ChildVision in the heart of Drumcondra, Dublin, provides educational opportunities for Ireland’s blind and partially sighted children and young adults in a safe and nurturing environment. Through varied education programmes, our highly trained and committed staff ensure that all students are treated as individuals and brought on their own specific journey of learning so that they may become independent, happy and resourceful members of their communities.
All the students at ChildVision from age 1 to 21 approximately interact with our horses to differing degrees. Our preschool children (age 1 to 6) our primary school aged children (up to 10 years old) are involved with Therapeutic Horse Riding, where an Occupational Therapist and Horse Riding Instructor set and meet therapeutic goals for children through the use of the horse. These younger children love their connection with the horse, the sensory experience of the horse’s movement and the increased demand on their postural control.
Our Vocational Students (aged 18 to 23) take weekly riding lessons, but also benefit hugely from caring for the horses with tasks such as mucking out, feeding and grooming. This involvement is invaluable in its facilitation of caring and nurturing of the animal and developing a unique bond that is often only seen through the connection with animals.