New National Learning Network centre officially opened in Mayo

THE National Learning Network (NLN) officially opened its new centre for people with disabilities, at Linenhall Street, Castlebar, this afternoon (Monday). The opening was performed by Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

There was a large turnout at the fabulous new centre, which will offer specialised, person-centred training courses in an inclusive environment for people with disabilities, autism, mental health challenges, and people recovering from an accident or illness.

The NLN continues to operate a training centre at Breaffy Road, Castlebar, which has supported hundreds of students over many years.

The new centre, on Linenhall Street, will offer HSE funded training courses with the added advantage of the central setting, which enables students with additional needs to make connections in the heart of the community in Castlebar.

Minister Naughton said: “It is a fantastic new facility for the National Learning Network in the heart of Castlebar town, and I think what is really important about this service is that it is based here in the community.

"The centre provides education, rehabilitative training and vocational training to people with disabilities. I want to commend the staff who work here in the facility, and the huge work that they have put into this day centre and learning centre. It is very apt that they have this beautiful, bright new facility.

“What I want to do as minster with responsibility for disability is to make sure that we are rolling out infrastructure like this. There is a lot of really good work done in day centres and training centres across the country, but we need to do so much more.

"I have met some of the parents here today and they have said that this centre is transformational in their lives, when their son or daughter can come here and learn life skills, such as taking public transport and managing their finances. Their son or daughter can now go to college, go into training, and to be able to live independently as well.

“We have a national strategy now, which is an all of government strategy, where every minister has a role to make sure they are meeting their targets on disability. That includes housing, education, healthcare supports and social welfare payments.”

Minister Naughton said the new centre will also help people with disabilities get employment in the local community.

“It is really important that people with disabilities are part of the community and that they can get that work experience in the local café and get a job with local businesses," she said. "Employers can get supports from disability services like this to help someone with a disability to start off with a job and to make sure that job is a success.

“This is all about community, and the value that people with disabilities have in our communities. It is also important that people with disabilities live the lives that they wish to live, and to live independently and that they can realise their potential.”