Shamrock Squad Adventures is a community of Special Needs Families on the mission to make outdoors accessible for all needs. Their most recent event was a 5km walk on the Cloonlarge Loop, Kilteevan.

The event was organised by Vika and Alina co-founders of the Squad in conjunction with Kilteevan Tidy Towns.

The walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Stories were told, information on wildlife and local history was shared. Lilliput Way was very much appreciated and Gulliver was a gigantic hit.

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Shamrock Squad are very environmentally aware group and offered to litter pick on the 5km route. The children, including wheelchair users worked enthusiastically during the walk.

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Padraic and Ellie, trainers with Leave No Trace Ireland accompanied the group on the hike. Padraic carried out a very interesting exercise with participants to highlight the importance of making good decisions to protect nature and the environment.

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Representatives from the following support groups were also in attendance Hidden Disabilities Ireland, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Family Carers Ireland and Decathlon Ireland. They shared very valuable information and resources.

Absolutely NO TRACE was left on this walk. All that was taken was photographs and litter.

After the walk, all returned to Kilteevan Community Centre to enjoy prepacked, healthy lunches and refreshments provided by the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co.Clare. Thanks goes to Carol Proctor Photography for capturing precious memories.

A member of Kilteevan Tidy Towns commented “our encounter with the Shamrock Squad was an eye-opener. “We experienced a model of outstanding, inclusive, holistic, caring, practice from start to finish”.

Kilteevan Tidy Towns is committed to, reduced inequalities, good health, well-being and is looking forward to receiving feedback from The Shamrock Squad in order to make future walks more inclusive and enjoyable.

Grianmhar Bear on a Mission in Kilteevan

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 22:07

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We want to share some of our learning from the Shamrock Squad Special Needs Families Walk.

Hidden Disabilities

Some of us experience a disability that is visible. Many people have a non-visible condition

and some of us have combination of both visible and non-visible conditions.

Globally 1 in 7 of us live with a disability. That is approximately 1.3 billion people.

These can be physical, visual, auditory and respiratory. They can also be neurological such as autism and ADHD, learning difficulties, dementia and mental health conditions to name but a few.

What is the symbol for hidden disabilities?

The Sunflower is now becoming a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities or invisible disabilities. Sunflowers suggests brightness, happiness, strength and positivity.

Do People know this?

The Sunflower is gradually gaining a global presence across a broad range of sectors - ranging from retail, financial services, transport including airlines and airports, travel and tourism. Keep an eye out for it.

Why wear a Sunflower Lanyard, Bracelet or Pin?

People living with invisible disabilities often face barriers in their lives. Choosing to wear the Sunflower discreetly identifies the fact that the person may need support, a helping hand, or a little more time in shops, transport, or public spaces.

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Grianmhar Bear -What’s the Story?

Grianmhar Bear (meaning Sunny Bear) is travelling across Ireland and around the world to highlight the Hidden Disabilities Symbol. Thank you to Scott for bringing Grianmhar Bear all the way to Kilteevan and for placing it in Gulliver’s Hand. We are very grateful to you for sharing your story, information and resources with us.

You can find more information here https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/irl/

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