Polio is a disease that is caused by one of three related viruses which can affect adults at any age but most at risk are children under three years of age. It can result in varying degrees of paralysis, which is almost always irreversible. Since the provision of effective vaccinations, the contraction of polio is rare accept in Southern Asia and sub Saharan Africa. Europe has been polio free since 2002.

However, there is a new syndrome called Post-Polio Syndrome. It develops in people who have recovered from polio, but at a much later stage in their lives. Symptoms include pain in muscles and joints, lack of strength and endurance, fatigue, respiratory and swallowing difficulties, severe intolerance of cold and a decline in ability to undertake daily activities such as walking. While there is no known cure, much can be done to alleviate the symptoms and enable an independent life.

The Polio Fellowship is devoted to the after-care of people with post-polio and other disabilities. At the Park House Vocational and Residential Training Unit, it conducts vocational training courses for all people with disabilities in the areas of horticulture, catering and food service, accommodation services and laundry. It also provides employment for people with disabilities in its offices and packing division. At its Day Activity Centre, activation courses are provided for 65 people with disabilities. Residential accommodation is available for a limited number of trainees.

The Post Polio Support Group (PPSG) has provided information to polio survivors, the medical professions, the media and other interested parties. It has worked to improve the general situation of survivors in Ireland. It also aims to raise awareness among polio survivors themselves, and the broad medical profession about the problems that some survivors now face.

The PPSG is devoted to the after-care, training and employment of people with post-polio and other disabilities. It provides employment in its offices and sheltered packing division and runs vocational courses in the areas of horticulture, catering and food service, accommodation services and laundry.