| Family Resource Centre (FRC) |
The Family Resource Centre (hereafter referred to the FRC) at St Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired is the initial and most enduring point of contact for many students and their families. Established in 1996 as a national provider of services, the FRC epitomises the student-family focus of St Joseph's Centre. Through its extensive programme of support, social training and recreational facilities the FRC forges valuable and lasting links between students, families and professionals, all of whose task is to nurture potential and enhance life opportunity for the visually impaired.
The FRC’s activities transcend and support the educational and training function of all other departments at St Joseph's Centre. Through provision of and encouraging the uptake of practical and pastoral support for student and family alike, the FRC is a continuum of contact throughout the relationship between the student, family and St Joseph's Centre.
All programmes of activity are inspired by the interests and opinions of students and families. Every effort is made to ensure maximum participation of the greatest number of beneficiaries.
Each activity is planned to take account of the specific needs and interests of those involved.
Through the input of a multi-disciplinary team of educationalists and social care professionals each element of the FRC’s programme is planned and audited to ensure effectiveness in delivery and its relevance to the needs of the students and families. The objective of continuing improvement to benefit families of visually impaired students is primary at all stages of assessment and forward planning.
The FRC’s role is augmented and enhanced by the technologically advanced and professionally staffed Mobile Resource Unit. This service is available upon request to visually impaired students and their families throughout Ireland.
The FRC organises, co-ordinates and resources a comprehensive schedule of events throughout the year for all existing and potential students and their families. Programmes extend to everyone whether at pre-school or as mature students on an equal basis. Events include summer camps in Ireland and abroad, activity days, regular parent support and training opportunities. An extensive list of ongoing activities can be accessed via www.stjosephs.ie/family resource centre. The FRC has developed strong links with other established service providers and support groups for the visually impaired elsewhere in Europe.
The Family Resource Centre is for many their first experience of St Joseph's Centre. Through a comprehensive range of professionally delivered activities the FRC catalyses life-enhancing experiences in an ongoing relationship between families of the visually impaired and St Joseph's Centre.
