MHC Moments - Kim Bowen

Tell us about the work you have been doing with ChildVision, through MHC RISE. How has our support made a difference to ChildVision?

ChildVision is Ireland's only dedicated centre for children with sight loss. They are a national resource for families and professionals needing expert help in the area of visual impairment and in most instances visual impairment coupled with additional disabilities. They provide clinical, national network, reading and educational services. They have an early support centre for 0 – 4 year olds, which includes a Montessori, a feeder primary school and they provide all supports to primary and secondary schools around the country who have children with visual impairments. They also run a Pathways programme for 18 – 22-year-olds where the participants are tackling the lack of practical training and employment opportunities that are currently available for people with visual impairment, and many with additional disabilities.

Onsite, they have a petting farm, a garden centre, a national equine assisted therapy centre, a coffee shop and a gift shop where they sell soaps etc. made by the students on the Pathways programme. All of these facilities are open to the public and I would strongly recommend visiting, especially those with young families.

MHC have been supporting ChildVision for the past number of years. In 2023, MHC RISE donated €10,000 towards their Canute project. The Canute is the world's first and only affordable, multi-line Braille e-reader and is designed to be used as a Kindle for blind people. The Canute can be used from those aged 2+ that are pre-braille to adulthood.

This year, we donated €16,691 to their Early Years children (children aged 1-4) to go towards establishing a sensory unit. Specifically, the funding is allowing them to acquire a Deluxe Sensory Trolley, the SENse Flex and a new gateway to learning opening via the iPads.

What motivates you to work with them?

ChildVision is the only dedicated centre for children with sight loss in Ireland and their services are not only invaluable but absolutely necessary for these children.

I was aware of the invaluable support and assistance they provide to children with visual impairments and disabilities before my work with MHC RISE but, through MHC RISE, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend their centre in Dromcondra and meet with their staff and children. They had asked me to come so they could show us exactly what our donations have been used towards over the last few years and to thank us in person for all our support over the years.

During my time on site, I was able to see the real impact our donations have made and witness the children utilising the services. Seeing the direct impact in person that our donations have made really honed in on how valuable our support is and how much it is appreciated by not just the staff, but the children.

Can you describe a moment when you felt especially proud of the work being done by ChildVision?

When I was at the site in Drumcondra last year, I met one student who was using the Canute that MHC RISE had funded. He was seeking to apply for an internship and was telling me how much the use of the Canute had helped him. He, and all the staff, were extremely appreciative and he kept thanking me, repeatedly! Seeing the direct impact of our donation made me extremely proud of MHC RISE.

​Are there any specific skills that you have developed through your experience?

I think I have developed a greater sense of empathy and understanding of how difficult life is for those with visual impairments, especially children. I would strongly encourage you all to visit their site in Dromcondra and assist in any way you can.