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Who are we?

Offaly Centre for Independent Living provide a Personal Assistance service to those who have a physical or sensory disability across County’s Laois and Offaly. Our clients are known as 'Leaders' because they direct or 'lead' the service in accordance to what they need help with. We believe in the philosophy of Independent Living, which empowers our Leaders to live their lives freely, to make their own choices and to enjoy life to the fullest. We provide advice and act as a consultancy organisation, which works towards enabling people with disabilities to be equal to everyone else in society, regarding choice, control, rights and full economic, social and cultural lives. We pride ourself with the following philosophy and mission statement:

“To empower and enable people with physical and sensory disabilities, to achieve independent living, equality and inclusion in mainstream society.”

Offaly Centre for Independent Living is a non-profit organisation located in the town of Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The centre first opened its doors in January 1996, and was established by Mr Michael Nestor, who became paralyzed following an accident at work, and his occupational therapist at the time, Maura Morgan. Maura is now the General Manager of Disability Services in the Midland region. Throughout the years, OCIL have extended to provide services for Leaders in County Laois as well as Offaly and continues to thrive in both communities. With over 100 Leaders and PAs to date, we hope to keep on growing and expanding to deliver a Personal Assistant service to those who wish to avail for the years to come.

We are one of 27 Centres for Independent Living operating throughout Ireland. Each Centre operates on an individual basis, though they all believe the same philosophy for Independent Living. CIL’s provide a wide range of services to people with disabilities nationwide and is primarily funded by Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Social Protection (DSP).

Here at OCIL, we embrace the Leaders and encourage them that life is what you make of it, the Personal Assistants are there to help them and be there for them every step of the way. The PAs are not just working for the Leaders and providing help and care, they are bonding and creating friendships.