuous improvement in Ireland’s health and social care services. Of particular interest to Intellectual Disability Services are:

Standards for Centres for People with Disabilities

Standards for Safer Better Healthcare

Standards for Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections.

This website sets out the arrangements for the delivery of health and social care services throughout Ireland.

Inclusion Ireland is the national advocacy group for people with Intellectual Disability and their families.

Irish Autism Action is a young dynamic, innovative and passionate organisation formed in 2001 which is bringing positive change into the lives of those affected by autism.

Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is a national organisation which provides a range of services to people with disabilities and other mobility impairments in their own homes and communities.

Website for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).  This organisation provides a service to schools in sanctioning teaching and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) resources to support children with special educational needs.  The information on the website will reassure parents that children with special educational needs will be catered for.

The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies is a national umbrella organisation of 61 voluntary and non-statutory services providing services to 22,000 children and adults with Intellectual Disability.

Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM focuses on prevention and offers proven strategies for safely defusing anxious, hostile, or violent behaviour at the earliest possible stage.

Operating under the remit of the Teacher Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education and Skills this Service co-ordinates, develops and delivers a range of professional development initiatives and support structures for school personnel working with students with special educational needs in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, special schools and special classes.

Special Olympics Ireland is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport.

Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries supports up to 7,000 children and adults with a range of needs including intellectual disability, mental health difficulties and problems associated with getting older.