Empower OT

03/04/2026

Some educators are still hesitant to use the word dyslexia.

But avoiding identification doesn’t protect a child — it holds them back.

When a child understands why learning feels harder, it changes everything:
✔️ less shame
✔️ more self-awareness
✔️ stronger self-advocacy

Identification is not a label — it’s a turning point.

Without it, children are left trying harder without the right support.
With it, they can build resilience, confidence, and the tools to thrive — not just in school, but in life.

We need to do better.

It’s time for National Educational Psychological Service and National Council for Special Education to step up — ensuring timely, consistent access to identification and evidence-based support.

Every child deserves to understand how they learn.

, dsi_dyslexia are ready to assess https://www.dyslexiaspecialistsireland.ie/ as is www.empowerot.ie contact us today.

Learn more: https://www.madebydyslexia.org/parents/

01/04/2026

I am so proud to tell you Empower OT has sponsored the U12 Boyle Camogie team this season ❤️

Supporting children to participate, build confidence, and be part of a team is at the heart of everything I do. It’s fantastic to see such energy, commitment, and team spirit on display from this wonderful group of girls.

Wishing the team every success for the season ahead – I will be cheering you on all the way! 🌟

08/03/2026

Happy international woman's day...

08/03/2026

international Woman's day. I am blessed to be surrounded by many amazing, strong, inspirational woman to laugh with, to connect with and feel empowered by. Surround yourself with a tribe that helps you be the best version of yourself and makes you laugh along the way 😄

20/12/2025

Wishing all our families, clients, and colleagues a happy Christmas and a healthy, peaceful New Year.

REMEMBER! 🥰Christmas can bring moments of joy, connection, and excitement — and also moments of overwhelm, fatigue, or stress.

We may move between hyperarousal (busy, rushed, overstimulated), hypoarousal (tired, withdrawn, shut down), and those calmer moments within our optimal window of tolerance, where we can think clearly, connect, and enjoy what matters most.

That’s normal — especially at this time of year. The goal isn’t to stay perfectly regulated, but to notice when we move outside our window and gently support ourselves (and our children) back again.

Be kind to your nervous system this Christmas. Small supports, rest, routine, movement, and compassion go a long way.

Wishing you a gentle, joyful Christmas and a regulated start to the New Year.

— Catriona, Empower OT

22/11/2025

A very informative clip that while is labeled for ADHD is about EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING a common skill deficit in Dyslexia.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRCXp2TEhXm/?igsh=Mm95Z3o4cGdxMTdo

21/11/2025

We need to shout about this as this is NO longer OK. Our children deserve better and more. and need to step up and stop the struggle for families and children. Along side additional support these children need there literacy profile to be assessed to determine there level of need. To help them access there ability and strengthen there self awareness to enable them to thrive. We need to . are a group of individuals with a Masters in Specific learning disability from DCU whom are ready to help but are not being recognised by

https://about.rte.ie/2025/11/20/tonight-on-rte-prime-time-marie-crowe-on-how-a-reading-school-changed-her-sons-life-and-the-struggle-of-children-and-adults-with-dyslexia/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAONYX9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR78HyaEcQRpaYWYpeeh5SLZWqTzIwmAA_CPHUfvsKRY4m6XNHUxQnO2PEIHsA_aem_BRseJxi0tRvzcxqa83bTYQ

Tonight on RTÉ Prime Time, Marie Crowe on how a Reading School changed her son’s life and the struggle of children and adults with dyslexia – Sports stars Kieran Donaghy and Jack Conan share their dyslexia experiences – Only four Reading Schools available in Ireland Tonight, on RTÉ Prime Tim...

17/11/2025

This is brilliant news 👏 🙌 😀 👍 thank you to all who have been involved.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D8s9eUU1v/

On Wednesday 12th November 2025, Senators Shane Curley and Fiona O’Loughlin tabled a motion in the Seanad under Private Members’ Business regarding the urgen...

01/10/2025

✨ 1 Year of Empower OT! ✨

On the 1st of October, I celebrate one year in business with Empower OT 💚💙.

This year has been an incredibly positive adventure — filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections. I’ve discovered so much not only about running a business as a sole worker, but also about myself. I never underestimated my motivation and drive… but the real lesson has been finding balance, knowing when to pause, and keeping work and life in harmony.

One of the biggest surprises has been the opportunities that have come my way — from being interviewed by The Irish Times, appearing on live TV, and even being featured in a documentary. These weren’t things I had planned, but they’ve been wonderful experiences and an incredible way to share the Empower OT message with a broader audience.

At the heart of it all, though, the most significant highlights remain the people. Many of my referrals have come through word of mouth — people who’ve passed on my details to friends, colleagues, or families.♥ 💌 Thank you for trusting me and enabling me to support others in becoming more aware of their learning profiles and occupational therapy needs. This ripple effect has helped individuals not only understand themselves better but also supported the people, staff, and teams around them in putting in place reasonable accommodations that allow them to truly thrive.

The kind words and emails I’ve received after sessions, assessments, and workshops have been the encouragement and strength I needed to keep going.

💚 Thank you to everyone who has supported Empower OT this past year — families, schools, colleagues, and community. I’m excited for all that’s still to come. I have so many ideas bubbling away, and while it’s a challenge to carve out the time, this is only the beginning.

Here’s to the next chapter! 🚀

Empower OT — Empowering you to thrive in your everyday life.

25/09/2025

✨ What an experience! ✨

Last night, I appeared on TG4's Iniúchadh to discuss the Irish exemption with Kevin Magee, highlighting why it is essential for children who meet the criteria due to Dyslexia. This is something I’m passionate about both in my work with Empower OT and in my own family journey.

You can watch the full piece here 👉 https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/play/?pid=6379995771112&series=Iniúchadh%20TG4&genre=Cursai%20Reatha

⏩ My part starts at 29:25

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way – from families I work with, to colleagues, to my own family cheering me on 💙

📸 Here’s a behind-the-scenes snap from when the crew came out to film!

15/09/2025

IMPOTANT UPDATE - Change of date

14/09/2025

Free Webinar for Parents on Upcoming Webinar - Understanding and Supporting Executive Functioning Skills for Children hosted by Tipperary Parent Hub.

This webinar is open to parents in all regions as the topics are not area specific.

Please scan the QR code on the poster for further details.
When: 25th September 7pm-8:30pm.
Where: Online