Families to voice disability support and future needs concerns at Navan meeting

Parents and carers of adults with additional needs who are worried about the future are invited to a meeting in Navan tomorrow night (Wednesday).

Deputy Gillian Toole is hosting the meeting where parents and carers can discuss future planning, support and community resources.

"This information will be then relayed to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disabilities. We will be there to listen, take on board your needs and ensure that they are communicated through to the relevant people/departments," said Deputy Toole.

The meeting which will take pace in the Tara Suite, Ardboyne Hotel from 7pm to 9pm is aimed at those worried about arrangements for their loved one's future regarding housing, respite and personal assistants.

"I have been contacted by parents from around the county concerned about the future living arrangements for their adults and children, and in regards to respite breaks and the availability of alternative respite - which would include equine respite.

"Wednesday's meeting is to hear from parents and carers on what are the needs of their family members in order to live independently or or to live with the support of a key worker or personal assistant.

"It will be an opportunity to hear from parents the specific needs of families in Meath. I want to know how are they getting on, what interactions are they having with the HSE, disability services, with the housing section Meath County Council."

"It will be to ascertain the needs, then compile the list of those needs, and then to sit down with the HSE Disability Services and the Director of Housing with Meath County Council and put a plan in place".

She said Wednesday's meeting will also be an opportunity to inform people of the Council's housing adaptation grants for wet rooms, rails, stair lifts, which can also be used for sensory facilities.

Deputy Toole said that when new developments are being built there is a part five provision for social houses. "That needs to be subdivided between age friendly homes and housing for people with special abilities.

"There will be 14 homes built as part of a Meath County Council civic site in the middle of Ratoath . In my submission I called for consideration of accommodation young local adults with special needs, so they could have an opportunity live locally with a personal assistant or home support package."

Deputy Toole spoke about the opportunities for alternative respite - this would include equine respite. "Stewarts Care in Kilcloon have received funding from HSE for alternative respite for the first time ever. I raised that at the joint oireachtais commitee and we got it included it the report on inclusive education that alternative respite funding could be used for art therapy, drams, music equine and play therapy."

She said groups like 'Before We Die', ' Remember Us, Special hands and Adults Supporting Kids (ASK) are doing great work.

"They are hard pressed families helping themselves. I want to know how are they getting on."

Cllr Toole said that anyone who cannot make it on the evening but would like to still participate can contact her at gillian.toole@oireachtas.ie