Our History

BRIEF HISTORY OF CENTRAL REMEDIAL CLINIC SCHOOL

 

C.R.C. Established 1951

 

The Central Remedial Clinic was founded in 1951 by Lady Valerie Goulding and Miss Kathleen O'Rourke to provide physiotherapy for victims of a polio epidemic in Dublin.  Its first location was a two roomed flat in Pembroke Street, Dublin 2.  It soon became evident that larger accommodation was essential and with funds collected by voluntary helpers - Prospect House in St. Aidan's Drive, Goatstown was purchased.

 

 

C.R.C. School Established 1956

 

Other services for children and adults with disabilities grew from this and in October 1956 a special national school under the Department of Education was established with one teacher and fourteen pupils on roll.  For the next decade, it remained a one-teacher school with between 10 to 14 short-term pupils attending while receiving medical care and therapy in the Clinic.

1980s

Improved Para-Educational Facilities

 

The sanctioning by the Department of Education of accommodation for psychologists, speech and occupational therapists as well as a nursing unit within a school was a historic moment in Irish Education.  It was acknowledgement that our pupils with multi-disabilities required an inter-disciplinary educational approach.  At the same time, the Department of Education makes no provision for the staffing of these areas.

2000 – 2003

 

  • School Transport System: Wheelchair accessibility of all school buses has been developed during this period with the co-operation of the private contractors and the support of Bus Eireann and the Department of Education & Science.

 

2005

 

  • A major extension to the school funded by the Department of Education & Science was completed in August 2005.   The ground floor comprises three specially adapted classrooms for post-primary students and specialists rooms for developing independent living skills, art craft & science, music and a multi-sensory room, all of which are for school use.