O2 Supports European Tech Cluster’s Smarter Senses Programme for Autism

O2 Ireland is the latest company to join the European Tech Cluster’s Smarter Senses Project which is a groundbreaking initiative to assist the academic and social development of children with autism. This multi stranded project in cooperation with the Shine Centre for Autism will have global impact as the European Tech Cluster’s member companies focus with Shine on application development to improve social and academic outcomes for the autism community .Fintan Ryan, Enterprise Acquisition Consultant with Telefonica O2 Ireland presented the staff and children at the Shine Centre for Autism in Carrigaline Co Cork with two Ipads to support the work in Shine’s Early Intervention Unit. O2 is the latest of a large number of European Tech Cluster member companies to support the Smarter Senses Programme with KPMG, Asystec and Claran Consultants also donating Ipads to the programme in the last few months. The programme which commenced in mid 2011 has the support of IBM, BNY Mellon, Laya Healthcare and David O’Reilly Technology Law with each donating funds, equipment and expertise to the project.

The Smarter Senses Project is a CSR based partnership between the European Tech Cluster and the Shine Centre for Autism. The project was designed to meet the challenges of autism through the use of technology, funding and resources from companies in the IT sector. The project is a multi-stranded, three phase programme, that to date in the first two phases have delivered a purpose built and custom designed Sensory Garden, kidsmart computer units and ipads and ongoing financial and technical support. The total commitment from the companies supporting the Smarter Senses Project now exceeds €50,000 in a two year period.

Phase 3 of the Smarter Senses Project will see the development of applications and software that will impact the autistic community across Ireland and throughout the world. To achieve this goal the Smarter Senses Project has synergised the practical knowledge and experience of the Shine Centre with the skill sets of application developers in the Tech Cluster companies. The first application that will target the area of social skills is currently in development and is due to be launched later in 2014. This best in class application will positively impact the lives of children and adolescents with autism across the world and demonstrates the real power of an effective and targeted Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The European Tech Cluster, it@cork is committed to recognising, enhancing and encouraging the spirit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within Ireland. Business can help solve social issues using their unique core skills.

If your company is interested in getting involved in this groundbreaking initiative we are seeking funding, developer/programmer resource, consulting/support, general resource, ipads or any other value that you feel can be added to this project. The Smarter Senses project is about empowerment and the smallest contribution of resource or human effort can snowball into something momentous.

Denis Collins, Chairman European Tech Cluster, it@cork said "Our Cluster vision of integrating industry, government, public sector and academia for commercial, social and academic results continues to accelerate. The Smarter Senses project is an example of what we can accomplish with the right collaboration and execution -- in this case, making a difference for children and adolescents with autism with Shine Ireland, where it is truly needed. Well done to 02 for their leadership and collaboration on this mission. I look forward to working with them and others who will join us in 2014 to make a difference. There is always a seat at the table...”

“The Smarter Senses Project demonstrates the perfect partnership model for the corporate sector and an organisation like Shine Ireland to deliver real results through their corporate social responsibility policies. This project has already positively impacted hundreds of children with autism and has the potential to impact thousands more with the next phase of application development. On behalf of our children and families I want to thanks the Board of the European Tech Cluster and the member companies as none of this would have be possible without their leadership and commitment to this project” (4478 characters with spaces) said Kieran McAuliffe , Shine Centre for Autism
Background Information - The Shine Centre for Autism:

At the Shine Centre we passionately believe that every child regardless of their ability has to be given the opportunity to be the very best that they can be. Through intensive programmes and the commitment of both families and our staff we strive to give every child that opportunity. We work with children aged from 2½ years to 16 years of age and through early intervention and constant encouragement our children have proven that they can grow and develop both socially and academically. The Shine Centre for Autism in Carrigaline was opened by the IPAA in 2007 to assist in the provision of services due to the large increase in the rates of diagnosis of autism amongst children in Cork City and County. The Shine Centre now works with over 80 children and adolescents with autism, their families, teachers and carers on a weekly basis. The Shine Centre operates programmes for children and adolescents with autism to develop their educational, life and social skills through a range of services and programmes.

The Shine Centre offers the following services to children with autism: • Early Learning Unit for Pre-school Children • Personal & Life Skills Programmes (PALS) • Social Skills Programmes • Mainstream Educational Support Service • After Schools Clubs • Parent & Teacher Training Courses • Seminars • Telephone Advice Service.

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