The word "Arch" means Association of Recreational Clubs for Handicapped Children. Prior to 1990 there were no facilities of any kind in Portmarnock or the local area for young people with disabilities. In fact, no documentation existed anywhere that would show accurately the number of people involved or indicate their type and range of handicap. Individual families were keenly aware of the lack of facilities and especially aware of the lack of social outlets. Young people came home from special schools or day care centres and were confined to their own family circle. Social integration which is important for those with a disability was very limited and all of this placed a great burden on the families involved and more often than not on the mother.

In spring 1990 a group of parents founded Portmarnock integrated Arch Club and things began to change immediately for the better. Membership was and is open to all young people with a disability in the locality and to a proportionate number of their able-bodied to peers. A group of teenagers act as leaders in the club and it is supervised by adults on a rota basis. For the sake of continuity a coordinator is in charge of the day to day organisation of activities,trips etc. The club affiliated to The Arch Federation of Ireland and is run by a committee of parents and friends. A special fund raising sub-committee has taken on the onerous task of raising money for future development of the club.

The club meets every Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Thursday evening. Supported by their able-bodied friends the special children and teenagers swim, play football, snooker, rounders, table tennis etc. Some like arts and crafts, some like listening to music and others just like to chat. During the School Holidays - the Club organises various projects which may be held in the prefab - this is not only an enormous benefit to the Members but also to the parents of the special children who can gain some respite during these particular weeks. Respite weekends are also organised throughout the year at various locations. Summer projects are also held during the months of July and August. In setting up activities great emphasis is placed on ability rather than disability and every effort is made to help the youngsters develop their social skills. Warm friendships have developed through the club and it is true to say, that also through the club peoples attitudes have changed and the community has opened up to those among us who have a handicap.

Our long term plan is to build or buy a building suitable to our present purposes and that could be adapted to cater for long term needs such as day care centre, work centre and respite centre. We work closely with the Eastern Health Board central Support Office in Swords and with agencies such as St. Michael's House, Central Remedial Clinic and the National Rehabilitation Board. This networking provides vital support for parents and their families. In a short time the families and their special sons and daughters have become very reliant on the club and in order that this good work might continue and to guarantee a service for the future we need a permanent headquarters.

For further information please contact:

Camillus Delahunty, 5 Strand Road.......8460385.

Patricia Riordan, 1 Portmarnock Crescent....8461885

"Caring for people with special needs"

by Room 11