Spinal Injuries Ireland announces new partnership in bid to improve Exercise Levels for its Members

Spinal Injuries Ireland has announced a groundbreaking new initiative in a bid to provide people living with a spinal cord injury with detailed information on accessible swimming pools and gyms throughout the country.

It has partnered with Able Active, the first app in Ireland and Europe to provide comprehensive data on accessible sporting and exercise facilities and amenities for people living with a disability. 

Fiona Bolger CEO of Spinal Injuries Ireland says partnering with Able Active is a natural collaboration, given the challenges faced by people with spinal cord injuries in trying to locate accessible exercise facilities.  

“We did a comprehensive piece of research in 2023 which illustrated that people with spinal cord  injuries need further exercise to enhance both their physical and mental health”.

“There are some 2,400 people living with spinal cord injuries in Ireland and we were absolutely amazed at the lack of information around accessible exercise facilities, particularly swimming pools and gyms”.

“We are determined that our members should be equipped with as much detailed knowledge as possible to enable them to either get or remain fit and maintain active and healthy lifestyles. Exercise is absolutely crucial for physical and mental health.  We know what Able Active is doing around providing comprehensive data around accessible facilities for people with disabilities so partnering with them is a natural alliance”.    

Adrian Geissel, Founder and CEO of Able Active says 

“Able Active was founded to provide better information to people with disabilities, so that they can make informed decisions around being active. What we’ve come to realise is that which suitable facilities and amenities exists, these are not available in a structured form.”

“We always had in mind to gather data from our users, and this partnership builds on our technology investment to allow Spinal Injuries Ireland members to contribute their knowledge into a structured dataset for the benefit of other members, especially useful for when holidaying away from home.”

“The processes are robust, where users will need to be authenticated to contribute and contributions will be verified before publication, but within a simplified and time-efficient process.”

“Also, in general, those living with disabilities can rate trails and amenities using the app, building a richer picture of accessibility for others with similar needs.”.

"There is so much potential for collaboration and partnership across the entire range of amenities, organisations and events and this is only going to be an incredibly positive way forward for people living with a spinal cord injury”.  

“I am passionate about sporting and exercise facilities , and passionate that they are accessible for all. People living with spinal cord injuries should have access to amenities and facilities suitable for their needs and Able Active provides deeper information that aims to inform and hopefully inspire greater participation for their enjoyment, health and wellbeing”. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

About Able Active: 

Able Active is a free mobile app and platform that aims to improve inclusivity in planning activities involving people with disabilities and special needs. Recognising that much of the required data does not existing in digital form, Able Active offers a focal point for individuals, organisations and institutions to contribute their knowledge to the benefit of everyone. The mobile app is available to download from https://ableactive.ie or by searching online.

About Spinal Injuries Ireland

Spinal Injuries Ireland’s aim is to engage with people with a spinal cord injury, along with their family members. Together, we address barriers to full participation in society and empower our service users to work towards achieving personal, social and vocational goals.

Our vision is to provide on-going personalised support services for people with a spinal cord injury and their families, empowering them all to live independent and fulfilling lives at home, for as long as they need us.