'It's about equal access'
Mother challenges council to lead on inclusivity
A passionate plea for greater inclusivity in Cavan came from Serena Dawson, a Belturbet mother of three boys with additional needs, when she urged the county council to provide wraparound infrastructure that supports families and better encourages societal inclusion.
Ms Dawson spoke at the April meeting followed Fine Gael’s Niamh Brady motion in March calling for more sensory spaces in public buildings. She voiced frustration over accessibility issues in daily life, saying simple activities like “even going to the shops” remain a challenge.
Despite past accolades, including a 2014 World Responsible Tourism Award and the 2013 European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) Award, Ms Dawson warned that Cavan is falling behind in terms of inclusive infrastructure and she called on the council to “lead the way” moving forward.
Citing families affected by ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder, the advocate highlighted how attending public events such as the St Patrick’s Day parade or the local swimming pool can cause significant discomfort without proper supports. She therefore sought a “dedicated special needs hub” to help families prevent and manage meltdowns.
“Small steps,” she said would make a big difference in the lives of many families who often times feel shut away from society. “It’s not about special treatment, it’s about equal access.”
Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley acknowledged the council’s awareness of these frustrations, adding: “We welcome how we might begin to better work with families.”
Fianna Fáil’s Clifford Kelly highlighted local initiatives in his town. Kingscourt’s March 17 parade had a sensory element, and the local hall built a dedicated room, both to meet the requests of members of the community there.
Sinn Féin’s Damien Brady praised Ms Dawson for her ongoing advocacy. “Fair play, you’re a voice not only for your own children but children beyond this county.”
Independent Ireland’s Shane P. O’Reilly noted a growing trend, with more persons in older life being diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD.
Grants to remodel or add sensory spaces at home could make a huge difference, he suggested, a proposal seconded by Fianna Fáil’s Philip Brady who stressed national responsibility.
“The council can do so much locally, but nationally we need to do more.”
Fine Gael’s Winston Bennett reiterated his call for inclusion in major development projects. All new build commercial developments should consider integrating sensory spaces, somewhere, he said: “to leave the child when a mother is going away doing the shopping.”
Brendan Fay (Ind) warned meanwhile that parents are all too easily “forgotten”. Cllr Áine Smith (FF) agreed; while Patricia Walsh (FF) described the current situation facing families as “not good enough”.
Fine Gael’s Trevor Smith also welcomed Ms Dawson as speaker.
Cllr Kelly highlighted difficulties in some areas around school placements, with some schools seemingly “reluctant” to take on a special class, meaning some children have to travel further afield to access education. Ms Dawson confirmed: “There are at present around 300 children diagnosed with autism in Cavan but with no school place available for them to attend.”
“We are burnt out,” she continued, speaking on behalf of families fighting for years to make even meagre progress. With families in other parts of the country aware of “how bad the situation is” locally, Ms Dawson said the council can in future play a critical role in supporting families by becoming a “place that wants to help children with additional needs”.