The basic philosophy and ethos of the services provided to People with Autism is a recognition of the individuality of person with Autism and their capacity to benefit from education, training and care and their entitlement to participate in the development of Society in accordance with their individual capacity and dignity as human beings.
To this end the Irish Society for Autism is committed to providing services and creating home like environments where management and staff are aware of the individual needs of People with Autism and the wishes of their parents and work in harmony to achieve mutual respect and confidence in each other so that People with Autism in the service can prosper and develop in a stress free and pleasant ambiance.
Dunfirth Farm - a model in social care: Dunfirth Farm is a 70 acre farm situated 30 miles from Dublin close to the village of Johnstown Bridge in north Kildare. It has population of 34 People with Autism supported by approx 60 well trained dedicated staff.
Dunfirth Farm has 15 homes ranging from single self contained units to homes for up to four persons. Each person has their own personal bedroom where they are encouraged to furnish to their own personal taste. The personal privacy, dignity and choice of each individual is nurtured and cherished.
Dunfirth Farm has a range of outbuildings from a purpose designed and built enterprise centre where a range of activities are persued to five large poly tunnel growing tunnels and housing for livestock, cattle, goats, poultry and other domestic animals. The range of activities include:
Horticulture, farming, poultry, pottery, Woodwork, art and crafts. The recreation and leisure activities include cycling, walking, swimming and use of all local amenities.
Holidays and short breaks are part of the fabric of Dunfirth Farm. Our People with Autism and their key workers are well travelled – they have visited most counties in Ireland. Holidays have include visits to England, Scotland and Wales. Breaks in Spain, Portugal, Tunisia and France. We believe that our people with Autism should lead a stimulating and fulfilled life.
Cluain Farm: A 30 acre farm at Cluain, Kilwarden, Kinnegad. The new development now provides a service to 6 persons with Autism and when fully developed it will provide both day and residential services to 20 persons with Autism.
Moygrehan House and Farm, Athboy: This is a thirty acre farm in a delightful pastoral setting. The surroundings are peaceful and most conducive to the lifestyle of people with Autism. The main house has been completely refurbished and opened in 1999. Phase I of the development provides accommodation for six persons with Autism.
Sarshill House, Kilmore, Wexford: This beautiful old historic house has been completely refurbished and provides residential accommodation for up to six persons with Autism. There are some beautiful stone outbuildings in the grounds of Sarshill House which are ideal for conversion into ten self-contained apartments and a day activity centre.
All of these services are governed by the same philosophy and ethos as Dunfirth Farm, people with Autism are treated and respect and are protected by the implementation and adherence to the rights of People with Autism as set down in the Autism Europe Charter of Rights for People with Autism and are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Our vision is to embrace excellence through quality and safety for all within the Irish Society for Autism.
Services