Children in the autism unit at Scoil Mhuire and Treasa are now developing life skills and independence through new learning programmes and teaching methods, thanks to funding of €10,000 from AIB Swinford.
The funding, awarded under the AIB Better Ireland Programme, has allowed the unit to offer the children the opportunity to have individual swimming lessons, ride specially adapted bicycles, and learn through computers with specialised software.
The autism unit was set up in 2002 to provide access for local children with autism to appropriate education and to help them develop their skills and independence. The autism unit at the school currently has six children attending. The unit also establishes a diet and exercise programme to enable the children to make healthy choices to lead a better quality of life.
Speaking about the school, Kathleen Kearney, assistant manager, AIB Swinford, said: “We would like to congratulate the autism unit at Scoil Muire and Treasa for purchasing this fantastic equipment. It’s great to see at first hand how AIB’s funding of €10,000 is being used, and what a positive impact it is having on the children in the unit. At AIB Swinford, we’re delighted to be supporting this worthwhile local project, which is one of the 185 projects supported nationwide by the AIB Better Ireland Programme in 2008.”
Log onto www.aib.ie/betterireland for the full list of 185 winning groups.
