The Virtual Service is built on the principle of co-production, meaning that Service Owners – the term chosen by participants themselves – work alongside Enable Ireland staff to co-design, deliver, and evaluate programmes. This model recognises the expertise of lived experience.
One of the most significant impacts of the Virtual Service is the creation of meaningful employment. Ten Service Owners are currently employed as Virtual Service Support Workers, taking on roles such as facilitators, mentors, and accessibility consultants. For many, this is their first paid job, providing financial independence and valuable skills in leadership, communication, and digital facilitation. These roles are transformative, helping participants gain confidence and professional identity while shaping the future of the service.
The Virtual Service currently provides paid roles for 10 Service Owners, employing them as Support workers and empowering them as creators, facilitators, and advocates.
Currently, we deliver 15 hours of live content every week, with sessions focused on human rights, advocacy, education, smart and assistive technology, health and wellbeing, and social connection. Activities include advocacy discussions, peer-led social groups, Smart Home information sessions, quizzes, and evening events that foster a strong sense of community.
We value our partnerships with Microsoft, Access Earth, and the HSE, among others, as they help us to extend the reach and impact of the Virtual Service. Through co-production, we co-create accessible Easy Read guides, host national webinars, and produce podcasts exploring disability rights, technology, and inclusion. These initiatives help drive national conversations about accessibility and ensure that the voices of Service Owners are represented in policy, practice, and public awareness.
Enable Ireland’s Virtual Service continues to grow as a model of innovation in digital inclusion, proving that geography should never be a barrier to participation, learning, and connection. It offers a flexible, empowering way for adults with disabilities to develop skills, engage with their communities, and shape the future of services in Ireland.
To find out more about Enable Ireland's Virtual Service contact Jason O'Reilly, Virtual Service Co-ordinator joreilly@enableireland.ie.
A podcast series launched by Enable Ireland’s Virtual Service.
The series presents episodes focused on topical issues, such as accessible voting, social inclusion, and civic participation—designed to be informative, accessible, and grounded in lived experiences.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a law to make things more accessible. This is an easy read guide explaining the law and how it applies to you.
Empowerment through Smart Home Equipment – Smart Home Gateway Project Webinar — Recap
This webinar was MCed by two Virtual Service Support Workers, Claire Pringle and Michael O’Doherty. We were delighted to welcome 262 participants, including Enable Ireland Stakeholders, many Service Providers, along with attendees from the USA, Australia, Spain, and England.
The strong interest in this event highlights the growing role of smart home technology in supporting independent living.
During the session, we showcased the journeys of eight individuals who have set up their own smart home ecosystems. Participants heard firsthand how voice-activated devices like Amazon Echo, smart plugs, lighting, and environmental controls are being used to enhance independence, safety, and daily comfort.
The real-life stories demonstrated how even simple, affordable technologies can transform everyday tasks — empowering people to live more confidently and stay connected.
The link below is to a resource list to support your continued learning and exploration of smart home technologies.
Enable Ireland commissioned an external evaluation of the Virtual Service in 2024. Here is the full evaluation report.
This evaluation report documents the impact of an innovative service model developed by Enable Ireland in response to the closure of Adult Service centres in March 2020 as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic.
On October 6th 2023, Enable Ireland, Access Earth, and Microsoft Ireland collaboratively conducted a mapping event, aimed at collecting essential accessibility data for businesses and notable locations within the greater Dublin area. This critical information was recorded via the Access Earth application by dedicated volunteers and service owners from Microsoft and Enable Ireland, with support from the Access Earth team.
This report provides an overview of the findings and outcomes derived from the event. It emphasizes the quantifiable impact of the initiative in enhancing access to vital data required by individuals with accessibility considerations when engaging within the built environment.
Claire works as a support worker with Enable Ireland’s Virtual Service for adults. Claire’s work involves facilitating sessions on the virtual service and providing technical support to other adults with disabilities using the service.
Read about Claire's experience working with the Virtual Service and the difference it has made in her life.
