News
Marian O'Donnell retires from her role in DCIL
The Day has come that our Lovely Marian O'Donnell retires from her role here in DCIL. Marian has been a huge part of our organisation over the years and we will miss her beyond words. Join us in wishing her a long, healthy and happy retirement...
DCIL Christmas Party 2017
DCIL Christmas Party and Annual Presenation took place in The Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 14th December 2017. We awarded this year Leader of the Year, PA of the Year and Appreciation Awards.
Philomena Harkin received the Leader of the Year Award 2017. Also pictured is DCIL General Manager Rosaleen Bradley and Services Co-Ordinator Marian O'Donnel.
Mary Fisher received the PA of the Year Award 2017. Also picture is DCIL General Manager Rosaleen Bradley, Leader Emily Kennedy and Services Co-Ordinator Marian O'Donnel.
Tony McNamee received the Appreciation Award 2017. Also pictured is DCIL General Manager Rosaleen Bradley, DCIL Training/Support Coordinator Shane Bradley, Leader Shaun and Marian Gallagher from Music Project.
DCIL Training/Support Co-Ordinator Shane Bradley, Leader Sean McCusker and Marian Gallgher from Music Project.
Congratulations to our Award winners at the Donegal Cil Christmas Party. A great meal and night was enjoyed by all who attended. A special thanks most go to the fantastic Martin Orr and his Band who certainly made the party a night to remember.
Click here to see more photos from our Xmas Party 2017
The Drake Music Project NI
Exciting News for DCIL's Music Enthusiasts. The Drake Music Project NI, are teaming up with DCIL to provide a 6-8 week mucsic programme here in Letterkenny which we are looking for people with disabilities who want to explore musical instruments and digital recording to participate in, please have a look at the attached brochure and share the information so that nobody misses out. We want to commence the sessions once a week from November (2hrs).Please contact Rosaleen Bradley 074 9128945 to register your interest.
Minister for Transport Mr Shane Ross TD awards Richard Alcorn
Minister for Transport, tourism and sport, Mr Shane Ross TD awards Richard Alcorn with the RSA Gertie Shields Supreme Award in road safety for 2017. Richard survived a road traffic collision in 2006 and now gives his time freely to delivering road safety messages to young adults.
Tidy Towns Award
Rosaleen Bradley thanking our DCIL Caretaker`s Kevin Reilly and Eric Funston for their hard work and dedication throughout the year in the remarkable upkeep of our premises that led to our special recognition award from the Letterkenny Tidy Towns group.
DCIL free IT and Technology Training for Leaders and PA’s
A successful introduction to IT and technology was held on Tuesday 17th January 2017 in our training room at Ballymacool House. It was attended by PA’s, Leaders and representatives from other organisations who found it to be an enjoyable and informative day. This event was financially supported by the Workspace Group - (Network Recruitment, Letterkenny).
A word of thanks is due to all involved in making this an enjoyable day.
Parachute Jump 2016
Another huge event which is happening at Donegal CIL this summer, is a Charity Parachute Jump. This is a huge event for us and we’re all working very hard, with our fundraising efforts. We hope to be able to purchase an additional accessible van, for the use of our Leaders, with the money raised from the jump. As well as a huge fundraising event, we hope to raise much needed awareness. Many of our leaders with disabilities are taking part in the jump, which is a fantastic way of highlighting our ethos of empowerment and equality for all. The jump took place during the first weekend of September and proved was a fantastic day for all.
Our Skydive took place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd September. Two of our brave jumpers got the opportunity to jump on Saturday and all our other participants completed their jump on Saturday.
Leader Daniel Mc Brearty happily landed.
Please Click here to see more photos from 2016 Parachute Jump.
New DCIL Office
We are delighted to be in position to inform you that we moved into our new premises in Ballymacool House on Friday 15th August 2014.
Ballymacool House
Ballymacool
Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Phone: 0749128945
E-mail: dcil@donegalcil.com
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Official Opening of our New Premises
We are very excited to be holding the official opening of our new premises in Ballymacool, on Saturday 4th July 2015. We’re very proud of how far we’ve come, throughout the years and are therefore having a celebration of our achievements and looking forward to a bright future, in our fantastic new building. The day will be kicking off at 3pm, with the opening being officiated by soccer star; Shay Given and disability activist and founder of the Centre of Independent Living movement in Ireland; Martin Naughton. There will be a party atmosphere with family entertainment, food and music. It will be a fantastic opportunity for all our Leaders, PA’s, families and supporters to come together and celebrate with us. We look forward to seeing you there.
Impact Theatre Workshop
Transition year students from Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana recently attended a workshop in Letterkenny which explored the topic of disability. The Donegal Centre for Independent Living organised the event in the lead-up to December 3rd, the European day of people with disabilities. It was funded by Trocaire and Irish Aid’s World Wise Global Schools project, which the students had previously participated in.
Former Israeli soldier Idan Meir is a playwright and director, who set up the Impact Theatre group when he lived in Donegal. His workshop explores many themes; including oppression, empowerment, and the language used relating to disability in a fun way. The students were encouraged to be active participants, learning to create body images using theatre, while considering important themes at the same time. They were then given the opportunity to see a short play entitled ‘happy birthday’, which was performed with five actors who all had a variety of physical or sensory impairments. The story presented access issues and attitudinal barriers for the main character who was a wheelchair user. When performed for the second time, the audience were invited to intervene in the action and to suggest alternative methods on how best to resolve the dilemmas of the characters in the play. Everybody in the room had an opportunity to ask questions and learn from each other throughout the day.
Many of the issues relating to disability which were explored through the Impact Theatre workshop were also duplicated in the disability awareness workshop delivered by DCIL, which the students participated in. Both events provided inspiration and ideas for a project that the students are undertaking as part of the young social innovators (YSI) program.
DCIL Balloon Release
Donegal Centre for Independent Living held a Balloon release at the Market Square, Letterkenny on December 3rd 2014, to raise awareness on International Day of people disabilities. Each balloon included a positive message about disability, independence and empowerment. Students from St. Eunan's Secondary School in Letterkenny came along to help release balloons, as well as Leaders, PA's, staff and the general public. A huge Thank you to everyone who took part and helped raise much needed awareness.
Realising Equality, Through Active Participation - Dublin Conference
Jennifer, Christina, Seamus, Darren and Aine also attended a conference in Dublin, on International day of people with disabilities (December 3rd). The conference was organised by Aáiseanna Tacaíochta and entitled 'Realising Equality, through active participation.' The day was very informative and well received by all the delegates. The focus of the day was the implementation and process of Direct Payments. One of the highlights of the day, was hearing the personal stories of several leaders. A very well organised and worthwhile event
Jennifer Takes Flight for DCIL
Congratulations to Jennifer Doherty and Shane Bradley who completed their sponsored flight today to raise funds and awareness of the Donegal Centre for Independent Living !!! Amazing what can be done when we believe in ourselves and our abilities!!
