REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ARD AOIBHINN CENTRE
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ARD AOIBHINN CENTRE’S MULTI SENSORY WHEELCHAIR GARDEN
Is onóir dom bheith i láthair anseo ag an ócáid speisialta seo. Tá mé buíoch díbh as an chuireadh agus as fáilte fíorchaoin a chur romham.
It is a great pleasure for me to have been invited to officially open this wonderful multi-sensory wheelchair garden, the latest addition to the exceptional range of facilities here at the Ard Aoibhinn Centre.
One of the most striking aspects of this Centre is the way it caters for people of all ages who have a learning disability – from pre-schoolers right through to adults. So often, the greatest worry that parents have is whether they will be able to find an appropriate place for the changing needs of their child as he or she grows older. Ard Aoibhinn is a dream come true for so many families. It gives parents and carers a much needed break for a few hours to recharge their batteries, while knowing that their loved one is receiving the very best possible care, that their gifts and talents are being developed and that they are able to achieve the sense of belonging and fulfillment that each of us needs in life.
This new garden is proof of the superb level of dedication and commitment which everyone involved in this Centre, staff and volunteers alike, has shown in seeking to constantly improve the facilities here. They know how important it is to provide enjoyment and stimulation – as well as the more obvious services – to people of all ages who have a learning disability. And it is clear that all of the children and adults who use the Centre have blossomed under that love and care. I would like to pay a special tribute to everyone in the Activation Unit here who has helped to plant this garden under the guidance of Brendan McAleer. Each of you can be very proud of your achievement, because I am sure it could not have been done without you. And I have no doubt that it will add to the pleasure of using this garden to know that you played a personal role in its completion.
Like so many of the services here, this project is the result of a close partnership between a number of different groups - both statutory and voluntary, professional and non-professional. I know that the South Eastern Health Board has been a cornerstone of support, both for this project and many more of the Centre’s services, and I would like to warmly commend Michael Meaney, Chairman, and all of the staff of the Health Board for their ongoing assistance. The Wexford Area Partnership, Roadstone, and the Church of Ireland Select Vestry also deserve great credit for their funding of this project. Most of all, I would like to pay tribute to the generosity of the people of Wexford who have given freely both of their time and financial support to make this Centre a place of help and happiness for so many individuals. I know that I am speaking for the staff, the clients, their family and friends in expressing my heartfelt thanks to you for all you have done here.
One of the secrets of Ard Aoibhinn’s success is that it is run by a voluntary company, An Breacadh Nua, which brings together representatives of parents, management and the South Eastern Health Board: in other words, the people who have personal experience and expertise in relation to the needs, hopes and dreams of people with learning disabilities. You chose your name well, because this Centre really does represent a ‘New Dawn’. From what I have seen today, it is clear that you are succeeding in your mission of according dignity and respect to all of the users of the Centre, and of enabling them to develop their full potential. Through your Chairman, Kieren Murphy, I would like to congratulate you for all your work.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank Una Kavanagh and all of the staff at Ard Aoibhinn. It is your outstanding level of professionalism and care, day-in and day-out, that makes all the difference to the lives of so many people. That work at times must be difficult and painstaking, but I have no doubt that there is a very special reward in seeing a person blossom under your care.
I hope that this multi-sensory wheelchair garden will be a source of great enjoyment and pleasure to everyone who uses it and I am delighted to declare it officially open.
Go gcúití Dia bhur saothar daoibh. Go raibh maith agaibh.