The disability charity, Enable Ireland, has reassured people that it is continuing to support those with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charity provides services to over 8,500 children and adults with disabilities in 15 counties and it reassured people that its staff are continuing to provide essential residential, respite, community living and family supports "in a way that is safe for all".

"Where we can't provide face-to-face support, our staff are finding creative and innovative ways to deliver clinical and therapy support for children and their families in key areas like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.

"We've delivered therapy sessions via video and provided home support programmes over email, or in some cases, hand delivered support packs to people's homes," the charity explained.

It noted that in relation to adult services, staff have come up with a number of creative ways of supporting people, such as online tai chi, make-up lessons and musical therapy groups

"Ongoing contact and support is vital at a time when many people with disabilities are feeling very anxious and vulnerable to COVID-19. We are using technologies like Facebook groups and video conferencing to stay connected and provide supports," the charity said.

It is also working in partnership with the HSE to provide more home support packages and to offer longer respite breaks in line with service needs.

"We've had a great response from parents and adults who appreciate the support during this time when everyone is confined to home," commented Enable Ireland CEO, John O'Sullivan.

Clinical and therapy staff including psychologists, speech and language therapists, and physiotherapists have put together resource packs for families, which the charity is making available to all parents. These can be viewed here.

Meanwhile, as a result of COVID-19, the charity has had to postpone all fundraising events and temporarily close its 21 charity shops. As a result, it is now facing a potential loss of €1.5million in income this year.

The charity is appealing to the public to support vital disability services by donating online here.

For more information on Enable Ireland, click here.