Disabled People of Clare - DPOC - Ireland

Chairman’s Address

Ireland is located on the most western tip of Europe. It has a population of approximately 4.2 million people.  Clare is one of its most well known counties especially when it comes to Irish traditional music. There are substantial numbers of people with varying disabilities living in the county and hence the reason for the organisation.    

The Council, Management, and Staff of the Disabled People of Clare would like to welcome you to the organisation website. We hope you will find it informative and useful.

The organisation was founded in 1992. It was legally incorporated as a company in May 1995.  It has a council of up to 20 people with disabilities elected yearly at the organisation annual general meeting. The organisation constitution provides that two non- disabled people may also serve on the council as associate members.

However as of yet able-bodied people do not have any voting power in council decisions.  It has to be said that without the support of non- disabled people the organisation would not be as strong or vibrant as it is today. This support of non disabled- people is most clearly illustrated by the numerous working relationships that the organisation has built up since its foundation. It is as a result of these relationships that the organisation has become mature and a huge force to be reckoned with in terms of disability in Clare. 

We welcome contact with disabled people and members of the public through this website or by any other means. One of the organisations strongest expectations for this website is that it will be used by disabled people as an information point.  As volunteers working with the D.P.O.C on an ongoing basis we have first hand experience of what the lack of precise and clear information provision can mean to people with disabilities. As a result of this the organisation started to roll out information and support services. These services include day-place programmes that can be designed to meet particular needs as and when they arise, and advocacy services These services are accessed via telephone calls and visits to the office.  The organisation also runs a wheelchair accessible transport service. This service operates from 9am/5pm Monday/Friday inclusive.

The Organisation can be contacted on tel 065 6843488 or by e-mail: info@dpoc.ie

Tom King
Chair, Disabled People of Clare