Support services and organisations for people living with visual impairments in Ireland.
ChildVision provides educational opportunities for Ireland’s blind and partially sighted children and young adults.
W: www.stjosephsvi.ie E: info@childvision.ie T: 01 837 3635
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is Ireland’s national charity dedicated to helping persons who are blind or vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence.
W: www.guidedogs.ie E: info@guidedogs.ie T: 1850 506 300 / 021 487 8200
The NCBI is a not for profit charity, which offers support and services to people of all ages who are experiencing difficulties with their eyesight.
W: www.ncbi.ie E: info@ncbi.ie T: 01 830 7033
Féach is a support group for parents of blind and visually impaired children.
W: www.feach.ie E: feachmail@gmail.com
This patient advocacy group represents people in Ireland who are affected by, or at risk of developing a rare disease. Rare Diseases Ireland acts as a national alliance for volunteer groups who represent the views of those with rare diseases or at risk of developing a genetic or rare disease. Membership criteria and applications for involvement can be found on the Rare Diseases Ireland website.
The National Rare Disease Office is full of helpful information regarding specific genetic and rare disease information, social care support group resources, clinical expertise throughout Ireland and Europe, research and clinical trials, and policies on rare diseases. The office does not diagnose or treat rare diseases, but helps people access the information and resources they need.
W: www.rarediseases.ie E: rare.diseases@mater.ie T: 01 854 5065
The Anne Sullivan Foundation is a national organisation that was established to help low functioning deafblind children throughout Ireland.
W: www.annesullivan.ie E: info@annesullivan.ie T: 01 289 8339
Deafblind Ireland is an organisation set up by deafblind people, their families and professionals working in this specialist field. It seeks to raise awareness of the uniquely disabling consequences of the combined loss of sight and hearing and to provide a source of support for people who are deafblind and their families and information and guidance to professionals.
W: www.deafblindireland.ie E: info@deafblindireland.ie
The Irish Deaf Society is the largest deaf-led organisation in Ireland working with both the deaf and hard of hearing community. Their work focuses on issues such as achieving equality and access for deaf people.
W: www.irishdeafsociety.ie E: info@irishdeafsociety.ie T: 01 860 1878
Diabetes Ireland provides support and education to all people affected by diabetes. It also raises public awareness of diabetes and its symptoms and funds research into finding a cure for diabetes.
W: www.diabetes.ie E: info@diabetes.ie T: 01 842 8118 / 1850 909 909
The National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme is a new, government-funded screening programme that offers free, regular diabetic retinopathy screening to people with diabetes aged 12 years and older.
W: www.diabeticretinascreen.ie E: info@diabeticretinascreen.ie T: 1800 45 45 55
The National Advocacy Service (NAS) provides a free and confidential advocacy service to adults with a disability, aged 18 years and over. NAS has a particular remit to work with people with disabilities who are in vulnerable situations, such as people who are isolated from their community of choice or mainstream society, may communicate differently and who have limited formal or natural supports.
W: www.advocacy.ie T: 0761 07 3000
The Irish Patients’ Association’s mission is to keep the patient at the centre of the healthcare system. It does this by advocating for the needs of patients to be paramount while working in partnership with health providers. Through contact with patients, their families, and their carers, the Irish Patients Association (IPA) keeps abreast of ongoing and emerging patient needs. The Association addresses various committees, working groups and public bodies on behalf of patients.
W: www.irishpatients.ie T: 087 6594183