'Helping us to independence' - Two young Galway wheelchair users given whole new lease of life

It comes as the Irish Wheelchair Association prepares for its Annual Fundraising Day, taking place across Ireland, including Galway, next Thursday, September 24.

IWA has a strong presence across Galway city and county providing a range of education, social, recreation and personal development opportunities for adults with disabilities across all age groups.

One of those is its School Leaver Service in Galway City, Tuam and Loughrea which empowers young adults to gain independence, develop valuable skills and take meaningful steps towards their future.

Two of those who can speak of its benefits are Eoin Kiely and Abbey Smyth.

Indeed Abby attributes the IWA School Leaver Service in Briarhill for improving her life in so many ways.

“I never left the house unless it was in a car before I came to IWA,” she says.

“Now I use public transport and go on trips away. Everyone’s story is different but everyone’s story comes back to the same support we get at IWA.

“You try new things. We are just after finishing a music programme.

"If you come up with an idea, it is listened to. I can’t imagine not having IWA, I’d be literally just at home,” she adds.

Eoin Kiely outlines what being a member of IWA’s School Leaver’s Service in Galway means to him.

“Before I came here I never really went out very much. I wasn’t really talking to anyone outside my family. I was living a remote life,” he reveals.

“The amount of trips I have been on and experiences I’ve had on since joining IWA three years ago has been just brilliant including my first solo concert with the support of a staff member.

“I feel more confident to be able to do things.

"My timekeeping is much better, also keeping to a schedule, staff are very good at making sure you keep to deadlines if you have them,” he adds.

Both Eoin and Abby will be out on the streets of Galway collecting next Thursday, September 24, to help raise vital funds for IWA so it can keep supporting people with disabilities in communities to live a life of choice and independence.

Members, staff and volunteers will be hitting the streets collecting vital funds for the supports and activities IWA provides in Galway and across the country.

Public support is critical because the organisation relies on donations to develop, grow and continue to support its members who want to be active, social, independent and advocate for their rights.

IWA hopes to raise €40,000 to support its work locally and across the country.

Last year the organisation provided 87,080 days of community services through its 48 community centres and 17 outreach centres nationwide.

It also delivered assisted living services in homes across the country and supported 19 IWA Sports Clubs, including Galway Speeders, while its 142 accessible buses supported with IWA-transport services.

“If you see us out collecting, please come and say hello,” said Ferelith Kingston, Community Fundraising and Events Co-Ordinator with IWA.

"We appreciate any donation, big or small and if you can’t give on the day, you can donate any time on www.iwa.ie/donate,” he added.