Youth FAQs

How do I join the IWA Youth Service?

IWA has youth activities across the country so you can click here to send us a request for more info.

You can also click here to find contact details to your nearest centre and they will be able to give you information on what the services they provide.

We have a list of youth activities across the country so click here to find info on what is going on in your area.

How do I get my own place?

People with disabilities often have very specific housing and accommodation requirements. There are a variety of options available to meet each individual’s circumstances.

To learn more about the options available to you, including the direct provision of housing, housing information or advice on housing services and supports, please click here to go to the IWA Housing Microsite.

You can also get in touch with your nearest IWA Centre and they will be able to support you to find answers to questions. Click here to find your nearest centre.

Can young people volunteer with the IWA?

Young people can apply to become registered volunteers from the age of 16 years.

Click here to fill in the form and we will be in touch to start the process.

Volunteers do a lot of different jobs in IWA so check it out to find out if there is something that interests you. Click here to read some testimonials from our volunteers.

How can I make my house more accessible?

Accessible housing for people with disabilities is vital to living in the community and remaining independent. Sometimes adaptations are necessary in an existing house to make it accessible for a person’s changed needs.

There are two grants available through your local authority so you can enquire from them or click here to find more information on the Housing Adaptations Grant schemes.

How do I get a Personal Assistant?

There are a number of options open to someone who wish to have a Personal Assistant:

1. You can apply to there local HSE for a Personal Assistant- This service is funded by the HSE and may be provide by the IWA or it may be provide by some other organisation that the HSE choose.
2. If you are attending or planning to attend college or university you can apply for a Personal Assistant who will assist you to access and participate in your choose course. This service is funded by the Dept of Education and applications should be made to the Disability Access Officer in the College or University that the course is to be delivered in.
3. Or you can purchase Personal Assistant Services privately from the IWA or from other private companies.

The Application process for a Personal Assistant is different in each area and also depends on who will ultimately fund the service.

You can click here to find contact details to your nearest IWA Office with an Assisted Living Service Coordinator and they will be able to give you information on what the services the IWA can provide and how to you can apply for the Personal Assistant Service you want.

How do I learn to Drive?

IWA offers a range of Motoring services that support people in gaining increased independence and mobility. Advances in technology and design have supported changes to open up access to transport for disabled drivers and passengers.

Click here to find out how IWA support people to start the process of getting a driving license.

Where can I find information about things on my mind?

IWA has an Information Office that can take queries on a range of issues, click here to see contact details.

The Citizen’s Information Centres are great for finding out information. Their staff are trained to assist people in finding answers to questions so check out this link to find the centre near you.

There are Youth Information Services across the country so check out this link to see if there is one in your area.

You can also check out the links section of this site to get info on issues facing young people.

Submit a question

If you think we should have other questions here let us know by emailing youth@iwa.ie.