What is the TTT Programme?
The TTT Programme is designed to offer support to children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or more significant needs.
Based in Athy, Leixlip and Naas libraries, a specialised collection of toys and assistive equipment can be accessed free of charge in branches throughout the county and can be borrowed or utilised by joining up at any Kildare library.
Items in the catalogue can be requested or renewed online and collected by the borrower at their nearest branch library. Pick up a catalogue at any Kildare library or view it online at kildarecoco.ie/library.
This collection has been chosen by the staff of Kildare Library Service in partnership with therapists working in the community.
Membership is free to any individual who lives, works or goes to school in County Kildare. Contact your local library for further terms and conditions of use.
A full list of our libraries and contact information is
available at kildarecoco.ie/library.
Free Talks and Workshops
The TTT Programme includes an annual series of free talks and workshops, funded by Kildare County Council. These events offer further guidance, support and networking opportunities for parents, teachers and healthcare professionals.
Attendance is open to everyone and free of charge, though booking is required.
TTT talks and workshops from February to May 2025 will be in-person events taking place across Kildare libraries, unless otherwise stated.
Please take note of location when booking.
Continuous Professional Development
Certificates of Attendance are available for all TTT talks and workshops.
Certificates will be available from the venue after the event. Please note that certificates will only be issued
on the night and cannot be requested at a later time.
Spring 2025 Events
Dyslexia Information Session for Parents
In this pre-recorded information video from the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, we look at:
- What is dyslexia?
- How to get an assessment
- Support in school
- Support at home
- Dyslexia & self-esteem
Register to receive a link to the video and the presentation slides used.
You can also contact the Dyslexia Association by emailing info@dyslexia.ie should you have any specific query.
Venue: Online
Booking: Book Tickets – Dyslexia Information Session – Online
Sensory Story Time Sessions
With Sharon Curran – MSEN, BA Mont Ed, Dip Hort
Join Sharon for a fun, sensory story time tailored specially to meet the needs of neurodiverse children.
Venue: Leixlip Library
Dates/Times:
- 22nd February 2025 – 11am
- 29th March 2025 – 11am
- 26th April 2025 – 11am
- 24th May 2025 – 11am
Booking: Book Tickets – Sensory Story Time – Leixlip Library
D-code Dyslexia
Introduction to Structured Literacy (SL) with Mary Moran
This lecture will:
- Introduce you to Structured Literacy using the Dcode/ Ncode programme, which is designed to teach even the most dyslexic how to read and spell.
- Explain why some children will not read without explicit instruction.
- Outline the five pillars of literacy acquisition when using the Dcode/Ncode programme.
Venues: Celbridge and Naas Libraries
Dates/Times:
- 13th February 2025 – 7pm – Celbridge Library
- 16th April 2025 – 7pm – Naas Library
Yoga and Sensory Play
With Stephanie Bolger
Yoga is about feeling good in your body and these sessions are designed specifically for neurodiverse children. They can come to a class and feel free to explore a wide range of sensory based activities at their own pace and if it’s suitable they can engage in some fun Yoga games.
Most children know what they need to support regulation, each child is so unique and different that by providing a range of activities to explore they will naturally be guided towards what they need in that moment.
Venues: Celbridge, Newbridge, and Maynooth Libraries
Dates/Times:
- 15th February 2025 – 2.30pm – Celbridge Library
- 8th March 2025 – 11am – Newbridge Library
- 12th April 2025 – 11am – Maynooth Library
Booking: Book Tickets – Yoga and Sensory Play with Stephanie Bolger – Multiple Venues
Peer Support Group
For Parents/Guardians of Neurodivergent Children and Young People
Come along for a cuppa and connect with other parents/ guardians, share your stories/ knowledge/ experiences and support each other, in a safe environment.
This group will be self-led.
For adults only.
Venue: Leixlip Library
Dates/Times: Weekly on Thursdays at 10.30am, starting on Thursday 27th February 2025.
No booking required.
Occupational Therapy Workshops with Dr Dorothy Armstrong
Autistic Adults and Autism Burnout
‘‘Autistic burnout is a state of physical and mental fatigue, heightened stress, and diminished capacity to manage life skills, sensory input, and/or social interactions, which comes from years of being severely overtaxed by the strain of trying to live up to demands that are out of sync with your own needs.’’ (www.autism.org.uk).
Autism burnout can result in the need for significant time off work or college and can easily be misunderstood for other conditions. This talk is designed for adults who are/have/or are concerned about experiencing autism burnout.
Dr. Dorothy Armstrong will discuss what the condition is, the recovery process and what you can do to help.
She will also discuss prevention strategies and lifestyle changes that will help going forward.
Venue: Leixlip Library
Date/Time: 25th February 2025 – 7pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Dr. Dorothy Armstrong – Leixlip Library
Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) in Adulthood
Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) is a life-long condition that primarily impacts motor coordination, organisation and planning. It can also cause significant levels of stress and fatigue.
