Lucan Disability Action Group: Providing Services to People who are Blind or Vision Impaired
Lucan Disability Action Group (LDAG) is an organisation whose aim is to help people with disabilities achieve independent living, and participate in social and economic life. As well as providing a forum for people with disabilities, LDAG provides a number of services which would be of use to people who are blind or vision impaired.
LDAG currently have over 280 members from Ballyfermot, Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Celbridge, Clondalkin, Clonsilla, Crumlin, Drimnagh, Finglas, Kilcock, Kimmage, Leixlip, Lucan, Maynooth, Palmerstown and Tallaght. Membership of LDAG is free and new members are welcome.
An accessible door-to-door transport service for members is available from Monday to Sunday from 8am – 10pm. There is an initial call-out charge which includes the first 5 kilometres and then a charge for each additional kilometre. LDAG drivers are very experienced, reliable and caring and will ensure you get to your destination on time. Members and their families and friends can also borrow accessible cars for a day or longer. The driver must be over 25 years of age and have a full driving licence. There is a daily charge to cover insurance and service costs.
Third level students with disabilities can contact the Disability Support Service in their respective universities for information on working with a personal assistant or note taker. LDAG interview and run a Garda check on all prospective personal assistants and note takers and ensure that all students are matched with the best possible candidate.
Another useful service for NCBI members provided by LDAG is the light maintenance service. Tasks such as painting, gardening and minor DIY can be carried out free of charge.
If you would like to become a member of LDAG or would like further information on services, please contact:
Lucan Disability Action Group, Unit 24 Hills Industrial Estate, Lucan, Co. Dublin Tel: 01-6100475 Email: info@ldag.ie** Website: www.ldag.ie**
Wednesday Evening Swimming Sessions
The Social Club of the National League of the Blind organise weekly Wednesday evening swimming sessions at Belvedere College from 7 to 8pm at a cost of €5 per week. The group meet at the League’s premises, at 21 Hill Street, five minutes walk from Parnell Square, for an informal chat before making their way to the pool for the session. Two lifeguards are provided by the Dublin Vocational Education Committee.
The swimming sessions have been going for nearly thirty years. Philip Doyle participates in the sessions and says, “It’s pleasant and convivial with lots of fun and banter, but we are in need of new members to keep going”.
The swimming sessions are a much-needed opportunity for physical exercise. This is especially the case for older people, who have fewer athletic opportunities and currently make up the majority of the swimmers.
If you are interested in getting involved in swimming, or if you know someone who may be interested, please contact the organiser, Veronica Coffey on 087 6201836.