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Launching the appeal for smart devices at Blennerville Rehabcare were, in front; Nicola Walsh, Rebecca O’Donoghue and Sean Smith. At back; Johnny Prendergast, Mark O’Brien and Tracy Cronin. Photo by Dermot Crean
REHABCARE, Blennerville in Tralee are appealing to members of the public to donate their old smartphones, tablets and laptops to enhance vital communication and learning opportunities for the people who use the service.
Over the past few months, RehabCare has remained open with face-to-face support within the centre, however, public health restrictions mean that some aspects of the service have been adapted and are now delivered virtually.
The staff have come up with innovative ways to stay in touch and continue their important learning programmes, which have a hugely positive impact on the lives of the people who use the services, despite not being able to gather as a large group in their centre as they had done before the public health emergency.
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Not every member of the service has access to the technology needed to interact and take part in virtual classes.
The group have decided to reach out to the public to help solve this problem and are hoping to acquire a large number of smartphones, tablets and laptops to make sure that each and every person in the service doesn’t miss out on community interaction and inclusion.
Jane O’Donoghue, Programmes Supervisor, said; “we hope that people in the community will consider sending us their unwanted devices. You may not have much need for an old smartphone or ipad or laptop, but we will make sure that they are recycled and put to great use in our service.”
Mary Godall, Programme Supervisor, said; “The public may not realise what a difference it makes to a member of our services to have access to this technology. Programmes like our Irish Sign Language video project have made a real difference. It’s helping to create the sense that we’re all together even if we can’t all be in the centre at the same time”.
Ger & Rosarie, service users said they would like to have a smartphone so they can video call and communicate with their families while another service user, Tracy, said; “I would like to have a smartphone to go on whatsapp and communicate with my friends and to be able to text and email for free.”
Jane O’Donoghue, Programmes Supervisor, said; “At RehabCare, we strive to enable each person to participate fully in their communities and to have the same opportunities as everyone else. This past year has certainly been tough, but we have supported each other. We have come together virtually and learned new skills. Donations of smartphone and devices will go a really long way to help us to stay connected.’
RehabCare Blennerville are asking for people to donate devices that have working cameras in order for people in the services to connect visually.
To donate drop devices into Rehabcare, Blennerville, 321 Down Syndrome Charity Shop, High St., Tralee or Oaklands Daybreak, Oakpark. Or contact Jane at 086 3749779/066 7186354
