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Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 10

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

Inclusion Ireland to meet Minister Harris

Inclusion Ireland, the national organisation representing Irelands 66,000 people with intellectual disabilities and their families will meet with the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD on Wednesday June 3rd at 2pm. The meeting will discuss the priority needs of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.

• The instances of COVID-19 in disability residential services
• The re-opening of day services 
• A ''summer program'' for children with disabilities and therapeutic supports
• Assisted Decision-Making

Important survey on day services - have your say

Thank you to the 300 people with disabilities and their families who have taken our survey to date.

Because of Covid 19, many services and supports for people with disabilities have been closed or cut back. We know from our helpline 0818 559891 that this has caused serious difficulties for some people with disabilities and their families.

People with intellectual disabilities may complete an easy-to-read survey here 

Family members and supporters of people with an intellectual disability may complete the survey here  

 

Special Education in the spotlight again!

Inclusion Ireland produced a report on our survey of parents of children with disabilities who are home educating at present. Our survey found that despite the best efforts of parents and teachers home education is not working for many families. People have had a varied experience across the country on their link with school and their access to technology. Read about the report here or access the report in full here

Children with severe intellectual disabilities are missing school quiet a lot and this is having a significant impact on the child and also on their family. Some Galway parents have bravely spoken out to RTE about this. Read a short article here or listen back to the parents on Morning Ireland These children are not on any road map and have been forgotten say their parents. 


 

Have fun and play

Middletown Autism Webinars in June

The ever popular Middletown Centre for Autism webinar series continues into June. The program includes webinars from Temple Grandin, Adam Harris, Patsy Daly, Brian McClean and Kari Dunn Burron. Full details on the content of each webinar may be accessed here 
 

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 6

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 
 

Inclusion Ireland launches COVID disability support helpline 

These are worrying times for people with disabilities and their families. People are worried about health services, education, welfare supports and work among many other issues. Please contact us in Inclusion Ireland for support and information

Phone: 0818 559891 (Mon - Fri, 10am - 3pm)
Email: covid19support@inclusionireland.ie  
Facebook: message the page

We have a flyer for the helpline here and the flyer is also available in easy-to-read format.
 

News and advocacy 

On April 28th Inclusion Ireland met Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD. The meeting was very constructive with Enda Egan, Inclusion Ireland CEO commenting, "I would like to thank Minister Harris for engaging with Inclusion Ireland, and listening to the concerns that people with intellectual disabilities and their families have in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic". A short report of the meeting can be read here There was press coverage of this meeting in the Irish Times on RTE and the Irish Examiner among many others. 

Inclusion Ireland had asked the HSE to issue a statement to let people with disabilities and their families know the HSE is planning for their needs in this COVID-19 period. The Head of Disability Operations in the HSE, Dr Cathal Morgan released a short video statement which may be accessed here  
 

Important survey 

Inclusion Ireland is to write to the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, TD about the education of children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. Children have been off school for many weeks now and there is no sign of schools re-opening. We want to tell the Minister the types of supports you would find useful right now while home educating and also the types of supports you would find useful to support your child getting back to school. To inform us we have created a very short survey for parents and guardians of children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. Inclusion Ireland would really appreciate if you could take 2 minutes to fill it in.
 

The survey may be filled in here
 

In the interim period we have lots and lots of education, activity and therapy resources on the Inclusion Ireland website
 

Residential services

It is a worrying time for families who have a family member living in a residential service or larger institutional setting. At present the HSE is developing a protocol for informing families if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in a residential service. Inclusion Ireland asked Minister Harris for this to be done. Inclusion Ireland has developed a short guide to policies relating to outbreaks of COVID-19 in residential services that includes access to a useful advocacy resource should you need it.

Your family member may require the services of a professional advocate. If this is the case they or you can contact the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities or Sage Advocacy
 

Minding your mental health

The COVID-19 time is a worrying time for many people with disabilities and their family carers. In many cases people are worried as they are apart due to social distancing and travel restrictions. However, you can stay in contact with each other and even have face to face conversations through modern technology. We have developed a guide to the best face to face communication applications to keep you in touch. 

