€3m for disability service projects

€3m in funding is set to go to 20 different initiatives working with people with disabilities across Ireland, with six of those being Cork-based organisations.

The organisations will receive the funding from the Rethink Ireland fund to support community initiatives for those with disabilities.

The six Cork organisations set to receive funding are: Teens Project from The Down Syndrome Centre, Inclusive Dance Cork by Firkin Crane, Embers Project from Active Connections, Accessible Play Recreation & Conservation Spaces by The Crann Centre, Notes & Signs from Music & Health Ireland, and Scotia Project by AK Inspired.

“Receiving this award is a significant milestone for the Down Syndrome Centre,” said Fiona Malone, corporate partnerships and major donor manager of The Down Syndrome Centre. 

The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund is based on four key goals: Enabling participation of people with Down syndrome in their communities; supporting social-enterprise-driven employment for people with disabilities; increasing access to arts and culture; and fostering participation in sports and outdoor recreation as well as the promotion of accessible shared spaces.

“For a long time, disability has been viewed purely as a ‘health’ issue, when in fact this is an equality issue,” said Anne Rabbitte, minister of State with special responsibility for disability.

“When I sought to establish the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund, I wanted to develop a support mechanism for the wonderful initiatives that I knew were happening around the country to support people with disabilities to have equal access in their communities.

“The awardees are focused 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.”