Anne Sullivan’s History
The Anne Sullivan Foundation (ASF) is a national organisation created to help deafblind children throughout Ireland. Established in 1989, when a group of concerned parents and friends realised that no centre in Ireland was dedicated to supporting deafblind children and their families. The ASF has since helped many deafblind individuals and their families in Ireland by funding care and outreach programmes.
The foundation was named in tribute to Anne Sullivan (1866-1936), the Irish-American teacher best known for being the educator and companion of Helen Keller. Helen Keller, an author, political activist, and lecturer, was the first person ever to be deafblind to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
The organisation began life as a small educational centre situated within the grounds of St. Joseph’s house, Stillorgan, under the auspices of St. Mary’s School for Deaf Girls in Cabra.
Several current residents attended the school throughout the 1980s, where teachers adapted the Department of Education’s mainstream curriculum to include adapted communication systems, tactile signing and multisensory activities.
However, between 1997 and 2006, the Foundation purchased four additional houses in the local area to move toward a less institutional model of care and promote the independence of service users. The centre itself was renovated and now boasts several therapy rooms, including a multi-sensory room, jacuzzi room, and gym, that are open to service users around the clock.
Services Offered
The Anne Sullivan Centre helps deafblind individuals to thrive through specialised programmes. These programmes address communication, daily living skills, and social connection. Residents learn effective methods like tactile sign language and braille, fostering independence in self-care, mobility, and navigating their environment. Additionally, the centre fosters a supportive community through social activities and emotional support, ensuring deafblind individuals feel connected and included.
Accessible Living
The 13 deaf-blind adults with unique needs require suitable residences and a day service for wraparound services. This project focuses on refurbishing and upgrading three ensuite bathrooms.
The remodelling will involve replacing the existing bathroom suites to suit the individuals’ needs, retiling the floors, installing new plumbing and waterproofing, and other necessary work. These improvements will significantly enhance the comfort and accessibility of the bathrooms, thereby improving the daily lives of the residents.
The Grant
The Hospital Saturday Fund presented a grant of €13,500 to the Anne Sullivan Foundation. This grant will have a positive impact on the everyday experiences and quality of life for two residents. It will ensure access to personalised, high-quality bathroom facilities, allowing them to live more independently and with greater dignity.
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