From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Minister of State for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte announced a further €750,000 in funding for 9 projects under the Health Service Executive’s Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative.
CREATE II is the second iteration of the CREATE initiative, which was initially launched in January 2022, and aims to improve access to Digital and Assistive Technologies (DAT) that can make real changes to the day to day experiences of people with disabilities. The funding announced by Minister Rabbitte will enable the ongoing implementation and sustainability of selected projects.
Announcing the allocation of the funding, Minister Rabbitte said:
“After seeing the positive results of the CREATE initiative, I was keen to further support the sustained development of assistive technology projects that I know are having a meaningful impact on people with disabilities. Digital and Assistive Technologies enable people with disabilities to live more independent lives and I am proud of having the opportunity to help progress this initiative. There is such scope to invest and support the development of assistive technology programme and initiatives, and it is certainly an area I will be looking to fund further in 2024.”
Dr Rosemary Gowran, HSE Clinical Lead National Clinical Programme for People with Disability said:
"Assistive Technology is a gateway to enhancing health, inclusion, wellbeing and participation. The National Clinical Programme for People with Disability, working to support the implementation of the UNCRPD, is delighted that funding has been made available to support an implementation phase of Digital and Assistive Technology demonstrator projects funded in CREATE I in 2021.
"The intention of CREATE II, is to support the implementation CREATE I Digital and Assistive Technology demonstrator projects, connecting commonalities at local, regional and national levels toward long-term delivery and sustainability of assistive technology service innovations. One of the key aims of the CREATE initiative is to enable organisations to work collaboratively, to stimulate greater assistive technology systems improvements across sectors and in doing so make a significant contribution to Digital and Assistive Technology."
In recent years, Ireland has made great progress in developing a national and an international reputation in the field of Digital and Assistive Technology, notably through its collaboration with the World Health Organisation, with Minister Rabbitte commenting:
"Ireland’s contributions to this this area of digital and assistive technology cannot be understated, including our work with the World Health Organisation. We were involved in the development of the WHO’s Priority Assistive Products List which includes 50 priority assistive products, selected on the basis of widespread need and impact on a person’s life. Ireland was also involved with the launch of the WHO’s Global Report on Assistive Technology in 2022, when the then Taoiseach Micheál Martin delivered the key note address.
"CREATE projects support people across all age ranges with sensory, cognitive, physical, and intellectual disabilities, enabling them to contribute to their communities through work, leisure, and most importantly, through social participation."
The initial CREATE projects were reviewed by two HSE reviewers and two external reviewers with expertise in the area. The projects were scored based on: Project outcomes; Value to existing operations & CREATE aims; Activities Arising including outputs; Benefits; Impact for Persons receiving the Service and Project Sustainability.
The successful projects demonstrated enhancement of disability services and support for children and adults using services and multi-disciplinary staff developing and delivering services. Successful outcomes were presented which indicate meaningful use and application of DAT, improving AT competencies, building capacity and enhancing advocacy and awareness for digital and assistive technology. Many DAT services were developed and include for example AT libraries, education and training platforms, person-centred provision processes, utilisation of Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Assistive Technology and Health passport prototypes and multidisciplinary AT clinics.
The list of projects in receipt of funding for CREATE II are:
1. Vision Ireland (National Council for the blind (NCBI)
Project: Vision Van
Funding is allocated to support the development and sustainment of a Vision Van to reach the three tier locations nationally. Vision Ireland can take the office directly to the public, attend more events, engaging more with other organisations and employers. Reduce travel for service users by conducting mobile assistive technology assessments, clinics, device demos, training, and offering support and general information.
2. Stewarts Care
Project: Meaningful Daily Living
Stewarts care will use digital and assistive technology (DAT) to further promote the implementation of the Meaningful Day approach to service provision, through bespoke personalised DAT to promote Meaningful Day Planning for people with complex needs. Stewarts care will create customised Digital Assistive Technologies to enhance user participation and quality of life. A co-design approach is crucial to this, engaging individuals within their unique contexts. Additionally, Stewart’s care is devoted to creating a comprehensive Digital Assistive Technology Search Database, serving as a centralised source of information for users and caregivers.
3. Rehab Group
Project: Digital and Assistive Technology (DAT) Central - A National Approach
The Rehab Group will focus on a National Approach to development, education and training across sectors by expanding the reach of DAT Central internally in the Rehab Group by continuing to promote the services accepting new referrals from RehabCare and National Learning Network Services and collaboration with CREATE partners.
4. Brothers of Charity Ireland West Region
Project: Comprehensive Assistive Technology Framework
The Brothers of Charity Ireland West Region will work on the development of a Comprehensive Assistive Technology Framework which aligns with the organisations quality plan through increased accessibility of the AT Loan Library to people supported and staff with training development and delivery on assistive technology.
5. Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABII) *
Project: Specific DAT support for Brain Injury Survivor
ABII will continue work and develop programme and embed a suite outcome measurement tools that can be utilised nationally in order to support Brain Injury Survivors.
6. HSE Community Healthcare West CDNT CHO2
Project: Children’s Disability Network Teams - Assistive Technology Devices that Support Communication
HSE CDNT CHO2 will develop a template for Assistive Technology Devices that support communication (AAC) across CHO2 with the eventual objective to advise on a national rollout. The aim is to embed a framework through co-design for sustainability in to the day-to-day business of Children’s Disability Therapy Intervention Services within CHW that will ensure ACC and AT for communications is core to service delivery.
7. Enable Ireland
Project: AT Passport development and sustainability, reach and integrated network giving consideration to integration to National HSE infrastructure, overcoming complexities/GDPR/ National AT Ecosystem
Enable Ireland, in collaboration with several partner organisations, developed a Digital AT Passport prototype which will be refined to ensure optimum accessibility for all prospective digital AT users (those with low, medium and high support needs). This phase of development of the digital AT Passport will focus on low-cost high-impact solutions, which can be updated as people transition through their lives, either clinically (for example, symptoms evolving) or as they move through life stages from education to employment and independent living.
8. St Michael's House
Project: Health Passport for People with an Intellectual Disability development and sustainability, reach and integrated network
St Michael’s House will determine the national way forward for the Health Passport for People with an Intellectual Disability development and sustainability, reach and integrated network giving consideration to integration to National HSE infrastructure, overcoming complexities /GDPR/ National AT Ecosystem. This project is also aligned national policies to include Sláintecare, All Ireland Digital Capability Framework, WHO Global AT Policy, Adult Digital Literacy Strategy, Health Information Bill, ADM / Capacity Act, Shaping the Future of Disability Nursing.
9. HSE Disability Services CHO8 Longford/Westmeath
Project: Housing and Assistive Technology Advocacy & Awareness for County Councils
Description: The funding will enable follow up with people with disability living in private/HAP or local authority housing from the original pilot project. Key stakeholders will be engaged in co-design process and producing a report, resources and signposting materials for County Councils nationally when planning for accessible housing, equipped with appropriate assistive technology to meet individual requirements.