Organization
Irish Wheelchair Association(IWA)
The Irish Wheelchair Association is Ireland's leading representative organisation for people with physical disabilities, founded in 1960 and now serving over 20,000 members through 32 volunteer branches nationwide. It drives positive change through policy influence, quality direct services, and a commitment to universal accessibility and equal rights.
About
Founded in 1960 and headquartered at Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin, the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is Ireland's largest organisation of and for people with physical disabilities, with over 20,000 members and 2,000 volunteers across 32 branches. IWA has shaped disability policy in Ireland for more than six decades and remains a powerful voice for the rights of physically disabled people at national level.
What They Do
IWA provides a nationwide assisted living service supporting people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes, operates accessible community centres in every county, runs an accessible bus fleet, delivers a national driving assessment and training programme for disabled drivers, and manages wheelchair-accessible social housing. It campaigns actively for improved personal assistance funding, universal design in the built environment, and equal rights in Irish legislation and planning policy.
Who They Serve
People with physical disabilities across Ireland — particularly wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments requiring assisted living services — as well as their families, carers, and anyone seeking accessible transport, housing, or community support.
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