Access to Services

Fourteen submissions recommended that the DECDIY prioritise improving access for people with disabilities to services such as education, transport, housing and health (the NFVSP; Disability Unit, DoH; CIB; Aontas; UNESCO Chair ITT; TCAID; CA; Chime; Public member 7; IWA; IHF; Pavee Point; and the IDS). The IWA, echoing other submissions, discussed the provision of services in the context of a “holistic” approach that enables people with disabilities to “live the life they choose”. For the NFVSP, this is not happening for “thousands” of people. These fourteen submissions argued that equal access to services would help improve these people’s lives.

To help achieve this, the Disability Unit in DoH recommended that the DCEDIY continue to progress the delivery of “specialist disability support services including residential care, respite, day services, specialist disability therapies, personal assistance and home supports, for people with disabilities”. They, along with the NFVSP, discussed access to person-centred day services (as per the ‘New Directions’ model). According to the NFVSP, this person-centred approach is “hampered by large congregated settings… often in industrial estates away from the community”. The NFVSP suggested the provision of additional resourcing so that these services may be provided in more suitable locations.

The IWA recommended multi-annual funding for disability organisations who provide vital services on behalf of the State. They focused on Personal Assistant Services, who enable wheelchair users to “do all the things you and their peers take for granted”. They also focused on a right to a home (with adequate circulation space and accessibility), recommending that 7% of social housing developments are wheelchair accessible. They also recommended a review of Part M of the Building Regulations, which currently provide homes “that wheelchair users can visit, but not live in”.

The IWA, among others, described barriers to education for people with disabilities, which leads to “unemployment and lack of income”. The NFVSP recommended that pupils in special schools are provided with guidance counselling services. They recommended that “accommodations are made” to improve access for people with intellectual disabilities to 3rd level education. Chime suggested that, for their service users, the most difficult educational transition is from second to third level, with a high drop-out rate at 3rd level. They recommended provision of pro-active supports in third level institutions to help alleviate challenges. For deaf children, while specialist communication technology may be provided at school, Chime recommended additional provision in children’s homes. Writing on behalf of adult learners, Aontas recommended the implementation of principals of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), to support access to adult education for all people with disabilities. The call for UDL was echoed by the IDS.

In terms of transport services, the NFVSP recommended that the DCEDIY address the “longstanding need for the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance to be reinstated”. They described an “ageing fleet of transport vehicles in disability services”, and recommended a decision on departmental responsibility for transport in disability services, led by the DCEDIY and with the support of the Department of Transport.

Health services were also a key theme in these submissions. The NFVSP, for example, recommended that the implementation of Sláintecare and the Healthy Ireland Framework to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met. The IDS recommended that the Government commit to providing the Deaf community with access to the full range of mental health services. Chime recommended that the Government ensure access to required hearing aids, in order to enable participation in education, employment, events and services. The IHF, in their submission, welcomed a significant reduction in stroke-related deaths in recent years, however raised concern regarding increasing rates of stroke-related disabilities. They recommended the provision of appropriate levels of in-hospital rehabilitation.

In relation to sports services, the UNESCO Chair, ITT recommended adequate safeguarding of people with disabilities, in order to increase participation. They recommended tackling other barriers to participation, such as a gap in understanding between the sports sector and people with disabilities as rights holders (who may not be aware they have a right to access sports).

In terms of longer-term budget requirements, the NFVSP, Disability Unit DoH, DFI and TCAID pointed to increasing longevity among people with disabilities, with the Disability Unit DoH referencing analysis on demographics in the “Disability Capacity Review to 2032”. While a welcome trend, this will lead to additional funding needs for mental, physical, and social health services in the coming years.