The year 2015 appears to have passed so quickly, yet as I reflect on it, so many great things have happened for RESPECT and ultimately for people with intellectual disability and autism. My deep gratitude to all of you who have made this possible.
Our shop in Prussia Street, was totally refurbished and was officially re-opened by Diarmuid Connolly and “Sam” in November. The DOCTRID IV International conference was hosted by Queens University Belfast in April, where many academics and service providers gathered, in order to find new ways through technology to further enhance the quality of life for people with intellectual disability and autism. In September we welcomed our new ASSISTID research fellows and wish them well in their various areas of research into assistive technology and look forward to many new initiatives and developments to support people with ID and autism. We also look forward to welcoming our three “Hegarty Fellows” from Michigan State University, in early 2016.
Refurbishment has commenced on the “Cara Residential Centre” project at St Joseph’s, Clonsilla, and the residents are keeping a close eye on its progress and waiting eagerly to return to their new re-vamped homes.
My deep gratitude to the RESPECT Fundraising Board, the DOCTRID Board, all the staff in RESPECT, our many volunteers, families, supporters, and friends who continue to support us in various ways throughout the year.
Our fundraising challenges are great but together we can make them a reality. May I take this opportunity to wish you and all your loved ones, every blessing, peace and joy at this time and in the coming year.
God Bless.
