About Us

What It’s Like to Be Part of Delta Services

Working with Delta Services means you can expect a respectful, safe, and encouraging environment where every person is given the support they need to develop new skills, build confidence, and live a more independent and fulfilling life.

Our Story

In the 1980s, the Irish State did not recognise the right of children with moderate learning disabilities to an education. As a result, significant gaps existed in education and local services, and children in Carlow with moderate learning disabilities had no option but to travel to Kilkenny to access schooling.

At this time, a group of Carlow parents came together to fundraise — initially to provide an escort to travel on the bus to Kilkenny. However, their vision quickly grew. Their ultimate goal became the development of an educational option in Carlow for children with moderate intellectual disabilities.

Following sustained lobbying by concerned families and interested parties, St. Laserians School was approved and funded by the Department of Education to offer educational programmes to children with moderate learning disabilities on a pilot basis.

Under the banner of the Carlow Parents and Friends Association, the group then turned its attention to the lack of adult disability services in the county and how they could address this need. St. Catherine’s Social Services provided an interim premises, enabling the service to begin supporting five adults with disabilities.

Fundraising efforts continued and, following extensive engagement with local politicians and the Health Board, the Carlow Parents and Friends Association committed to providing 40% of the funding — matched by 60% from the Health Board — to purchase a premises at Straw Hall, Carlow.

This marked the birth of “Delta Centre”, a name inspired by the organisation’s commitment to Development, Education, Learning, Training, and Activation.

Since opening in 1989, the day services have expanded significantly, and more than 140 people now avail of day services.

In the 1990s, the need for residential services was identified. In partnership with Tintean, Carlow Voluntary Housing Association, Delta Centre began developing residential services for adults with disabilities in Carlow. Today, 43 individuals avail of residential support services across several community houses.

Respite services have long been a vital support to families, and, in 2022, Delta Centre opened its own regional respite house, providing scheduled respite breaks for up to 65 individuals each year.

In total, Delta Services supports more than 180 individuals across all its services.

Delta Centre was founded on the simple but powerful belief that every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. From the beginning, the organisation sought to create a supportive environment that not only provides essential care but also champions the individual rights, dreams, and aspirations of adults with intellectual disabilities and Autism (ASD). The journey with Delta Services is one of personal growth for the individuals who avail of its services.