Irish Wheelchair Association Holiday Centre Celebrates 10 Successful Years

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) provides accessible and supported holidays to people with disabilities and their families at several locations around the country. The Carmel Fallon Holiday Centre, which is located in Dublin, celebrated its 10th year anniversary on Friday 7th February 2014 with guests, members and their families, staff, volunteers and local healthcare professionals.

IWA Holiday Services deliver a range of customised holiday and respite breaks which enable people with disabilities to enjoy new experiences or meet up with friends. The Holiday Centre in Clontarf was designed as a home away from home for people with disabilities and offers care assistance in a friendly and safe environment.

Speaking at the celebrations, Karen Cronin, Manager of the Carmel Fallon Holiday Centre said: “Last year the Carmel Fallon Centre was refurbished and upgraded to the highest standard with the aim of enhancing the holiday experience for guests. IWA received a number of donations from local people and support from organisations based in the area in order to make this possible. I would like to thank them all for their contributions and efforts.”

The holiday centre provides guests with the necessary assistance and support to ensure their holiday is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. The centre is fully equipped, with various hoists, aids and appliances, and spacious en suite roll-in showers with adequate grab rails, to meet the needs of all guests. Guests are also able to avail of the range of services on IWA’s Clontarf campus, including a sensory garden, gym and activities in the Clontarf Resource and Outreach Centre.

Regular guest, Aine McDonnell commented: “The Carmel Fallon Centre truly is a home away from home, an oasis of calm in a busy world. Every time I come I am greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. When I am in the Carmel Fallon Centre, I feel at peace and I have great freedom to either have a break where I am busy doing different activities or coming and going in and out of the city centre. After a break in the Carmel Fallon Centre I feel refreshed and rejuvenated and I feel I can take on and cope with anything!”

The Carmel Fallon Holiday Centre is currently offering Mid-Week and Weekend Breaks to people with physical and sensory disabilities. For further details or to make a reservation contact 01 818 6458 or email carmelfallonrespite@iwa.ie