| | | Outreach |
The outreach program has been set up to assist a person who has sustained a spinal injury when they return home on completing their rehabilitation.
The aim of the outreach program is to make support and information accessible to everyone. The outreach program will address the concerns that arise with the individual or within the family.
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Helping the family of a person with a Spinal Cord Injury: |
Through our outreach service, Spinal Injuries Ireland offers practical support to over 1,500 people living with a spinal cord injury in Ireland, so that they can lead fulfilled and independent lives in their homes, with their families, in work-places and in leisure.
Our services cover a diverse range of areas, all of which are in demand by many people living with spinal cord injury. Sometimes we are called upon to provide a practical solution; a grant for transport that will give the user independent transport for the first time since their injury or housing that will allow the tenant to move out of a care home, for example. At other times we simply need to pass on information, training or advice gleaned from our years of experience - a simple solution, but one that can have a dramatic impact on those who are still learning about their injury and what is available to them.
What we do, and when, is dictated by the individual using the services - every situation is unique and so we avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach in favour of meeting the specific needs of those who we work with.
As part of the outreach service we support and promote individuals to live as independent a life as possible as well as help to address family concerns.
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N.B. No medical advice is given and any issues in this field are referred back to the medical profession.
| | | For more information contact Joan on 01-2355317 or email Joan Carthy | | | Family Regional Support Group
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People with spinal cord injury and their families can feel very isolated when they return home from Rehab and the need for them to come together with others in similar situations can be very beneficial. To support families in the community a number of family networks have been set up in some health board regions. These support groups are led by a member of Spinal Injuries Ireland’s outreach team and it is an opportunity for people to share experiences and to learn how others cope.
| Counselling Service
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Spinal cord injury is recognised internationally as one of the most devastating and debilitating injuries a person can experience. We all cope with a traumatic event in different ways, but coming to terms and adjusting to the many challenges of living with spinal cord injury (SCI) can be especially difficult, not only for the injured person but also for their close family and friends.
Spinal Injuries Ireland provides a counselling service where you can talk in complete confidence to a professional qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. Joan Carthy is available to see people by appointment, either in our drop in resource centre or in certain circumstances she can call to see individuals in their home. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone.
| Vocational Service
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Employment:
| | | What is the Vocational Rehabilitation Programme?
| The Vocational Programme is a case managed service specifically designed to address the vocational and educational needs of persons with Spinal Cord Injury. Where appropriate a workplace assessment will be undertaken by the Vocational Occupational Therapist. Issues such as accessibility and equipment can be addressed and recommendations made.
Vocational Rehabilitation Team?
The Vocational Team includes the client, representatives from the HSE and FÁS as well as the Medical Social Worker and Vocational Occupational Therapist from the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Spinal Injuries Ireland outreach staff.
For further details contact Siobhan on 01 2355317. |
Who is eligible?
Any person can be referred if they
• Have sustained a Spinal Cord Injury
• Current patient in the NRH
• Aged between 16-65yrs
• Have a wish to pursue vocational/educational options.
What is involved?
If the client is an in-pt he/she will be referred to the vocational service through the medical conference. A consent form is signed to allow for the sharing of information with the various agencies involved ie FAS SII and HSE. A vocational assessment by the OT is carried out and a vocational plan in collaboration with the client is drawn up.
If the client is discharged he/she can contact any member of the vocational team to discuss options.
When the plan is drawn up the client will be referred to the appropriate agencies and services or where a client is returning to his/her pervious employment a work site visit may be necessary.
| If you are interested in finding out more about the vocational program please contact:
Siobhan on 01 2355317 or email Siobhan O'Driscoll | | |
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 | Education: |
| | In many cases people who suffer from a spinal injury cannot return to their place of employment because of their level of disability or the inaccessibility of the building. The Outreach program will inform and make them aware of the facilities in their locality re-education. | | | | | | | Where appropriate a workplace assessment will be undertaken by the Vocational Occupational Therapist. Issues such as accessibility and equipment can be addressed and recommendations made.
Vocational Rehabilitation Team?
The Vocational Team includes the client, representatives from the HSE and FÁS as well as the Medical Social Worker and Vocational Occupational Therapist from the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Spinal Injuries Ireland outreach staff.
| | | | | | | | Recreation: |
| | Some people may never return to work or education, for different reasons. The outreach program will make them aware of different activities available. | | | | As part of the Outreach Program, we have developed a Venture Club. At present this includes self-defence, kayaking, power boating, fishing, air sort rifle and scuba Diving. These sports give people the opportunity to have fun, keep fit and most important to get out of the house and meet people. | | | | The Venture Club has recently expanded to include the Kick Start Program. The idea of the Kick Start Programis to tap into the proven benefits of venture activities as a way to encourage and motivate individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury. The ultimate goal of the programme is to target individuals with a spinal cord injury who are at home and not taking part in either employment, re-training or local community activities.It would be hoped to identify some potential clients for this course through the new Vocational Rehabilitation Program in the NRH.This is not about turning people into adventurers but rather to use it as a catalyst to motivate and encourage people to look beyond their present personal expectations. | | | For more information on our venture sports & kick start programs, contact Jennifer Wright | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | << top | | | | |
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