Rhode man runs 100km for 100k

Sunday 1sty April was a day for heroes and inspiration in the village of Rhode as local man Niall Murphy ran two and a half marathons in one day to raise funds for Irish Autism Action.   Hundreds of people lined the street and hundreds joined the forty year old PRO of Offaly GAA’s county board as he completed the ’100km for €100k for Autism’ on Offaly roads, starting at 8am as the frost cleared, and finishing after 7pm, as the evening sun went down.  Niall Murphy has a son, Ryan, who has autism so each lap he ran represented the a year of living with autism.  

But a delighted Niall took no credit for his incredible feat, preferring instead to heap praise on his community.  Niall said “The support for this event has been overwhelming, the village of Rhode and surrounding areas have come out in force to help raise funds for a charity that is close to my heart”.  Niall described the 7^th lap of his run as the most difficult as the heat was starting to overcome him and he no longer could take on any food or energy drink.  At the end of this lap he went in changed his gear and drank a cup of coffee before setting back out on his 8^th lap.  Despite feeling the soreness in his legs the inspirational crowds both in the village and around the course were the tonic to help him complete the challenge.  Niall is indebted to everybody who took part at so many different stages throughout the day, some people even doing two, three and four laps of the course.  Approximately 1,000 did the 10K lap over the course of the day as the people then gathered to the finish line to see Niall finish at 19.10pm a total of 10hrs 55minutes after beginning at Rhode GAA pitch at 8.15am that morning.  There were great scenes of elation and joy as Niall had finally completed his challenge.

Every €1 helps. Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/groups/100kfor100k or e-mail niall@autismireland.ie

To sponsor Niall for his amazing achievement go here. 

Mobile phones for iPads launches in UK!

Collect and recycle old mobile phones in return for great technology gifts while also helping Hearts & Minds (or Irish Autism Action) raise much needed funds to assist families touched by autism.

Mobile phone recycling is open to everyone. You don’t have to have a special needs child or be a member of Hearts & Minds (or Irish Autism Action)

UK website: http://www.heartsandmindsphones.co.uk/

Irish website: http://www.autismirelandphones.ie/

IAA national raffle winners!

The winning tickets for IAA's latest national raffle were pulled on Wednesday February 29th 2012:

The winners were:

1st Prize of €2,000 : Dave & Lee Moore, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.

2nd Prize of €1,000: Brid Galvin,  Waterville, Co. Kerry

3rd prize of €500 : S. Angland, Wilton, Cork.

Super Seller's Prize of €500: Dan Murphy, Carlow.

Congratulations to you all!
A big thank you to all of those who supported this year's raffle by selling tickets for us - it is very much appreciated.

Parent review of Convertible Classmate PC

by Deirdre.

The Convertible Classmate PC is available for 145 phones via Irish Autism Action mobile phone recycling scheme. 

The Convertible Classmate PC is an excellent piece of equipment for any child. As a mom I appreciate the built in protective cover on the outside of the device. The buttons on the keyboard have large letters/numbers which is excellent especially for children. The carry handle is an ingenious addition to the laptop and provides a very secure way to carry the device.

It also boasts a touch screen, on screen key board and comes complete with its own stylus. The screen can be turned around and flipped over to convert it into a tablet. It comes fully loaded with educational software and also an eReader. This is an excellent addition as it would allow the downloading of school books as ebooks. As a family we love our CCPC. In fact this review is being typed on it. 

One huge bonus about this little gem is the huge amount of storage space on it. Microsoft are currently working on a New operating system called Windows 8 which is due to be released in the fourth quarter of 2012. Alongside this they are currently creating apps for use on Windows 8. The CCPC boasts a 160 GB hard drive. That is a colossal amount of storage space considering the iPad comes with between 16 GB and 64 GB storage.

In conclusion I am very impressed with the Convertible Classmate PC.  It is easy to use and our son loves it. It is child friendly.  It is an invaluable piece of equipment in our home especially going forward with the coming of Window 8 and Windows apps. It would also be an invaluable tool in any classroom. A huge thumbs up from our Family. A massive thank you to IAA for giving us the opportunity to collect for it. A 5 star rating for a 5 star piece of equipment.

Oisins headshave by Keith Duffy

Oisin is 13 years old. 

This is his 

'Headshave by Keith Duffy' 

before, during and after! 

Oisin raised a total of €1454.50.

Well done Oisin.

Thank you Keith.

100 km for €100k for autism

Rhode man, Niall Murphy will take on the challenge of a lifetime on April 1 when he plans to run 100km non-stop in aid of Irish Autism Action (IAA) .

Niall, who also works as Fundraiser for the charity, has a son Ryan who has autism, so Niall fully understands the value of providing a quality service to all children with autism.

Runners will be given the opportunity to run 10km of the challenge with Niall on the day. There will be a launch night for the challenge in O’Tooles pub, Rhode, Offaly on Friday Jan 20 at 8pm.

Two well known Irish personalities who have lent their support to the challenge are Keith Duffy and Ray D’Arcy.

