The No Barriers Foundation officially welcomed Minister Anne Rabbitte to their cutting-edge facility in Letterkenny yesterday.
This month marks five years of No Barriers providing much needed rehabilitation services to those living with a physical or intellectual disability in Donegal and beyond.
Minister Rabbitte, accompanied by expert Neuro Physiotherapist Marina Kennedy-Quick of No Barriers and Liam McBride, Gym Manager, toured the facility.
The tour showcased the assistive technology and specialized equipment used in empowering clients to reach their full health potential.
(L-R) Michael Margey, Micheal Gallagher, Liam Mc Bride, Sinead Martin, Peter Smyth, Niamh Hughes,
Fionnula Rabbitt, Ruairi Crealy, Minister Ann Rabbitte, Bridget Mc Ginley, Michael Mc Geehin, Ciara
Devenney, Johnny Loughrey, Niall Blaney, Rose Mc Nulty, Tracey Loughrey, David Hone, Eimear
Bianconi- Gibson, Gavin Boal, Sarah Mc Ginley, Marina Kennedy-Quick, Jason Quigley
The Minister had the chance to interact with clients and observe their rehabilitation sessions, and gain insights into their remarkable journeys toward recovery.
Speaking at the event, Johnny Loughrey, CEO of No Barriers Foundation, said: “We are delighted with the opportunity for the Minister to witness first-hand the remarkable efforts of the whole team here in removing barriers to health and exercise for people with disabilities in our community in Donegal.
“The Minister’s visit here today serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by Government institutions in supporting charities like No Barriers and we hope to continue to build on the existing relationship we have with the Minister and the HSE.”
Niamh Hughes (Operations Coordinator, No Barriers Foundation), Edel Quinn (Head of Disability Service
CH01, HSE) Johnny Loughrey (CEO and Founder of No Barriers Foundation), Minister Ann Rabbitte
(Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with special
responsibility for Disability), Michael Mc Geehin (Chairman of No Barriers Foundation and Director of
Sport Ireland Coaching) Michael Margey (Head of Business Faculty, Atlantic Technological University
and Board member of No Barriers Foundation)
The No Barriers Foundation was set up in 2017 with a vision to remove barriers to physical exercise for those living with a physical or intellectual disability. Having fundraised for the highly specialised exo-skeleton robotic suit, the first walk took place five years ago in 2018.
Since then, the foundation has grown in strength and offers one-to-one rehabilitation and exercise therapy, group classes, health and wellbeing programs and a magnificent gym; No Barriers Fitness.
The team consists of highly skilled team of neuro physios, strength and conditioning coaches and coordination staff who work daily with a broad range of clients, predominantly those with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, Parkinson’s, MS, stroke among others.
They also have a large range of specialised equipment to provide clients with an excellent foundation for rehabilitation.
Johnny Loughry (CEO and founder of No Barriers Foundation), David Hone (Exercise Therapy
Lead), Rose Mc Nulty (No Barriers Foundation client) Minister Ann Rabbitte Minister of State at the
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with special responsibility for
Disability and Marina Kennedy-Quick (Service Coordinator and Clinical Lead)
Speaking during the event, Minister Rabbitte said: “No Barriers have created a really unique environment here, the adaptive equipment and team of health professionals, means that people with disabilities can train side-by-side with other gym members, improving their physical and mental health, fostering independence and feeling included in regular community and peer activity.
“That is transformational and a true expression of inclusion.
“What we celebrate here today as being special should be the standard everywhere.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how my Department can support and enhance No Barriers into the future to ensure we can sustain such a top class service for the people of Donegal.”
To find out more information on Neuro rehabilitation services or gym memberships, visit www.nobarriers.ie and www.nobarriersfitness.ie.
