Help Fund COVID-19 Cocoon & Connect-Ability
Donation protected
Inspired raced ahead of the curve last week as they quickly recalibrated their programming schedules by developing an online “Cocoon & Connect-Ability Programme”. The programme is geared towards young adolescents and adults with an Intellectual Disability (ID). Inspired, based in Friary lane, Tralee, Co Kerry, support over 50 individuals with Intellectual Disability on a weekly basis by delivering lifelong learning, work placement, community integration and school transition programmes . As the reality of the Corona Virus began to cement itself, management and staff at Inspired began to look at alternative arrangements for those attending their organisation.
So we have developed an online “Cocoon & Connect-Ability Programme”. which will allow those with ID to keep active throughout the day and stay in touch, starving off the mental isolation as much as possible. The programme is choregraphed in collaboration with some of the Inspired tutors while Inspired staff co-ordinate the efforts with family members, so participants will be able to access the programme. The programme delivers tutorials on a pre-designed schedule 5days week and will advance should the restrictions stay in place. The programme features Mindfulness, Zumba, Yoga, Let’s grow Positive workshop, Life Skills for all, Art Therapy, Phone a Friend, Skin Care management and chat time between Inspired facilitators, participants and family members. The online programme will allow participants to not only stay active but equally will allow time to group chat on a social level by incorporating a friendship club and encourage CONNECT-ABILITY.
Inspired have delivered and loaned 12 iPads to families in Kerry but could support many others who have wifi access but don’t have suitable technology. We need to raise additional funding to purchase iPads and expand the programme. Any excess funds will go towards the development of our new IT workshop which is currently under development.
The present unpredictable situation is difficult for all of us to make sense of. It is particularly stressful for people who have an Intellectual Disability. Being unable to understand why the routine has changed suddenly – and without being part of the decision-making process – can make adjusting difficult. It is also hard for them to make sense of why they aren’t interacting with people who they’re close with. We will be asked to cocoon for as long as is necessary to flatten the curve and in the meantime, Inspired intend to put supports in place to make it bearable.
So we have developed an online “Cocoon & Connect-Ability Programme”. which will allow those with ID to keep active throughout the day and stay in touch, starving off the mental isolation as much as possible. The programme is choregraphed in collaboration with some of the Inspired tutors while Inspired staff co-ordinate the efforts with family members, so participants will be able to access the programme. The programme delivers tutorials on a pre-designed schedule 5days week and will advance should the restrictions stay in place. The programme features Mindfulness, Zumba, Yoga, Let’s grow Positive workshop, Life Skills for all, Art Therapy, Phone a Friend, Skin Care management and chat time between Inspired facilitators, participants and family members. The online programme will allow participants to not only stay active but equally will allow time to group chat on a social level by incorporating a friendship club and encourage CONNECT-ABILITY.
Inspired have delivered and loaned 12 iPads to families in Kerry but could support many others who have wifi access but don’t have suitable technology. We need to raise additional funding to purchase iPads and expand the programme. Any excess funds will go towards the development of our new IT workshop which is currently under development.
The present unpredictable situation is difficult for all of us to make sense of. It is particularly stressful for people who have an Intellectual Disability. Being unable to understand why the routine has changed suddenly – and without being part of the decision-making process – can make adjusting difficult. It is also hard for them to make sense of why they aren’t interacting with people who they’re close with. We will be asked to cocoon for as long as is necessary to flatten the curve and in the meantime, Inspired intend to put supports in place to make it bearable.
Organizer and beneficiary
Liz Maher
Organizer
Taylor Maher
Beneficiary
