On 20 March 2020, we had to close our Adult Service Centres as a response to Covid-19. These centres provided vital supports to the adults with disabilities who attend there, in many cases, every day. For many adult with disabilities, the centres were their connection to their community and provided opportunity to participate in training, personal development and socialise with friends. Without the centres, many adults were facing weeks of isolation and loneliness.
Very quickly, staff in Enable Ireland Adult Services got together with volunteers from Microsoft Ireland to see how we could virtually reopening Enable Ireland Adult Services. In a few short weeks, using technology we opened up a virtual community centre for these adults. This enabled them to engage with activities at their local service centre from the comfort and safety of their own home.
The service was initially piloted in Dublin in April 2020 for adults accessing Enable Ireland’s day, residential and respite services. It was hugely successful and by the end of the year plans to extended to the rest of the country where Enable Ireland provide Adult Services, including Tipperary, Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kerry, were well developed. Now over 170 adult service owners access the virtual service and over 160 hours of services are delivered via the platform every week. While our day centres and hubs around the country are open, we continue to provide a mix of face-to-face and virtual supports for adults with disabilities.
The programme of activities are selected and in many cases run by adult service owners themselves and reflect their interests. Daily and weekly timetables of activities include everything from yoga, art, Zumba, bingo, physiotherapy, quizzes, theatre and cooking. The creativity knows no end!
To find out more about Enable Ireland's Virtual Service contact Jason O'Reilly, Virtual Service Co-ordinator joreilly@enableireland.ie.
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.
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.
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.
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.
