Launched in February of this year, the funding has been allocated to support a range of initiatives under four different strands, designed to support the participation of people with disabilities in local activities, to provide valuable employment experience for persons with disabilities, and to help remove barriers to community involvement.
A total fund of €3 million has been made available under four strands, with grants ranging from €69,608 to €393,826.
MS Ireland were awarded €69,608 for the Move Smart MS programme under Strand 4 which are initiatives aimed at encouraging community participation and inclusion for people with disabilities, including sports and outdoor recreation, promotion of accessibility and accessible shared spaces.
Susan Coote, Exercise and Physiotherapy Coordinator said “We are delighted with this award as the Move Smart MS programme will increase availability of and access to specialist, tailored physiotherapy programmes.
“Exercise participation is important for both mental and physical health, additionally group exercise options provide a sense of community and opportunities for peer learning and social support. Disability due to MS arises from limited mobility and other hidden symptoms like fatigue, low mood, pain and cognitive issues. Exercise can help alleviate many of these symptoms, and people with MS tell us that they value the input from appropriately qualified trainers to take part”.
The fund is operated on behalf of the Department by Rethink Ireland, and each of the successful projects will receive both cash grants and non-financial supports as part of the funding model.
Announcing the fund, Minister Rabbitte expressed:
“I am thrilled to announce that a total of twenty recipients will receive funding under this year’s Disability Participation and Awareness Fund. Each of the successful projects will undertake important initiatives under the different strands to support persons with disabilities throughout Ireland.
These projects can make a huge difference in local communities and can genuinely increase the participation and inclusion of disabled persons in different localities.
It is wonderful to see the ambition of organisations under this initiative, and I look forward to seeing the tangible benefits this funding can deliver for disabled people in communities throughout the country.”
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MOVESMART MS REGISTRATION
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