Dr. Dorothy Armstrong will discuss the experience of having DCD/Dyspraxia in adulthood. She will also discuss the assessment process for adults who suspect they have DCD/Dyspraxia and weren’t diagnosed in childhood and will present self-help strategies for adults with this condition.
Venue: Leixlip Library
Date/Time: 4th March 2025 – 7pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Dr. Dorothy Armstrong – Leixlip Library
Helping Neurodivergent Students transition from Primary school to Secondary School
Secondary school presents many new challenges for Neurodivergent students (i.e. autistic students or those with DCD/Dyspraxia, ADHD
etc.). This is a very significant change in their lives and they need some extra support to help this transition to go as smoothly as possible.
Dr. Dorothy Armstrong will host an evening that is aimed at parents, teachers and those who work with Neurodivergent teenagers. It will cover the following issues:
- Coping with Change – preparation while in primary school.
- Challenges faced in secondary school.
- The first weeks – what to expect and how to help.
- Time for Questions and Answers
Venue: Leixlip Library
Date/Time: 11th March 2025 – 7pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Dr. Dorothy Armstrong – Leixlip Library
An Introduction to Social Stories – Opening the Social World for Autistic Children
The world can be a perplexing place for an autistic child. Faces can be hard to read, people can say things they don’t mean and there can be lots of rules that other children seem to pick up easily that can be difficult to interpret e.g. standing in a line, waiting for a turn etc.
Social stories are used to help autistic children learn about the social world in an affirming, neuroaffirmative and child centred way. They are written for the individual child using an evidence based method and are written using positive language which holds the child’s dignity and self-esteem at the centre of the process. This talk is based on the work or Carol Gray, who is the proponent of social stories.
Venue: Leixlip Library
Date/Time: 18th March 2025 – 7pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Dr. Dorothy Armstrong – Leixlip Library
I’ve just been told my child is autistic – what do I do now?
Learning that your child is autistic can be a daunting experience for parents. You may have found it difficult to access services and be wondering what you need to do next.
Dr. Dorothy Armstrong will discuss the support that is available, sensory tools and strategies that will help your child and how to set goals for your child’s development. There will be time for questions and answers.
Venue: Leixlip Library
Date/Time: 25th March 2025 – 7pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Dr. Dorothy Armstrong – Leixlip Library
Active LEGO Sessions
Active Kids Academy are delighted to bring our Active Lego Sessions to Kildare Libraries.
Our Active Lego Sessions are designed to be inclusive and allow every child to work at their own pace, ability and style.
This activity is designed specifically for Neurodivergent children & your child will not be expected to sit for the
duration of the session. The children are free to explore all sections & rejoin the Lego tables at any stage.
The sessions are aimed at children aged between 4 to 14 years with a maximum of 12 children in each class.
Venues: Leixlip and Naas Libraries
Dates/Times:
- 1st March 2025 – 11am – Leixlip Library
- 1st March 2025 – 2.30pm – Naas Library
Booking: Book Tickets – Active LEGO Sessions – Leixlip & Naas Libraries
Active Kids Academy
These classes, whilst based around fun, are designed to work on skills such as fine & gross motor skills, communication, social skills, fundamental sports skills, balance, coordination, positive mental health skills and much more, BUT as far as the children know, they are just having fun in an inclusive environment, designed to ensure they thrive and reach their own goals.
Classes will be made up of activities & games to get children moving, working on social skills and having fun. The games will focus on things such as fine & gross motor skills, fundamental sports skills, coordination, strength, agility, communication skills and much more.
The classes will be made up of obstacle courses, parachute fun, imaginary play, group activities and lots more.
The classes are aimed at children aged between 5 to 10 years with a maximum of 10 children in each class.
Venues: Naas and Celbridge Libraries
Dates/Times:
22nd March 2025 – 11am – Naas Library
22nd March 2025 – 2.30pm – Celbridge Library
Booking: Book Tickets – Active Kids Academy – Naas & Celbridge Libraries
Sibshop
Sibshops are fun workshops for siblings of children with special needs. They are lively, with games and
discussions.
As well as having lots of fun this online Sibshop will provide a great opportunity for siblings to get together and chat about some of the
difficulties and the positives of having a sibling with special needs.
The workshops are aimed at children aged between 8 to 12 years (inclusive) with a maximum of 10 children in the group recommended as this works best in order to give all the children a chance to contribute to the discussions and games. Their sibling with special needs should be over 2 ½ years so that they can see and understand that their brother or sister has special needs.
Siblings experience the same joys and concerns as their parents yet have fewer opportunities to gain access to support. Often siblings do not want to burden their parents with their own worries. Sibshop Workshops are one way of offering them fun and the support they deserve.
