A local support service for children and adults with an intellectual disability hopes to grow its services along the Galway/Roscommon border.
Ability West began offering day facilities at its Avondale centre at Creggs Rugby Club in 2021 however it was only officially opened earlier this month.CEO Audrey Pidgeon says the service is based on the HSE new directions standard and enables users to live a life of their choosing allowing them to be inclusive members of their communities.
Audrey paid tribute to the local community for their help in making the facility a success and she hopes more services can be developed in the area.
'We were approached by Gerard and Kieran O' Dowd in particular, who had this vision to create an intellectual disability service by the community and for the community , and they came to ourselves and the HSE with this vision, and we're actually just starting on conversations now with the local community , with the HSE, and with the support of Minister Anne Rabbitte as well, about the future development of services, so that we can cater to the growing needs of the community, and the wider community in that area as well.'
Minister Rabbitte says she's hugely supportive for the development of further residential and respite service in the area and she will work with the HSE and Ability West to help deliver.
