For more than 75 years, Rehab Group has been supporting people across Ireland to live independently, access education, build skills, find employment, and participate fully in their communities.
In a fascinating interview on Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Ciara Heffernan, Senior Communications Officer at Rehab Group, about the organisation’s remarkable history, the wide range of services it provides, and its ongoing commitment to empowering people with disabilities and other support needs.
Ciara explained that Rehab Group’s story began in 1949 when a small group of people recovering from tuberculosis were supported through sheltered employment in Dublin. What started with just eleven participants has grown into one of Ireland’s largest disability service providers, supporting approximately 13,000 people through more than 250 centres nationwide.
“It’s really changed over the years,” Ciara explained. “It began with supported employment, but today we provide education, training, health and social care services, advocacy, respite supports and much more.”
One of the key topics discussed was the National Learning Network (NLN), Rehab Group’s training and education service. The programme supports people who may find it difficult to access mainstream education due to disability, mental health challenges, autism, acquired brain injuries, social anxiety, or other barriers.
Ciara highlighted that NLN is about far more than qualifications.
“People often tell us they found their tribe in National Learning Network,” she said. “It’s a place where people can build confidence, make friends, develop skills and discover their potential.”
The conversation also explored Rehab Group’s extensive health and social care supports. These services include day programmes, respite care, home support services, independent living assistance and person-centred programmes designed around each individual’s goals and aspirations.
Ciara emphasised that every person’s journey is different.
“Everything we do is centred around the person,” she explained. “It’s about supporting people to achieve the goals that matter to them.”
The interview also focused on the importance of advocacy. Rehab Group works closely with people with disabilities to address barriers in everyday life, including transport accessibility, access to services, education, employment opportunities and community participation.
Transport remains one of the biggest challenges for many people, particularly those living outside major urban areas.
“There are still significant barriers that people face every day,” Ciara noted. “Advocacy helps ensure those voices are heard.”
Throughout the conversation, Ciara spoke passionately about the importance of inclusion, independence and ensuring people have opportunities to participate fully in society.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of fundraising initiatives, which help provide specialist equipment, accessibility improvements and additional resources that improve the lives of service users across Ireland.
Topics discussed include:
- The history and growth of Rehab Group
- National Learning Network training programmes
- Disability support and health services
- Independent living and community participation
- Advocacy and accessibility
- Employment supports
- Family and respite services
- Transport and inclusion challenges
- Fundraising and community involvement
🌐 Website: https://www.rehab.ie
📧 Email: info@rehab.ie
Read more: Empowerment, Education and Employment — Ciara Heffernan of Rehab Group, Changing Lives, Building Independence: Ciara Heffernan on the Work of Rehab Ireland
This inspiring conversation demonstrates how the right support, opportunities and advocacy can help people build confidence, independence and meaningful connections within their communities.
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
Tune in to Disability Matters Thursdays at 4PM | Repeats: Mon 3AM, Tue 3AM & 7AM | Also available on Mixcloud and on bcil.ie/radio.
Compiled by Valentyna Hordiichuk