gheel autism services (gheel communities)
Services for Adults with Autism in IrelandGheel Autism Services was founded in
Dublin city in 1971 by a small group of parents of autistic people. The name
Gheel originates from the region of Geel in Belgium where since the 7th century
people with disabilities were supported to live in the community and not in
institutions. The Irish Saint Dympna in the 7th century fled to Geel from
Ireland and is credited with initiating this type of community living support
model. The first service managed by Gheel was on the grounds of a building named
St Dympna’s. Gheel champions and supports autistic people in the greater Dublin
and North Kildare region. We provide day, residential, supported living and
outreach services, with the goal of maximising independence and enhancing
quality of life. All of our programmes are tailored to recognise the
neurodiversity model, and co-operation with autistic people is a must! Staff
receive regular autism-specific person centered training and they are equipped
with the knowledge and expertise to enable each individual they support to have
positive and meaningful life experiences.
