What is the iCARE Limited?
Inishowen Childrens Autism Related Education, (iCARE) Ltd exists to support autistic individuals and their families in the Inishowen area. Established in September 2000 by a small group of parents, we work to break down barriers and promote inclusion. We are committed to advocating for our members and ensuring equity of opportunity for all. In the initial years the organisation focused on support, lobbying, training and education with great success. One of the key achievements of iCARE Ltd is the establishment of the iCARE Centre located in Buncrana County Donegal in 2007 and the purchase of the land that we are based on in 2013. More recently in 2020, we established our adult service, iADULT. We are indebted to our local community for the ongoing support they give us. The community has supported us for the past 23 years and we could not continue without it.
What do we do?
The organisation prides itself on its person-centred approach. Throughout our organisation we consider it vital that we get to know the autistic person and understand how their autism impacts on their life. Every autistic person is unique and their autism impacts on them uniquely.
At iCARE Ltd we believe that everyone should have equal access to our supports. We understand that undergoing the process of getting a diagnosis for a child can be a very difficult time. So, whether you have recently had a diagnosis, are undergoing the process or if your child was diagnosed some time ago, you are still more than welcome to become a member of iCARE and avail of the various supports we can offer.
Our centre operates 6 days per week, Mon-Sat. We provide after school sessions, a Saturday club and school holiday programmes. We have a youth club for young people aged 11+ called Sonas. This gives our young people a chance to meet others, form friendships and enjoy social activities with their peers. We also hold a parent support group every Monday morning during term time.
Please check our Facebook page for daily activities and events or contact our iCARE Coordinator Niamh Clerkin on 083 095 6007 for further information.
Organisational Structure
Board of Directors 2023/2024
iCARE Ltd is a company limited by guarantee not having a capital share, with a charity status.
Chairperson of Directors
Doreen Friel
Vice Chairperson
Liam Galbraith
Secretary of Directors
Kathleen Gill
Assistant Secretary
Bernie Galligan
Treasurer
George McLaughlin
PR
Aine Deeney
Directors
Margaret Farren