If you are interested in taking part, call Niall on 087-2305566.

if you wish to donate to this event, please click here

Understanding and teaching friendship skills workshop 17th Feb

Book form here.

Disclosure and increasing self-esteem workshop 18th Feb

Book form here.

The Big Red Bike Ride, June 2012

Double click to open in new window and enlarge.


To download a copy of the full brochure click here.

Happy Christmas from Irish Autism Action

The Irish Autism Action office will reopen on January 3rd.

 

The Irish Autism Action office will reopen on January 3rd.

Mobile Education Pack - Thinking inside the box!

I posted this photograph on the Irish Autism Action Facebook page during the week and asked the question "What is it?" Anyone close to the correct answer was entered into a draw and wins a mobile phone.

So, what IS it??

and who WON?

For more information telephone Geraldine on 01 4279790 or email geraldineP@BPI.ie.

What an iPad can do for special needs children.

Who won their mortgage paid for a year?

Irish Autism Action have been running a recycling mobile phone campaign for quite a while now. It has been hugely successful and we held the draw for the 'win your mortgage paid for a year' competition last night at the IAA 5th Masquerade Ball in the Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt.

There were 40,000 entries. Initially there were two prizes on offer, the mortgage draw and a family holiday. Given the large number of entries we also added in two iPads to bring the total number of prizes to 4.

WINNERS:

iPad2 - G Lynch, 72 Belcamp Grove, Dublin 17.

iPad2 - Owen Doyle, no address provided but we do have a phone number.

Holiday - Bryan McSweeney, 72 Kent Road, Ballyphehane, Cork.

Mortgage paid for a year - Stephen Murphy, Newbridge.

Stephen has been contacted as Keith Duffy phoned him at 1.40am, immediately after the draw, to share the good news. Stephen didn't answer and Keith left a message. Thankfully Stephen didn't think this was a joke and now knows that he has won this fabulous prize.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Some facts and figures:

The mobile phone recycling campaign has raised €254,000 to date. €184,000 of this has been given directly to familys in the form of technoloy, providing 413 families with an iPad for their child with autism. €70,000 has been given to Irish Autism Action as part of the fundraising agreement.

The campaign will run for another year, with the next 'Win your mortgage paid for a year' draw in December 2012. Keep watching because we have some exciting technology options on the way!

A big thank you to BPI Telecom for this initiative, especially to Geraldine and Brian.

Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball - Saturday 3rd December

Irish Autism Action celebrates our 10th anniversary this year. We aim to celebrate in style and the 5th annual ball will be held in The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow. 

Entertainment on the night will be provided by magician/illusionist KeithBarry and singers Brian Kennedy and Ryan Sheridan. We will also have the Gospel Choir and Cole Page performingthroughout dinner.

Ritz Carlton have kindly provided us with a heavily discountedrate of €139 for B&B  for twin and double rooms People attending the Ball need to make their reservations, asthe hotel will ask for a credit card number to hold the booking. The hotel’s number is  01274 8888.(Youneed to mention the Keith Duffy Ball and the discounted rate above). Rooms at this rate are limited so book early!

For those who cannot stay over, we will be providing shuttlebuses from approx 1am onwards, from the Ritz Carlton into the city centre, freeof charge!

We really hope you can make it this year as it’s promises to bea great evening and a great start to the Christmas party season!

Please contact Colette directly if you are interested in taking atable or individual places, colette@autismireland.ie.

Books for sale at IAA office

A World of Our Own, by Aileen McCallan
A mothers account of how autism challenged her family and changed her life.

Cost: €14.99

No Matter What, by Sandy Howarth 
“No Matter What” is different to other books written on the subject as it views Autism from every angle. Her book has been written to help parents, families and carers to cope with Autism while assisting medical staff, education authorities and researchers to gain a true understanding of the condition from a parent’s perspective.  Sandy’s book gives a positive approach to dealing with all the issues involved and looks to seeing a happier group of people in the future. Not to be drugged and forgotten but to be helped to achieve their maximum potential.  Through “No Matter What” the author hopes that parents will benefit from not just understanding Autism but how to cope with a life changing diagnosis.  The book outlines the struggles, the traumas, the guilt and denial but the emphasis is placed on love and hope and through the book Sandy wants to convey the message that “where there is love there is hope”.

Cost: €15

 ‘A Fiend like Simon’, by Kate Gaynor
Irish publishing house Special Stories Publishing in conjunction with Irish Autism Action has released an exciting and unique new children’s book focusing on young children with Autism/ASD.  The book is beautifully illustrated by Irish artist Caitriona Sweeney and is designed to introduce all children, especially those in mainstream school, to a child with ASD.  The story begins with Matthew greeting his new classmate Simon on his first day at a new school. When Mathew realises Simon is a little different to his other friends, he’s just not sure if he wants to have ‘a friend like Simon’. However, a school trip to the funfair soon helps to change his mind!  This new book will be a very welcome resource for Irish parents and teachers alike as an introduction to Autism/ASD for other young children.

Cost: €8.99


We can accept cheque, postal order, Laser or Visa.

