Funding awarded to organisations supporting people with disabilities
Rethink Ireland have announced that six Cork-based organisations are set to receive funding as part of a €3 million Disability Participation and Awareness Fund.
The aim is to support community initiatives for people with disabilities across the country, and the four key strands of the fund include enabling participation for people with Down Syndrome, supporting social enterprise-driven employment, increasing access to arts and culture, and fostering participation in sports, outdoor recreation, and the promotion of accessible shared spaces.
The non-profit Cork organisations awarded under the fund include the Accredited Teens Project by The Down Syndrome Centre, Inclusive Dance Cork by Dance Cork Firkin Crane, Embers by Active Connections, The Crann Centre Accessible Play, Recreation & Conservation Spaces, Notes & Signs by Music & Health Ireland, and Scotia Project by AK Inspired.
Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, highlighted the fund's importance, saying: “For a long time, disability has been viewed purely as a ‘health’ issue, when in fact this is an equality issue."
“The awardees are focussed on equal access to things like the arts, culture, and outdoor recreation - things that most of us take for granted - and I know we’ll see amazing results and tangible change delivered,” she said.
Pádraig Mallon, CEO of The Crann Centre, spoke about the significance of the award saying: “This award is hugely significant for all of us at the Crann Centre, especially the children, adults, and families who use our services.
“It provides vital funds to support us in creating unique experiences for children, adults, and families living with neuro-physical disabilities through our fully accessible playground & leisure space and our 20 acre fully accessible working conservation area,” he added.
Notes & Signs is another group that has benefited from the fund. The initiative is developed with and by deaf and disabled people, who are passionate about creating greater equity to access live music performances and learning opportunities.
Speaking on what this funding means for the group, Gráinne Hope, Artistic Director, Music and Health Ireland said: "Embarking on the journey with Rethink Ireland's Disability Participation and Awareness Fund, our project is poised to redefine music accessibility. The acknowledgment received significantly furthers our undertaking, facilitating deeper community engagement, expanding relationships, and championing accessible live music experiences. “This award underscores our commitment to building a musical world that is accessible and inclusive for all.”
Kaylie Streit, Project Coordinator at Dance Cork Firkin Crane, who were also recipients, said: “This award means we can continue to provide inclusive dance opportunities to dance enthusiasts and professionals with and without disabilities. We are immensely grateful for this opportunity to grow and continue to foster dance experiences for all abilities.”