Links
A selection of websites that have been found to be of value to service users, their families, carers and health professionals. Nearly all of the sites provide links to a wider range of online resources. Inclusion on this list neither implies endorsement of any specific organisation by Wisdom Services nor any views or opinions expressed on any site.
All links functional as of November 2010.
General information
Benefits and entitlements
Colleges
Equality
Freedom of Information
Health services
Information for health professionals
Organisations
Research
Sport and recreation
General Information
Inclusion Ireland (formerly namhi)
www.inclusionireland.ie
Inclusion Ireland is a national voluntary organisation working to promote the rights of people with intellectual disability in Ireland to ensure their full and equal participation in society. Publications list and useful links.
Frontline
www.frontline-ireland.net
The site relating to the Irish magazine representing the interests and views of people with an intellectual disability, their families, friends and carers. Links to current content for subscribers only.
National Federation of Voluntary Bodies
www.fedvol.ie
The national umbrella organisation for voluntary/non-statutory agencies providing direct services to people with intellectual disability.
Disability Federation of Ireland
www.disability-federation.ie
The DFI is the national support organisation and advocate for voluntary disability organisations in Ireland who provide services to people with disabilities and disabling conditions. Information and newsletters.
National Disability Authority
www.nda.ie/
NDA is the lead state agency on disability issues and universal design, providing independent expert advice to the Government on policy and practice. Information and links to publications.
British Institute of Learning Disabilities
www.bild.org.uk
Information on physical interventions and advocacy. Factsheets are also available for downloading. Very comprehensive selection of links to other useful sites.
www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation exists to demonstrate that individuals with severe learning disabilities who are described as having challenging behaviour can enjoy normal life opportunities when their behaviour is properly understood and they receive appropriate individualised support.
Down Syndrome Online
www.down-syndrome.org/research-practice/
Down Syndrome Online offers a comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date range of information, resources and services for families, practitioners and researchers caring for, supporting and investigating Down syndrome. Includes online access to the journal Down Syndrome Research and Practice.
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
A leading UK charity researching learning disability issues. Information on topics such as advocacy, accommodation and employment. Features publications list that includes useful factsheets and booklets (some in an accessible format).
Mencap
www.mencap.org.uk/
Major UK charity relating to learning disabilities. Information and publications list.
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Benefits and entitlements
Department of Social and Family Affairs
www.welfare.ie/EN/Pages/default.aspx
Sligo County Council
www.sligococo.ie/Services/Housing/
This link takes you directly to the Housing services page.
Citizens Information
www.citizensinformation.ie/categories
Citizens Information is an Irish eGovernment website provided by the Citizens Information Board. The site provides public service information for Ireland on topics such as social welfare, justice and health.
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Colleges
NUI Galway
www.nuigalway.ie/
St. Angela's College
www.stangelas.com
Trinity College Dublin
www.tcd.ie
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Equality
The mission of this government department is to help make Ireland a safer and fairer place in which to live and work, visit and do business. Includes section on equality and disability.
The Equality Authority seeks to achieve positive change in the situation and experience of those groups and individuals experiencing inequality by stimulating and supporting a commitment to equality.
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Freedom of Information
Freedom Of Information Central Policy Unit
www.foi.gov.ie/
A website maintained by the Freedom Of Information Central Policy Unit located in the Department of Finance and contains information, guidelines and other resources relevant to the Irish Freedom of Information Acts.
The Data Protection Commissioner
www.dataprotection.ie/docs/Home/4.htm
This site gives information on individuals rights and on an organisation's responsibilities. It also gives you guidance on how the rights and principles apply in different practical situations.
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Health Services
Health Service Executive
www.hse.ie/eng/
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Information for health professionals
Understanding Intellectual Disabilities and Health
http://www.intellectualdisability.info/
"This is a web-based learning resource for medical and health care students and practitioners. The main aim of this site is to provide up-to-date information about the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities". Good selection of articles by respected authors.
NHS Evidence - learning disabilities
www.evidence.nhs.uk/
The section on challenging behaviour is well developed as are the sections on advocacy, empowerment and health needs. Funded by the UK NHS, it utilises the information service provided by BILD. The aim of this site "is to provide quick access to key documents and evidence for health professionals".
The following sites provide links to downloadable information sheets (pdf format) on primary health care, health checks and cancer care that can be shared with service users.
Down Syndrome Scotland
www.dsscotland.org.uk/publications
Follow the publications link for accessible information on various health care and life-stage issues (puberty, ageing, bereavement) and dementia.
Easyhealth.org.uk
www.easyhealth.org.uk/
Accessible site offering a collection of health information leaflets, patient information and even short films from a variety of sources.
Into the Mainstream
www.intothemainstream.cswebsites.org
Follow the link on the left of the homepage. Information on health screening and self-examination, exercise. Very useful site.
Shropshire Primary Care Trust
www.shropshirepct.nhs.uk
Click on 'learning disability' in the first paragraph of site to access information.
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Organisations
Daughters of Wisdom GBI
www.daughtersofwisdom.org.uk/
Website of the Daughters of Wisdom Province of Great Britain and Ireland. Includes links to Daughters of Wisdom sites around the world and to the Sophia Housing Project in Dublin.
North West Parents and Friends Association
www.nwpf.ie
A voluntary Co. Sligo/Co. Leitrim based community association dedicated to working toward the fulfillment of the needs and rights of people with intellectual disabilities and special needs.
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Research
UCD Centre for Disability Studies
www.ucd.ie/psychology/disabilitystudies/
The Centre aims to promote the inclusion and independence of people with disabilities through research, teaching and service to the wider community.
Norah Fry Research Centre
www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/NorahFry/index.htm
Research on services for people with learning disabilities. Features material on inclusion, participation and transition. Online documents covering employment, housing, tube feeding. Publications list.
Trinity College Dublin – National Institute for Intellectual Disability
www.tcd.ie/niid/
An inclusive Institute centring on lifelong learning for individuals with intellectual disability, disability research and social change. The three key areas of the Institute's work include lifelong learning, research and advocacy.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
www.jrf.org.uk/
One of the largest independent social policy research and development charities in the UK. It supports a wide programme of research and development projects in housing, social care and social policy. Lists press releases, publications, projects. Access provided to the full-text of some research projects.
The Tizard Centre
www.kent.ac.uk/tizard/
One of the leading UK academic groups working in learning disability and community care. Gives details of current research projects and lists staff publications.
The Health Research Board
www.hrb.ie/
Statistical information informing Irish health policymaking. Links to latest NIDD report.
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Sport and recreation
Special Olympics – Europe
www.specialolympics-eu.org/
Up to date news and calendar of events.