Minister visits Donegal’s cutting-edge No Barriers Foundation

No Barriers Foundation has welcomed Minister Anne Rabbitte to its cutting-edge facility in the Mountain Top in Letterkenny.  

This month marks five years of No Barriers providing much needed rehabilitation services to those living with a physical or intellectual disability in Donegal and beyond.

Minister Rabbitte toured the facility, accompanied by expert Neuro Physiotherapist Marina Kennedy-Quick of No Barriers and Liam McBride, Gym Manager. The tour showcased the assistive technology and specialised equipment used in empowering clients to reach their full health potential. 

The Minister had the chance to interact with clients and observe their rehabilitation sessions, and gain insights into their remarkable journeys toward recovery.

Johnny Loughrey, CEO of No Barriers Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Minister. We are delighted with the opportunity for the Minister to witness firsthand the remarkable efforts of the whole team here in removing barriers to health and exercise for people with disabilities in our community in Donegal.

“The Minister’s visit here today serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by Government institutions in supporting charities like No Barriers and we hope to continue to build on the existing relationship we have with the minister and the HSE.”

No Barriers Foundation was set up in 2017 with a vision to remove barriers to physical exercise for those living with a physical or intellectual disability. Having fundraised for the highly specialised exo-skeleton robotic suit, the first walk took place five years ago in 2018. Since then, the foundation has grown in strength and offers 1:1 rehabilitation and exercise therapy, group classes, health and wellbeing programs and a magnificent gym, No Barriers Fitness.

The team consists of highly skilled neuro physios, strength and conditioning coaches and coordination staff who work daily with a broad range of clients, predominantly those with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, brain injury,Parkinson’s, MS, stroke among others. They also have a large range of specialised equipment to provide clients with an excellent foundation for rehabilitation.

Minister Rabbitte said: “No Barriers have created a really unique environment here, the adaptive equipment and team of health professionals, means that people with disabilities can train side-by-side with other gym members, improving their physical and mental health, fostering independence and feeling included in regular community and peer activity. 

“That is transformational and a true expression of inclusion.

“What we celebrate here today as being special should be the standard everywhere. I’m looking forward to seeing how my Department can support and enhance No Barriers into the future to ensure we can sustain such a top class service for the people of Donegal.” 

Further information is available at www.nobarriers.ie and www.nobarriersfitness.ie where people can find details of Neuro rehabilitation services and gym memberships.