i-PLAY

First established in the Autumn of 2011, i-PLAY (or Imrím) is a weekly physical activity program designed for children, youth, and young people (ages 5-21) with disabilities and special needs.  The program is delivered at the department of Physical Education & Sports Science (PESS) here at the University of Limerick. Led by faculty members Daniel Tindall, Brigitte Moody, and Seán Healy, 3^rd and 4^th year PE students participate in the i-PLAY experience as part of the PY4135 – Adapted Physical Activity & Physical Education and PY4118 - Physical Activity Behaviour, Promotion, & Health modules. Offered in both the Autumn and Spring semesters, the main goal of this weekly program is to engage participants in various physical activities (dance, games, health-related activities, fundamental movement skills, etc.) throughout the term. As part of this service learning experience, each participant is paired with one of our pre-service Physical Education students receiving individual attention, support, and encouragement. The focus of the program is on promoting physical activity for young people; incorporating it into their daily lives (i.e., in school, after school, and at home). Ultimately, the main goals of the program are:

• To provide children and young people with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to play and interact socially with peers,
• To provide pre-service Physical Education teachers with the opportunity to gain experience in planning and assisting youth with disabilities and special needs as it relates to the physical activity setting, and
• To provide families an opportunity to connect with one another as a way to support each other and their children with disabilities and special needs.

Listen to the 2016 Blog Post on YouTube

Important Information:

When: Thursdays from 4:30-5:30pm throughout the UL Autumn and Spring semesters.

Where: All sessions will take place in the PESS Building (Building #19 on the UL Campus Map)

Fee: A registration fee of €20 (cash preferred) is required prior to participation in the sessions. 

Session Dates:

1. February 15^th
2. February 22^nd
3. February 29^th
4. March 7^th
5. March 14^th
6. March 21^st
7. March 28^th - CANCELLED (UL EASTER BREAK)
8. April 4^th
9. April 11^th - CANCELLED (UL STUDENT RACE DAY)
10. April 18^th
11. April 25^th

How to apply?

To inquire about space on the program, please contact Daniel Tindall via email at Daniel.Tindall@ul.ie

Availability: 

Unfortunately, we are at full capacity for the 5-10 year old age group but do have a waiting list. and would be happy to add your child to it. Currently, however, there are a number of children on the list with about 1-2 taken per semester. Slow, we realise, but just wanted to be sure to let you know that it might be awhile before we could offer a place to your child.

iPLAY-PCE Project Invitation

At the UL Citizens’ Assembly held on 25^th May 2023, our proposal was successful in securing funding for a project that looks to improve physical activity, physical education, and sport opportunities for children and with youth with disabilities within Limerick City and County.

Project Summary:

• This project is intended to expand the remit, reach, and impact of the i-PLAY program and its current services to the local Limerick community.
• Precisely, this project looks to facilitate additional physical activity, health, wellness, and leisure opportunities for children and youth with disabilities and special needs as well as any other needs identified by the various stakeholders (e.g., parents, service providers, PE teachers, and the i-PLAY participants themselves).
• Click HERE to view our project poster

What are we looking for from you?

We respectfully request your assistance and participation in the entitled project: ‘i-PLAY: Bridging from a university program to the surrounding community’.

Specifically, we would like to meet with you to discuss possible barriers or ways in which we can provide increased opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in physical activity and sport.

Thank you for considering our request. Should you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience. We would be more than happy to discuss this project further and your possible involvement going forward.