Venue: Leixlip Library
Date/Time: 5th April 2025 – 2pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Sibshop Workshop – Leixlip Library
Occupational Therapy Workshops with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT
Becoming a Sensory Detective: Understanding and Support a Child’s Sensory Profile
This workshop will help you to develop a deeper understanding of sensory processing and its impact on children’s daily lives. Participants will explore the different sensory systems and learn how to identify and support sensory needs effectively.
This workshop offers practical strategies to help children regulate emotions, enhance focus, and improve participation in daily activities.
Venue: Maynooth Library
Date/Time: 8th April 2025 – 6.30pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT – Multiple Venues
Movement, Brain and Sensory Breaks: Understanding What a Child Needs and When
This workshop focuses on supporting children’s self-regulation through practical tools and strategies. It provides an in-depth exploration of
the benefits of incorporating Movement, Brain, and Sensory Breaks into educational and home environments.
Venue: Newbridge Library
Date/Time: 13th May 2025 – 6.30pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT – Multiple Venues
Empowering Children with DCD: Strategies for Success
This informative workshop offers valuable insights into Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and equips parents with effective strategies to support their children.
Venue: Celbridge Library
Date/Time: 15th May 2025 – 6.30pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT – Multiple Venues
Empowering Kids: Strategies for Supporting Children with Daily Living Skills (Self-Care Skills)
This workshop will equip caregivers with practical strategies to nurture independence in their children. This comprehensive workshop provides actionable insights for fostering essential self-care abilities, such as dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting.
Venue: Athy Library
Date/Time: 22nd May 2025 – 6.30pm
Booking: Book Tickets – Occupational Therapy Workshops with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT – Multiple Venues
Cosmic Movers: A Sensory Dance Adventure
An interactive movement workshop designed for children with additional needs and their caregivers. Led by inclusive dance artist Jess Rowell, this playful and responsive journey creates space for curiosity and connection. Join the adventure and be transported to a magical realm where dance, colourful props, scents, and spacey sounds enhance the sensory experience. Participants are invited to explore and engage in their own unique way.
Let the cosmic adventure begin!
Music, Lights, and Rhythm
The workshop will incorporate rhythmic elements, soft lighting, and music to enhance the sensory experience. The music will be kept at a
comfortable volume, with no sudden loud sounds or flashing lights.
For children aged 6 to 12 years with additional sensory needs.
Workshop length is 45 minutes, with time before and after for settling and relaxing
Venues: Naas and Leixlip Libraries
Dates/Times:
- 10th May 2025 – 10.30am – Naas Library
- 10th May 2025 – 2.30pm – Leixlip Library
Booking: Book Tickets – Cosmic Movers: A Sensory Dance Adventure – Multiple Venues
Behaviour Support for your Neurodivergent Child with Eimear Kelly
Session 1: Understanding Behaviour Needs and Tools to Create a Behaviour Support Plan for Home
This opening session will provide an overview of neurodiversity and autism. We will look at behaviour from a needs-based, communication-based and functional perspective. We will explore tools and strategies that can provide an understanding of why a behaviour is happening, how the environment can impact behaviour and what is the communication attempt behind that behaviour. When we know what is driving the behaviour, we can then create a plan of individualised and person-centred strategies that can support that young person.
Venue: Kildare Town Library
Date/Time: 13th March 2025 – 7pm
Session 2: Practical Strategies Part 1
This session will explore the importance of proactive strategies, proactive meaning before the behaviour occurs. Proactive strategies can be used to enable the young person to engage in behaviours that will support and increase their quality of life, wellbeing and their feelings of
happiness, confidence and independence. Proactive strategies can also be used to decrease the levels of overload, anxiety or overwhelm felt in certain situations.
Venue: Kildare Town Library
Date/Time: 127th March 2025 – 7pm
Session 3: Practical Strategies Part 2
This session will explore the importance of reactive strategies, reactive meaning after the behaviour has occurred. Reactive strategies can be used when the young person is already feeling overloaded, highly anxious or overwhelmed. These strategies can support the young person to return to a regulated and relaxed state, while providing them with a sense of validation, compassion and a feeling of safety.
Venue: Kildare Town Library
Date/Time: 13rd April 2025 – 7pm
Session 4: Putting the Plan Together and Q&A (workshop on attendee’s specific needs)
This final session will look at putting all the strategies together so that attendees will leave the training with a workable plan that they can use at home. We will look at real life examples of how behaviour support strategies can be implemented, along with skills on how to adapt and change the plan depending on the evolving needs of your child. The session will finish with a Q&A on attendee’s specific needs and questions.
Venue: Kildare Town Library
Date/Time: 10th April 2025 – 7pm
To keep up to date with the latest news and events for the TTT programme, make sure to subscribe to the TTT email newsletter here!
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