Jacob Launches Comprehensive Disability Directory for Wicklow

A comprehensive and invaluable directory on disability services in County Wicklow was launched in Arklow this morning by Minister of State Joe Jacob. The launch was part of an Information Day on disabilities and services available across the county.

Minister Jacob said that the directory provides an invaluable source of information, not only for those challenged with the

Joe Jacob with representatives of the Eastern Area Health Board

courageous task of living with disabilities but also for their famililies and friends. `Information in itself is a very valuable asset but information as compiled in this comprehensive directory is also essential', he added.

`I am deeply impressed by the range of formats involved in the production of this directory with copies available in Braille, audio-visual cassettes, CD-ROMs and a web-based version. It is also intended to update the directory on an ongoing basis', he added.

The Arklow Bay hotel was packed for the event today which saw a variety of stands featuring the many disability services available in the county including Bray Cancer Support and Information Centre, East Coast Area Health Board, County Wicklow

Pat Bolger from Gorey who will take part in the special Olymics next year

Citizens Information Network, Bray Partnership, Arklow Community Enterprise, Wicklow Working Together and Wicklow Rural Partnership.

The Information Day, organised by Arklow Disability Action Group, also included details of the Special World Olympics that will take place in June 2003. Eight towns across County Wicklow will host teams from various parts of the world.

One of the participants, Pat Bolger from Gorey addressed the gathering this morning to tell how much the Games mean to disabled athletes and how they are helped greatly by various services like those available in Co. Wicklow.

Leonard Murphy from the Bank of Ireland who is in involved in organising the host towns said that the Games will be the biggest sporting event in the world next year and he felt that the presence of disabled athletes from various parts of the world will bring a greater awareness of the needs of the disabled to the people of Co. Wicklow.