Protest for more service

Lack disability service remains pressing issue

A peaceful protest will take place to highlight the lack of children’s disability services in Cavan next Thursday (September 25).

It is the second such protest to take place on the issue in Cavan, organised by two parents Rachel Kearns and Serena Dawson, who vow to continue protesting until they receive the services they are entitled to.

“We’re not going to stop fighting until something changes,” Serena pledged, describing how they are protesting for services and early intervention. They want the government to “guarantee access to timely therapy” and “to encourage accountability” for years’ long waiting lists.

“Early intervention is a right not a privilege,” she stated.

A petition entitled ‘No more waiting - Serena & Rachel’s call for urgent services for special needs children’ has garnered over 300 signatures so far. Those attending next week’s protest will be encouraged to add their name.

“Children need to stop being ignored and families need to stop being ignored. Early intervention is key for children with additional needs and the early intervention isn’t there.

“Children are waiting, my own eldest son is five years on the waiting list so far,” she outlined.

Under the CDNT, Nathan will turn eight in January and has yet to receive one-to-one therapy. He has received two school visits from an Occupational Therapist, Serena has attended parent courses, received emails and had phone calls with “no one to one therapy” provided.

“The problem lies so much above the CDNT,” she believes, calling for a “change”.

Parents have been hearing “for years” that there are staff shortages, however the Cavan mum feels “this isn’t good enough anymore”.

“We have come across so many parents who are in the same boat, who aren’t getting anything.

“It’s mind boggling how they’re continuing to get away with the lack of service.”

“We shouldn’t have to be speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, the whole line of therapists along with being a parent, along with being left to struggle on your own.

“There are no supports for parents, there are no supports for anybody in this.”