1. “Providing services to People with Disabilities” A presentation by Patrick McBrearty Director The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation Donegal Town

2.  My name is Patrick McBrearty.  I am a Director with the organisation.  The name of our organisation is the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation Ltd.  We operate from Donegal Town but have over 200 families registered with us from all over Co. Donegal  Mission Statement; “To enhance the lives of people with Special Needs.” About Us

3.  People with special needs, regardless of their “need” should be fully included in the life of the community.  The Bluestack Foundation strongly believe; Stigma and discrimination associated with special needs can be eliminated. Families need to “feel” supported. The frustrations associated with securing adequate assessment and early intervention can be eliminated. All organisations, government and non governmental can/are working in partnership to achieve this common purpose. The wider community need to be encouraged to recognise ability not disability

4. About Our Service  The Centre  Annual Conference  Resource Library  Speech Therapy  Music Therapy  Art Therapy  Annual Christmas Party  Sibling Support  Buddy Programme  Kids Autism Club  HSE  Garda Vetting Network

5.  Typical client/service users are children and adults with special needs, their parents, families and carers.

6.  Co. Donegal is unique-most services provided by HSE  One of the first Charitable Organisations to provide services to people with special needs.  Aim to enhance services that the HSE provide.  Introduce new opportunities to children and adults with special needs, their parents, families and carers.

7.  The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation is predominately run by parents of children and adults with special needs and professionals who not only work in the field, but have a personal interest in the field.  I have been involved in this sector since 2001since the birth of my daughter Áine. Experience & Outlook

8.  The Bluestack Foundation would like to have the opportunity to share information and ideas. We would be interested in the services other organisations are providing to people with disabilities.

9.  It is important that people with disabilities are treated with same dignity and respect as any other member of society.  That service providers offer support and opportunities to the individual need of the person with a disability rather than having to “Fit in” to current service provision.  From this forum that relevant links and the sharing of information is established to assist in supporting individuals and families.

10.  We can be contacted at;  The Bluestack House, The Glebe, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal  Phone:074-9740828/9721025  E-mail: info@bluestackfoundation.cominfo@bluestackfoundation.com  Website: www.bluestackfoundation.comwww.bluestackfoundation.com Contact Details