Please call Sarah on 044 9331609 if you are interested in buying one of the books.

Irish Autism Action - Better Together!

This is our entry into the Better Together video competition.

This is the Youtube copy, the video entry and voting mechanism is available HERE. The charity that gets the most votes will win €3000 and there are some lovely entries.

Thank you to the parents who allowed me to include their fabulous children in the short clip. Enjoy!

Dublin Regional Meeting of Irish Autism Action

Date: Thursday 6^th October 2011

Venue: The Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street,Dublin 8

Time: 8pm to 10pm

Representatives for the following groups are encouraged toattend:

1. Stepping Stones
2. Barnacoyle
3. Red Door
4. Ballyowen Meadows
5. PALS
6. Jigsaw/D11
7. Charlesland ABA
8. Abacas Kilbarrack
9. Abacas Kilnamanagh
10. Kildare Autism Support Group
11. Bray Parents Group
12. Abaile Autism Support
13. Saplings Kill
14. Saplings Rathfarnham
15. Autism Lifecare Trust
16. Jonix
17. Jumping Jellybeans

18.   StPauls Special School Parents Association

19.   Hxarts

20.   AutismIreland

21.   MeathAutism Network

22.   Hereto There

Individual members from the following counties arewelcome to attend – Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Louth and Wicklow.   

IAA travel to Old Trafford in June 2011.

Saturday June 4^th will go down in history as one of the most memorable days for Irish Autism Action and in particular for those who are fans of Manchester United Football Club.  For the first time ever, The Old Trafford Pitch was opened up for use to a charity to raise funds.  Between Irish Autism Action and its UK Partner Hearts & Minds, they sold 6 teams to fundraise for people with autism and their families.  Mixed in with the die hard Manchester United fans who worshipped every moment spent on the pitch, in the dressing rooms, walking through the stadium, the museum etc. were legends of the game, Clayton Blackmore, David May, Lee Martin, Jimmy Case, Ian Brightwell, Ace Hartford, Eric Nixon, Liam O Brien and many more.  Also playing was GAA legend Bernard Flynn, Irish Autism Action Keith Duffy and his son Jordan who was possibly the player of the tournament, a host of Soap stars including Corrie’s Tyrone and The Royle Family star Ralf Little.

Following a reception in The Old Trafford Guest Lounge all 92 players made their way to the dressing rooms to get ready to walk out on to the sacred ground where they were greeted by none other than Sir Bobby Charlton.  Games got under way at 1pm. It was a wonderful 3 hours of football, albeit not at the highest level, but very entertaining in a different way. The game was followed by a gala dinner evening in the Evolution Suite at Old Trafford North Stand which overlooks the Theatre of Dreams.

Everybody that was there knew that it was an experience that they will never forget.  To see the Irish Autism Action Logo on all the digi boards around the pitch at Old Trafford was amazing....

Win a Resource Teacher for your school!!

Would you like to win a Resource Teacher for your School?

Irish Autism Action are offering Irish schools the opportunity to gain valuable resources such as interactive whiteboards, laptops, sporting equipment and a host of other gifts in exchange for the collection of old mobile phones. Not only is this kind to the environment but it also helps Irish Autism Action in its mission to raise the quality of life for individuals and their families affected by autism.

This year, any school collecting over 50 phones will be entered in to a prize draw where IAA will pay for a resource teacher / SNA / classroom assistant for 10hrs per week for the winning school for the 2012 school year!

To get you started, we will send out a starter pack consisting of a collection box, posters, collection bags and parent’s letter. All you need to do is send a letter and collection bag home with each student. They then deposit an old mobile phone in the bag with their name and address and return to the school. As an incentive for parents, all bags returned will be entered into a draw to have their mortgage paid for a year!

So there are lots of great reasons to support Irish Autism Action this year. If you have any questions or would like more information on how to partake, please email geraldineP@BPI.ie or phone on 01 427 9790.

Reward list:

Convertible Classmate PC 145 phones
Touchscreen 78" Interactive Whiteboard & kit 500 phones
Touchscreen 78" Interactive Whiteboard 300 phones
Benq Short-throw Projector 200 phones
15" Dell laptop 100 phones
Ken-a-vision Easi-view Visualiser 40 phones
Apple iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi 165 phones
Samaritan PAD Defibrillator 250 phones
€100 O'Neills voucher 35 phones
€100 schoolbooks.ie voucher 35 phones
5 hrs SNA per week for one year - 2000 phones


There is also a cash for phones option for phones collected to go towards anything your school may require, such as:


School field trip
Occupational Therapy equipment
Arts & Crafts equipment
Library books

If there is something your school needs that is not on our list? No problem, we will get it for you. Just talk to Geraldine on geraldineP@BPI.ie about it. 

DJ night, The Village Inn, Finglas

What: DJ night

When: Friday October 7^th 2011

Where: The Village Inn, Finglas

Cost: €5 per ticket, 

Time: From 8.30 to 12.30

All funds collected at the door will go to Irish Autism Action

Thanks to Eric for organising this event.