Bluestack Foundation

Name of Organisation

Bluestack Special Needs Foundation Ltd.

Telephone

074-9740828/074-9721025

Name Contact Person

Patrick McBrearty

Web-Site

www.bluestackfoundation.com

Address

Bluestack House

The Glebe

Donegal Town

Co. Donegal

E-Mail

info@bluestackfoundation.com

ABOUT US

Who are you?

My name is Patrick McBrearty. My background is a financial consultant. I have a daughter Áine who has Down Syndrome. She is nine years old and is my inspiration for the Bluestack Foundation.

What is your position?

I am a Director of the Bluestack Foundation.

What is your organisation/company?

The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation Ltd.(Bluestack Foundation) was set up by the Magee Bluestack Challenge Committee who, since 2002 has organised a sponsored hill walk to raise much needed funds for people with Special Needs. A walk was organised in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009 raising in excess of €770,000. A large percentage of the money raised has been donated to local charities that support children and adults with Special Needs. The remaining funds were utilised by the Bluestack Foundation to purchase a building, access appropriate resources and to attract additional finance to meet the aims and objectives of the Foundation.

The Bluestack Foundation is a voluntary, not for profit organisation run predominately by parents of children with Special Needs and professionals who not only work, but have a personal interest in the field.

The Bluestack Foundation supports a registered family base of 200 families. This is growing on a weekly basis as more families are becoming aware of the benefits of being registered to the organisation.

Since 2006 the Bluestack Foundation was incorporated as a “Company Limited by Guarantee and Not having Share Capital.” The name is the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation Limited. More commonly known as, the Bluestack Foundation. The Bluestack Foundation is a registered Charity. CHY 16694.

Where do you operate geographically?

We have a building purchased in Donegal Town, however we have a registered family base of 200 families from all areas in Co. Donegal

What is you Mission Statement?

“To enhance the lives of people with Special Needs.”

By providing timely, pertinent and caring services to families with a special need dependant. Empowering all to be treated equally, offered equal opportunities and supported in their quest to reach their full potential.

What is your organisation philosophy?

We see an inclusive community facility that offers a range of services and supports initially to families who have a dependant with special needs, growing in to a range of supports and services, for the community at large, being supported and organised by people who have a special need. We are fully committed to raising the funds necessary to achieve our vision. We are committed to bringing the special need dependant to the fore of community life.

We strongly believe:

• People with special needs, regardless of their “need” should be fully included in the life of the community with their families.
• Stigma and discrimination associated with special needs can be eliminated.
• Families need to “feel” supported
• The frustrations associated with securing adequate assessment and early intervention can be eliminated.
• All organisations, government and non governmental can work in partnership to achieve the common purpose.
• The wider community needs to be encouraged to recognise ability and not disability. To recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution that can and is being made by people with a special need/disability, and to appreciate the perspective they bring to our lives.

ABOUT OUR SERVICE

Describe the type of service you deliver

Centre

The Bluestack Foundation has purchased a building. It is intended that initially the centre will be used to house the many services that the Foundation want to offer, to act as a catalyst for social inclusion, and ultimately become a community facility supported and managed by people with special needs.

We aim to provide a range of services to families who have a dependant with special needs, with the intention of opening many of these services up to the community at large and thus creating a stimulus for organic inclusion, this will take time as we are in the early stages.

Annual Conference

Our conference annually is to be on topical issues related to our member family’s needs.

The Foundation organised and facilitated our first Conference which was held in September 2009 called “Is That My Child”. Dr Robin Pauc from the Tinsley House clinic addressed the conference, other guests speakers included Grainne Gilmartin, Nutritionist from the Wellness Centre Sligo and Declan Sweeney (RDI programme) from ReConnect based in Co. Wicklow

Resource Library

We are in the process of gathering a number of different resources to include books, toys, equipment etc. which is commonly used by our members. It is envisaged that the resources could be let out to families rather than the families having to purchase every item they may need.

Speech Therapy

From research with our member group lack of speech therapy provision has been one of the main highlighted findings. The Foundation currently employs a full time speech therapist who is experienced in working with people with special needs. The speech therapist offers intensive, centre and home based support to families that is timely and relevant to their dependant.

Music Therapy  Sessions

These will be offered in a way that is specifically tailored to suit the individual special needs of our members.

Art Therapy Sessions

Art therapy is a non verbal communication, and will commence after Easter.

Annual Christmas Party

The first of these parties was held in 2007, it is a fantastic occasion that allowed our clients to meet each other, network and realise that they are not alone. Both children and adults thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Sibling Support Programme

A partnership has been established with St. Angela’s College Sligo to investigate the feasibility of developing an educational and training programme for the siblings of people with special needs. It has led to an accredited programme of support and education called the Buddy Programme. The Bluestack Foundation is committed to recognising the challenges faced by siblings and identifying relevant and timely interventions.

Buddy Programme

The Buddy programme is due to commence in April 2010.

The Buddy scheme is a befriending project for people aged 15-18 that matches volunteers and participants with special needs so that they can enjoy their social time and leisure activities. This is a cross border project with our partners from the Foyle Parents and Friends Association, sponsored by the Peace 111 programme.

Kids Autism Club

Local parents and their children with Autism are due to commence a leisure evening after Easter in the Bluestack Foundation centre.

HSE

Close links have already been established with the HSE. In the near future in conjunction with the HSE, we aim to offer leisure and social activities to adults with special needs. Firstly, we need to source volunteers and provide suitable training before this is viable.

Garda Vetting Network

The Bluestack Foundation is one of the lead organisations with regard to Garda Vetting. We are registered to provide this for other organisations.

Who are your typical clients/service users?

Children and adults with special needs, their parents, families and carers.

What makes your service different to that provided by others?

Co. Donegal is unique as in the services for children and adults with special needs are provided by HSE West. The rest of the country has also charitable and voluntary organisations that provide these services and therefore we are one of the first charitable organisations to provide services to people with special needs. We aim to enhance the services that the HSE provide and introduce new opportunities to children and adults with special needs, their parents, families and carers.

What is your specific expertise?

The Bluestack Foundation is predominately run by parents of children and adults with special needs and professionals who not only work, but have a personal interest in the field.

How long are you involved in the sector?

I have been involved in the sector since the birth of my daughter in 2001.

How would you like to interact with other providers in future (if applicable)?

Yes it would be great to have opportunities to share ideas and see what other providers are doing.

Other comments you wish to make

None