‘Everyone is struggling’ – parents

The third in a series of protests to voice frustration at the lack of services for children with disabilities was held at the weekend, and was attended by parents across the county.

Organisers Rachel Kearns and Serena Dawson have welcomed the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023 that was passed through the Seanad last week. This legislation seeks to create a balance in the Disability Act 2005 Act by strengthening it and refocusing on the legal right to personal assistance, supports, therapies, surgeries and whatever else a disabled citizen needs to be included. The bill was tabled by Senator Tom Clonan.

“At the minute nobody is accountable and this is where the problem lies because no one wants to take any responsibility.

“It definitely is a positive step,” mum of three Serena Dawson told the Celt.

They are hoping the Seanad Bill will bring change, because parents are “on the edge”.

“You could see in everyone’s faces [at the protest] how let down they are. Everyone is struggling. There is nowhere for us to turn, there is no-one apart from each other.”

Parents who are providing care for children with additional needs are “really finding it hard” with “no support”.

“It’s just a constant battle,” Rachel adds.

Coming up to the festive season, they said there is “very little” inclusive activities for children with additional needs. While they praised a number of groups who hold inclusive events, they called for the community to “come together” and think, could we arrange this event with one hour of inclusivity?

“Everything now really should have inclusive times in it,” Serena believes.

“If the HSE can’t provide therapies, can the community help out?”

“Is it a thing that funding can be given to support children with additional needs?” Serena questions.

Roadmap

Meanwhile, both parents called for a change to the ‘Roadmap for Service Improvement 2023-2026’, which was implemented to address challenges faced within the disability services.

However since its implementation, Rachel claims: “One-to-one therapies were gone unless you were a really severe case.

“The lack of one-to-one therapies is really really affecting kids now, so I think that needs to be done away with.”

“The waiting lists are worse than ever,” Serena believes.

“There is no answer to what the next step is,” she said, adding that “universal” parent courses do not work for children who have complex needs.

Their petition for more services for children with disabilities has over 2,000 signatures, and both mothers urge people to go to change.org and search ‘No More Waiting – Call for Urgent Services for Special Needs children’ to show their support.