St John of God Services has developed a guide to keeping good mental health during this period aimed at carers. Inclusion Ireland has also developed an easy-to-read guide to keeping good mental health that is accessible to people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.  

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 12

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

Making a will 

One of the most frequent enquiries Inclusion Ireland receives is on the topic of Making a Will by people with intellectual disabilities and family members making their own will. We have had lots of calls in the COVID period about wills. We have lots of information on our website, on making a will and on best practice to support decision-making and consent.
We also have a fact sheet explaining how inheritance law works
We would always advise using a solicitor who has relevant experience, when making a will and when looking to set up a trust fund, as the legal accuracy is very important.
 

Budget 2021 Consultation

The Budget is the government's plan for how it will spend money in the next year.   
 
Inclusion Ireland wants to hear about what you think should happen in Budget 2021 and what should be improved.

We have a survey that you can fill out here 

or 

For people with intellectual disabilities we are organising focus groups as online surveys are less accessible. If you would like to attend an online focus group let us know on 018559891.

Full details are in this flyer 
 

July Provision Latest News

On June 12th, The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, TD announced a comprehensive ''summer program'' (July Provision) to include most children with disabilities. There is a home based program, a school based program and also a HSE led ''day respite type'' of program. There is also a program for at risk young people. For more information read here 
Inclusion Ireland had a very interactive Facebook Live information session about July Provision. The video of the session and notes are on the page for you to view here
 

COVID - 19 restrictions eased

On June 8th, COVID-19 restrictions have eased slightly. Phase 2 of Ireland re-opening can be accessed here 
Inclusion Ireland has published an easy read version of the latest easing of restrictions as of June 8th. You can read it here 

 

A disability view of Covid-19

Our good friend Tom?s Murphy has written some of his thoughts on living in the time of Covid - 19 and trying to understand our new way of life at present. Tom?s has worked as a researcher on a number of projects in Inclusion Ireland and is a proud graduate of the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disability. Tom?s has represented Trinity at conferences as far off as the USA. At present Tom?s works in A & L Goodbody a large legal firm in Dublin.

Are your Day Services back to full capacity?

After a long closure due to Covid-19, most HSE funded Day Services resumed in late August or early September. We have put together an online survey to gather information about your experience of the nature and level of support that is now available, and the additional supports that you think would be most helpful in these challenging times.
 
We will use the information from this survey, to advocate with the HSE and the Government, about the urgency of restoring and improving supports and services for people with an intellectual disability.
 
We have also prepared an easy read survey specifically for people with an intellectual disability.
 
Have your say.
 
The full text version is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P7B9668
 
The Easy-To-Read version is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BKT7KQF

#WeAllGottaGo -
Sign the Petition!

Inclusion Ireland is delighted to take our annual conference Online on Thursday 3rd December - the international day for people with disabilities.

In this conference, people with an intellectual disability in Ireland, will share their stories and learning about how they are using computers, phones and the internet in new ways to

• Chat with friends and family
• Tell stories by taking pictures and making videos
• Learn new skills
• Stand up for their rights

Much of this work and learning is being supported by services. Because of the isolation caused by Covid 19, this work has now become even more important.

The presentations and talks will be led by self-advocates from across the country and we hope this event gives us all an opportunity to learn from each other.

Full details are available here.

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 4

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 
 

Government restrictions on movement extended

The Government has extended restrictions on movement and ''cocooning'' up until May 5th. Leading a restricted life can have a significant impact on people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Inclusion Ireland has developed an easy-to-read fact-sheet about the current restrictions. It is available here and remember that we also have a guide to keeping good mental health when spending lots of time indoors.  

Our friends at Grace App, a communication app for people who mainly communicate in a non-verbal fashion have made available flash cards about Garda checkpoints so people can be prepared for encountering a checkpoint when out. Grace App pictures are available at their Facebook page

ASIAM is Ireland''s autism charity. They have developed a wide range of social stories that can be used to explain to autistic people about the COVID-19 situation and restrictions that are currently in place.
 

