| About Spinal Injuries Ireland | | | | Background & History: | | |
Spinal Injuries Ireland was founded in 1993 to provide support and outreach services to people with spinal cord injuries, 95% of whom are wheelchair users. Located in the grounds of the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) we provide a resource to over 9,000 people, comprising of those who have sustained a spinal cord injury, their spouses and family members.
Spinal cord injury is recognised internationally as one of the most devastating and debilitating injuries a person can experience. On average one person a week sustains a spinal cord injury in Ireland.
• The majority of these occur amongst 18 - 35 year olds
• At present 75% never return to employment
Spinal Injuries Ireland deals on a daily basis with both the emotional and practical issues facing the individual with the spinal injury, as well as providing support for their families as they try to deal with this life changing situation. SII works to achieve the ultimate goal of true social inclusion for people with disabilities through providing education, understanding and consensus.
SII begins to work with the patients during their stay in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, meeting with the individual and their families and explaining the support that will be available to them when they are discharged.
On returning home to their communities, it is very easy for people to become depressed and isolated as they try to come to terms with the reality of their situation. This can be an extremely daunting time for them and their families and this is where SII's role really comes into force.
| | | | | | | | Our Aims: | • To provide relevant and effective support services for individuals with a spinal cord injury and their families.
• To raise awareness relating to the physical, psychological and emotional impact on the individual with a spinal cord injury and their family.
• To work for equality and equitable treatment for all its members.
• To promote the welfare of people with spinal cord injuries throughout Ireland.
• To assist in the relief, rehabilitation and employment of persons who have sustained a spinal cord injury.
• To encourage and support every discipline within the medical profession in their research, study and development of rehabilitative medicine.
| | The work of the organisation is grouped into three areas: | | | | | | Services we provide
| | | Drop In Resource Centre
Family Regional Support Groups (Peer advocacy)
Vocational programme
Outreach Services
Quarterly magazine and website
Cyber Café
Guide to living with spinal cord injury handbook
Information Leaflets
Venture/Social Programme
Kick Start Programme
Counselling for individuals with a spinal cord injury and or family member.
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