Parents’ concern as Down Syndrome children are left without services
Down syndrome children are being left without basic services, according to a recent survey by Down Syndrome Ireland that shows 65 per cent have received no speech and language therapy sessions in the last year and 44 per cent have received no therapy of any kind in that period.
Responding to results, Brendan Stephenson of the Louth Meath Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland said a realignment of services has seen huge delays in service provision to people with Down Syndrome.
“People living in Meath have been told their services are being transferred to Drogheda, but then never get appointments. Then you have people in north Drogheda having services transferred to Meath, but not getting any therapy.
“There seems to be a big delay in transferring responsibility,” he said.
Mr Stephenson, who has a 14 year old daughter with Down Syndrome said it was very upsetting for families.
“It is the job of the HSE to provide these services, but they are not providing the services that people need.”
He explained the Louth Meath Branch provides some services but they shouldn't have to.
Deputy Peadar Tóibín described the survey as “ damning” and criticised “the abandonment of people with Down Syndrome by the HSE.
“65 per cent of those surveyed by DSI have received no speech and language therapy sessions in the last year. 44 per cent have received no therapy of any kind in the past year.
“Parents have responded that they have received no therapy sessions in over three years. 40 per cent said they had received no communication of any kind from the HSE in the last 12 months.
“This is abandonment. This is leaving children and young people with Down Syndrome behind. Even the reconfiguration of services brought no reprieve, as many didn’t have any services to begin with to be reconfigured.
“Ireland is a country of unequal access, that discriminates against people with disabilities and sidelines them from society. “From assessment waiting lists, to mobility grants, to lack of access to therapies, the government is failing in its duty towards people with disabilities in this country once more.”
The survey showed that nearly 25 per cent of children with Down Syndrome under the age of five have received no therapy services. Of young children, only 49 per cent have been to a speech and language therapist, whilst 22 per cent have had access to an occupational therapist.
Upon entering school, 54 per cent of children have not received any therapies in the last year – with 39 per cent having received no therapy service at all.
“These are shocking statistics, and show that the appalling state of services and supports for people with disabilities in Ireland continue regardless of who is Minister,” said Deputy Tóibín.