The Shine Centre Cork

The Irish Progressive Association for Autism (IPAA) is a Cork based Voluntary Organisation established in September 2001. Since its establishment IPAA/Shine has worked with hundreds of families across Cork city and county to secure assessments, therapies, services and appropriate education for their children. Since it’s formation Shine/IPAA has expanded with the needs and demands of children with autism and their families. In 2007 the organisation took a major step forward in the provision of services for children and families affected by autism with the opening of the Shine Centre in Carrigaline Co Cork. The opening of the new Centre saw an expansion of services in the Early Learning Unit, Life Skills Classes, Social Groups, Educational Support Service and Training. The Centre was established to meet the needs of the ever increasing numbers of children in Cork City and County with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Since the opening of the Centre we now provide services and support to over 80 children and adolescents with autism, their carers, educators and parents on a weekly basis. The Centre has a staff of twenty one and a fully equipped Sensory Room, Life Skills Room, Training Room, Conference Room and three fully equipped classrooms. IPAA/Shine is a Voluntary Organisation and a Registered Charity.

Shine (IPAA) has a stated policy of working with all government bodies and agencies, where possible, to ensure the best use of resources and to avoid duplication of services. We actively pursue the implementation of best international practice and standards for services to autistic persons. In all instances the autistic person and their family are at the centre of all decision making. We continue to invest in facilities with the addition of a Sensory Garden, Soft Play Room and a fully equipped Sensory Room added in the last three years. This gives our children access to additional resources and allows the Centre to cater for more children and adolescents with autism with additional and more complex needs.