Protest for 'timely access to therapy'

"Kids need to have therapies, it's not a luxury it's a right" - Parent

A peaceful protest took place this morning to highlight the lack of children’s disability services in Cavan.

Approximately twenty people gathered at Cavan's market square, many of whom were parents, to highlight the need for services for their children.

It is the second such protest to take place on the issue in Cavan, organised by two parents Rachel Kearns and Serena Dawson.

The mothers were also collecting signatures today for a petition  ‘No more waiting - Serena & Rachel’s call for urgent services for special needs children’.

Many people on the streets of Cavan stopped to sign their name showing the widespread support for children with disabilities.

Speaking to the Celt, Rachel said the "number one" aspect of The Disability Act 2005 she would like to see changed is for it to include "timely access to therapy."

"This is what we really need," she stated, adding that if it was included in the act "someone could be held accountable" if these services are not provided in a timely manner.

"Kids need to have therapies, it's not a luxury it's a right."

Both Serena and Rachel say they have been waiting for five years for therapy for their eldest child.

"And still waiting," Serena stated.

"There is no legislation around services and that is what we need.

"We need to be given some sort of hope that our children are going to receive the services that they need and to help them live independent lives. At the minute, we don't know where they're going to end up when we're gone," she worried.