The aim of respite is to support people with an intellectual disability within their family and community. Ability West aims to assist families to engage their own supports through their own natural support networks such as family, local community, neighbours and through the Volunteer Programme. However, Ability West recognises the need for more formalised supports.
Access to formal Ability West Respite Services
Children can apply for respite services from Ability West through their CDNT, provided they attend one of Ability West's four patron schools and have a diagnosed intellectual disability.
St. Teresa’s Special School, Ballinasloe,
St. Joseph’s Special School, Newcastle
St. Oliver’s Special School, Tuam
Scaoil Speisialta Tigh Nan Dooley, An Cheathru
Adults with an intellectual disabilty that are attending an Ability West Day Service in Galway City & County may also apply for formal Ability West respite.
All funded respite options are resource dependent and may be made available for a specific period of time.Ability West Respite Services
Social Groups
Individuals are supported in small groups to enhance their social skills and engage meaningfully within their community.
Community Support
A community support worker employed by Ability West collaborates directly with the child or adult to facilitate engagement in community activities, helping them build their social and independent skills.
Home Sharing
A family respite service in which host families are carefully recruited, trained, assessed, and matched with a specific individual—whether a child or adult—to provide respite care within their home. Additional information on Home Sharing can be accessed here
Centre Based Respite
The person supported receives respite in a residential facility, supported by staff alongside others with a disability. Centre based respite is offered under specific conditions and is determined on a case by case basis.
Access and Download the most uptodate Respite Application here
All respite applications must be completed by the person supported and their families with assistance from their CDNT for children, or from their day service key worker for adults. Return the fully completed form to Ability West Short Breaks Respite Committee. For all child applications, the most recent psychology report must be included.
Email – upload your document and send it as a PDF attachment to shortbreaksrespite@abilitywest.ie
Post - Short Breaks Respite Committee. FREEPOST, Ability West, Blackrock House, Salthill, Co. Galway, H91 R254.