1. Disabilities in Ireland
Facts + Figures

2. How common are disabilities?
In Census 2011, approximately 600,000 people reported having a disability. That was equivalent to 13% of the population of Ireland.
At least 1 in 10 adults of a working age have a disability (15-64 years old)
Disability is age related and increases sharply with age. 3 out of every 5 people aged over 65 have at least one chronic condition.

3. Services provided for disabilities in Ireland
Enable Ireland Special Olympics Ireland I.W.A
These are all non profit organisations that aid in helping and spreading awareness for disabilities in Ireland

4. Enable Ireland 40 centres throughout the country
They help approximately 5,500 families per year
They provide services for all ages
It was set up July 14th 1951, this is when people started spreading awareness for disabilities
In 2011, they broke a world record as 936 people gathered dressed as elves to spread awareness for disabilities, they raised a total of over €40,000

5. Special Olympics Ireland
Special Olympics Ireland was Founded 50 years ago in 1978
Over the past 33 years, the organisation has grown significantly, and today has 9,361 athletes participating in 15 sports in 385 clubs across the country
Special Olympics is supported by over 25,000 volunteers, making it one of the largest voluntary organisations in Ireland
At Special Olympics there are no world records because each athlete, whether in the fastest or slowest division, is valued and recognised equally
Prizes range from a gold medal for 1st, to 8th place ribbons

6. Irish Wheelchair Association
In the 1960’s, services for people with physical disability were extremely uncommon and in some cases non-existent
The IWA was founded 50 years ago in 1978 and started with 1000 members, today the association is made up of a network of 20,000 members and 2,300 staff, as well as many dedicated volunteers
Although broadly a disability group they are set up to aid mobility impaired people. The first chairman of the IWA was Fr. Leo Close, a wheelchair user