About MDI
Muscular Dystrophy Society of Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee (MDI) is a voluntary member organisation founded in 1972. We provide support to children and adults living with neuromuscular conditions and their families.
History Of MDI
The Muscular Dystrophy Society of Ireland (MDI) is a voluntary organisation which was founded in 1972 by a group of parents in Galway whose children had muscular dystrophy. These parents met together in their homes to set up a support network for people with muscular dystrophy and their families.
In 1986, the first Dublin office was set up in Monkstown, Co Dublin. MDI then spent time in temporary accommodation for two years at Christchurch Place before acquiring space in the Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, firstly in Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 in 1990, and then in Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7 in the year 2000. In 2004, MDI felt it necessary to acquire an independent office space away from Carmichael Centre because of the growth and expansion of services and we moved to our previous offices in 71/72 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Here we remained until April 2011 after which we moved in to our new, purpose built premises at 75 Lucan Road, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, which we were fortunate to be able to purchase one year earlier.
MDI has grown considerably and now has a membership of over 760 individuals and families and a network of branches and offices throughout Ireland. Branches are represented on the National Council of MDI, which determines policy.
MDI has developed considerably, and now employs staff nationwide and offers national support services such as Family Support, Information, Respite and Home Support, Transport and Youth Services (i.e. Camps and Youth Clubs) and counselling services. All of these services are run and coordinated from MDI’s Dublin administration office at Chapelizod, Dublin 20, which also encompasses of a fully wheelchair accessible three bed-roomed “Home from Home” apartment for short term respite breaks for members.
For more information about MDI and any of our services check out the various links on this page or alternatively feel free to contact us.
Mission Statement
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland aims to provide information and support to people with neuromuscular conditions and their families through a range of support services. Our objective is to promote through practical empowerment, independent living for people with the condition muscular dystrophy.
MDI supports advocating for services to enable people with neuromuscular conditions to fully participate in society and to live a life of their own choosing. MDI also aims to support and fund research into neuromuscular conditions.
For more details about what we do, the services we provide and for further information, please visit the various links above.
“MDI's Personal Assistance Service was a huge help to me as I moved to Dublin to live independently earlier this year. This service was also vital in helping me adjust to the return to office for work and regain my social life after lockdown. I have worked with wonderful PAs through the service and really appreciate the independence I achieved thanks to the service”
— Emer O’Sullivan, Dublin
About Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy and associated neuromuscular conditions are characterised by the progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. They can affect adults and children. Some forms arise at birth or in childhood while others may not become apparent until later in life. Each type of muscular dystrophy arises from a different genetic mutation or deletion which may be inherited from one or both parents, or it may be due to a spontaneous mutation. This means that some families may have more than one member with the condition. While currently there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, there have been huge advances in improving the quality of life for people with the condition and we are living in more hopeful times for research and the development of treatments and standards of care.
“During the last 3.5 years, the online courses have really helped me connect with other members for the first time. Meeting people with other forms of muscular dystrophy has really helped me, as you don't feel so alone. It's friendly and easy going, and each time we meet we help each other with different challenges we face.”
— Eoghan Curry, Dublin
What Is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is the collective name for a range of neuromuscular conditions, which are characterized by the progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. It can affect adults and children. Some forms arise at birth or in childhood, others may not manifest themselves until later in life. Each type of muscular dystrophy arises from a different genetic mutation or deletion which is inherited from one or both parents, or is due to a spontaneous mutation. This means that there are many families who have more than one member with the condition. There is no cure for muscular dystrophy but there have been huge advances in increasing the quality of life for people with the condition and scientists around the world are working hard to develop new treatments.
If you are in any doubt over whether MDI covers the condition you or someone you know has, please do not hesitate to contact us
“I am a part of a facilitated group of people who have muscular dystrophy where we share about our lives. I find this group of enormous support to me. Thank you to the facilitator, Marianne, and to MDI.”
— Grace Walsh, Co. Kildare