The Galway Association (Galway County Association for Mentally Handicapped Children) has officially adopted Ability West - ?irim an Iarthair as its new identity.

Pictured at Blackrock House, Salthill are Padraic Lawless, Chairman Ability West and Caroline McDonogh, Service User unveiling a wall placque with Ability West's new identity. Photograph by Aengus McMahon

The new identity was chosen from a competition, which received almost 200 entries from service users, their families, board and branch members, staff, volunteers and friends of the Galway Association. It was unveiled at a ceremony at its headquarters in Blackrock House, Salthill on Monday, 24 September.

Announcing the new identity, Breda Crehan Roche, Chief Executive of Ability West - ?irim an Iarthair said the name represented their goal of empowering the disabled.

"We are dedicated to enabling people with an intellectual disability to realise their dreams and ambitions. Our new name 'Ability West - ?irim an Iarthair' underpins our goal of empowering people in the west of Ireland to live their lives to their full potential and take their rightful place in society. Person centred service provision is central to design of our new name and logo.

"Providing services and supports to people with an intellectual disability since 1962, we currently provides services to over 435 service users in schools, day services, residential services, group homes and respite centres throughout Galway City and County. We celebrate our 45th anniversary later this year," she continued.

"As Ability West - ?irim an Iarthair, we will embrace the challenges ahead and continue to work in partnership with the Health Service Executive and the various Government departments to ensure the best service provision for the future."

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