Children With Disabilities Failed by the DCYA
Aontú Leader & Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has the heavily criticised persistent failing of children and persons with disabilities by successive government, particularly when it comes to Children with disabilities.
“This government’s appalling and reprehensible record continues – with the failing of children with disabilities by the DCYA and Pobal. AIM funding which is specifically allocated to support children with disabilities was paid out, then clawed back, and now remains in doubt. In the words of one long-term childcare provider who has prioritised children with disabilities: ‘I am washing my hands of AIM. The service has simply betrayed providers and parents who have worked tirelessly together to make environments more inclusive and welcoming for children with disabilities.’ Can Pobal, can the DCYA, can the government not see the consequences of their actions and mismanagement?”
“This sentiment is not an isolated one. The Federation of Early Childhood Providers conducted extensive surveys amongst childcare providers, and over 93% felt that the government had failed to meet and support the additional needs of children with disabilities and special needs. Even more appallingly, 74% of providers have confessed to seeing regression in children with special needs and disabilities. The failures of the government are not only ensuring these children do not progress, but their failures are directly undermining and reversing the progress these incredible children have made thus far – notwithstanding all the challenges that have stood in their way.”
“The disregard for disability rights, for children with disabilities, and the complete lack of regard for the damage their actions is doing to these children, by this government is simply disgraceful and a damning indictment of the continued mistreatment of Irish men, women and children with disabilities by their own government.”
