Upper Springfield Development Trust

USDT Action on Disability was established in 1998 after rigorous research and comprehensive Development Plan. As the forerunning service provider in West Belfast for persons with disabilities the project aims to promote inclusion and ensure that they receive the support they need within ordinary structures of education, health, employment and social services etc. The project currently engages with over 340 individuals on a weekly basis, designing and implementing individual support packages. The project through socially inclusive needs-led community based programmes empowers and supports local disabled persons through offering an extensive range of services on a one to one or group basis which aim to promote inclusion and provide opportunities for life long learning and personal development. Examples of support offered include; 1 to 1 Befriending, 1 to 1 support with independent living, various community inclusion programmes in the form of art and sport, health promotion initiatives, ICT and essential skills, further education, childrens services include afterschool provision, teenage youth inclusion services, Aspergers youth group, summer schemes etc. The service also offers a family support /advocacy service, information and advice service, volunteer opportunities and provides disability awareness training to community organisations in the area thus building capacity, experience and expertise in the community and represents disabled persons on an array of fora and focus groups, building on the community expertise on wider socially inclusive issues. The service has extensive practical and professional experience plus a proven track record in the delivery of services for persons with disabilities.