Community Groups

ABACAS Special School Kilnamanagh is a non-denominational special school dedicated to supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and complex needs. The school provides a child-centred, evidence-based curriculum tailored to individual learning styles through Individual Education Plans (IEPs), relying on fundraising to provide essential therapies and resources.

Abacas Special School is dedicated to empowering students with autism and co-occurring intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential. Through personalized student plans, early intervention programs, and a high staff-to-student ratio, the school fosters a supportive, inclusive environment for students aged 3 to 18.

Abalta Special School is a dedicated educational institution for students aged 4 to 18 with autism and complex needs. Founded in 2001 by a group of parents in Galway, the school utilizes evidence-based teaching methodologies to provide inclusive, individualized education. Operating under the patronage of Autism Ireland, it has grown from an initial group of 6 students to a centre of excellence, with plans to expand into a new facility in Oranmore.

Ardee Community School is a co-educational, multi-denominational post-primary school established in 1974. It serves as a hub for the local community, providing a comprehensive curriculum and fostering holistic development through academic, sporting, musical, and dramatic disciplines, while actively engaging in charity work, student support, and community initiatives.

Athlone Community College is a co-educational, multicultural post-primary school under the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board. The school fosters community values and academic excellence, preparing students for the real world through a holistic education that emphasizes character, resilience, and social responsibility. It serves as a vibrant hub for the Athlone community, encouraging partnership between students, parents, and the wider public.

Autism Supports, founded by Ciara Watson, provides specialized neurodivergent support services across Ireland. The organization offers expert guidance, post-diagnosis support, and bespoke training for parents, early years practitioners, teachers, and SNAs. By bridging the gap between clinical theory and practical application, they empower neurodivergent individuals and their families to thrive through personalized programs, webinars, and community-based advocacy.

Ballymahon Vocational School is a state, co-educational, multidenominational school under the patronage of LWETB. Serving the community since the 1960s, it provides secondary education, vocational training, and comprehensive academic and social support. The school fosters an inclusive environment guided by the motto 'Where the individual matters,' and actively promotes student voice through initiatives like the Student Council, Student Mentor Programme, and Digital Leaders Programme.

Ballyowen Meadows Special School provides specialist education for pupils aged 4 to 12 with autistic spectrum disorders, alongside an Early Intervention Pre-School class for children aged 3 to 5. The school is committed to holistic development, integrating movement, sports, and environmental sustainability into the curriculum to foster independence and student health.

Barrow Training & Consultancy is a leading Irish provider of accredited blended learning courses, specializing in healthcare, childcare, management, and health & safety. Founded in 2008, the organization is dedicated to professional and personal development, serving over 10,000 students nationwide through flexible, learner-centered education.

Benincasa Special School, located in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, provides a supportive and caring learning environment for children aged 5 to 16. Through an individualised approach to education that combines academic learning, creativity, and personal development, the school empowers students to reach their full potential, building confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. The school actively works to bridge the digital divide for learners at risk of educational disadvantage, leveraging national and European funding to provide essential digital supports.

Boyne Community School, based in Trim, Co. Meath, is a progressive educational institution committed to the holistic development of its students. Operating under the motto 'Meas, Mórtas, Muintearas' (Respect, Pride, Belonging), the school provides a comprehensive range of post-primary programmes, including Junior Cycle, Transition Year, and Leaving Certificate pathways, while actively fostering an inclusive environment through initiatives like the Cúan Slàn classroom for students on the autism spectrum and various community-focused fundraising and sustainability projects.

Bridge the Gap Learning Specialists provides specialized educational and developmental support for students struggling with academic and social challenges, including Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, ADD, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia. Managed by Katherine Brennan, the organization offers tailored programmes, assessments, and one-to-one sessions focusing on literacy, numeracy, independence skills, and functional communication.

Cabinteely Community School is a co-educational community school established in 1963. It provides a comprehensive secondary education, integrating academic curriculum with pastoral care, sports, and arts programs. The school is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes students of all ethnicities, abilities, genders, and faith traditions, guided by the core values of care, courage, and support.

The Callan Institute, part of Saint John of God Community Services, is dedicated to promoting positive practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities and behavioural support needs. Through frameworks like Multi-Element Behaviour Support (MEBS) and the RUA (Raising Understanding and Awareness) initiative, the institute provides training, research, and assessment services to improve quality of life, foster relationships, and uphold human rights using a bio-psycho-social approach.

Cavan Autism Parents Support (C.A.P.S.) CLG is a registered charity and the first organization of its kind in Cavan, dedicated to supporting parents, carers, and children or young adults with autism. Run by parents, carers, and volunteers, the group provides a vital network of support through social mornings, seasonal camps, day trips, social clubs, and educational programs to foster inclusion and community connection.

Cara Junior School is a specialized educational institution established in 2011 to support pupils aged 4-12 years with a dual diagnosis of Autism and mild or moderate intellectual disability. Operating under the patronage of the Brothers of Charity, the school provides a pupil-centred learning environment that utilizes specialized methodologies such as TEACCH, PECS, and Lámh to deliver the Primary School Curriculum, ensuring each child develops according to their individual needs.