Eilín de Paor is a Corú-registered Occupational Therapist (OT023583) who has worked for over 25 years in the Irish health and disability service sector. Eilín participated in the research team for the “Living in Localities” systematic scoping review (Boland et al, 2023) and is currently engaged in a PhD study on the topic of transition from school to adult life: the perspectives and experiences of people with intellectual disability and family members.

 On graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 1997, Eilín initially worked in acute general medicine, neurology and mental health, before embarking on a career in disability services. In 2004, following a 4-year stint with Cheeverstown House, she moved to St. Michael’s House, where she has been employed since, first as Occupational Therapy Manager (2004-2016) and more recently as Clinical Manager (2016-2022). During this period, she attained a H.Dip and MSc in Developmental Disabilities (2004 & 2006), both from UCD. Having been awarded a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship in 2022, Eilín commenced a career break from St. Michael’s House and is currently studying full-time as a PhD Candidate with the UCD School of Psychology.

 In her clinical practice, Eilín has managed interdisciplinary staff teams, served on operational and strategic groups and participated in the design and evaluation of services, in the writing of policies and in practice investigations. Her particular interests lie in the areas of: adult day services, access and building design, individualised support packages, person-centred planning, oversight of restrictive practices and research ethics.

 Eilín previously served on the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Conference Committee (2000-2005) and Intellectual Disability Special Interest Group (2001-2005) and as editor of the Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy (1998-2000). She was Chair of the St. Michael’s House Research Ethics Committee from 2015-2021 and currently sits on a study-specific Research Ethics Committee convened by the National Disability Authority (Ire). She has provided guest lecturer inputs the UCD Centre for Disability Studies since 2016 and was an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the Centre 2019-2021.