About Us

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Association of Ireland (ASAI) is a self-help organisation set up by people affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis in Ireland. We were established in 1986 in response to the need to supply information and support to AS patients, their families and friends in this country.

We are an entirely voluntary organisation run by seven elected representatives. We are funded entirely by members subscriptions, donations from members, friends and sponsorship money raised from charity events.

Our aims are:

• to educate and heighten awareness of AS patients, the
  general public, and medical professionals with regard to the
  illness, its effects and its management
• to provide support, advice and answers (where possible)
• ultimately to support or aid research into the illness

We plan to increase our membership amongst clinically diagnosed sufferers and to organise swim/physiotherapy sessions for that membership.

We are an associate of the Arthritis Foundation in Ireland and are affiliated to ASIF - Ankylosing Spondylitis International Federation.

These relationships allow us to exchange information with similar organisations here and in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan and USA amongst others.

We encourage research into and education about AS. We arrange regular talks on the condition and it’s management and provide the guide book "A Positive Response to Ankylosing Spondylitis - Guidebook for patients", biannual “AS News” newsletter, exercise video and cassette tapes for patients. If you wish to find out further information or receive a copy of any of our publications, please do not hesitate to contact us.