Inclusion Ireland demands rights are protected

People with intellectual disabilities face a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during this pandemic. They also face many barriers in accessing healthcare, and in accessing public health information. For these reasons it is important that the State takes action to ensure people with intellectual disabilities are not discriminated against during this pandemic. This involves providing accessible information regarding the pandemic and related guidelines. It also involves ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are supported to access healthcare and are given the supports to self-isolate and quarantine appropriately. It is vital that people with intellectual disabilities and their families are supported throughout this difficult period by the Government, by the HSE, by healthcare service providers, and by their communities.

Inclusion Ireland has sent this paper to the Government and issued the following press release.
 

#Happyathome

In the past week lots of people have sent us in videos and photographs of themselves and family engaging in activities during the COVID-19 restrictions. They have brought so much joy to us and the wider community. Please keep sending in your photos and video clips; all details are in this flyer  If you pop over to our Facebook Page or follow us on Twitter @inclusionirl you can enjoy the Woodlands ladies rocking Nathan Carter, Gary and his wonderful Irish dancing and lots of other fun activities people are engaging in during the lock in.
 

Therapy resources

Most therapy such as speech & language, physio, psychology and occupational are not operating as normal for children and adults with disabilities. Inclusion Ireland has collected lots of materials on our website that parents can access and use. Parents are not therapists but there are many fun games you can play to assist with language and skills development.

There are speech therapy resources and occupational therapy resources from the NCSE

The Middletown Centre for Autism has lots of online resources including, on toileting, sleeping and leisure skills.

BBC Good food has lots of ideas including making play dough and lots of other fund food games.

For all of therapy resources we have curated and much more have a look on our dedicated webpage. 
 

Ask the expert

Inclusion Ireland hosted a very informative Facebook Live Q & A with childhood physiotherapist Deirdre O''Donoghue on April 16th. The video remains on our Facebook Page Thank you Deirdre.

On Thursday April 23rd at 11am we are excited to have Dr Olive Healy to answer your questions on behavioural issues and supports. Dr Healy is an Associate Professor of ABA, psychology in Trinity College Dublin. She has worked for many years with autistic people and people with intellectual disabilities. You can find out about Dr Healy here If you would like Dr Healy to address an issue you are having at the moment please send it to info@inclusionireland.ie and we will have is addressed. Join us on our Facebook Page April 23rd @ 11am and don''t worry if you cannot make it as the video will stay on the page for you to access later.
 

Inclusion Ireland Newsletter March 2020

Inclusion Ireland hosts successful conference on housing

Inclusion Ireland held a conference on housing in the Spencer Hotel Dublin on Tuesday 3^rd December 2019. The conference was organised by a working group of the Self Advocacy committee, with the support of Inclusion Ireland staff and funding from IHREC. Over 100 people attended the conference. There were great presentations by advocates on their experience of housing, followed by lively group discussions.
There was a total of seven videos and presentations on housing issues by people from Cork, Limerick, Roscommon and Dublin. Participants shared their experience of:

• Living independently as a tenant of the county council and Respond
• Renting from a private landlord
• Emergency Housing and the long wait for a house when you're living at home
• The joys and challenges of living independently
• Moving from an institution to having "My Own Front Door"

• The pathways to housing and independent living need to be much clearer for everyone
• Information about housing and support needs to be provided in a way that is accessible for everyone
• Every adult with a disability should be entitled to an independent assessment of their housing needs and their supported living needs - much of this could be accomplished if the government decided to commence sections 8-22 of the Disability Act 2005 for all adults.
• Information about the level of demand arising from these assessments should be publicly available at regional and national level. This information should inform the annual budgets and planning of the relevant government departments.
• The government should dedicate more housing for people with disabilities and increase the supports available for independent living for all
• There should be individualised models of service for supported living - money should follow the person in order to increase choice and change
• There should be more use of assistive technology to support people to live independently and safely
• There should be much greater accountability within the HSE and other providers for the provision of supports to people with disabilities
• There needs to be increased collaboration and joined up thinking between the HSE, Housing Authorities and all other relevant agencies providing supports to people with disabilities
• Inclusion Ireland needs to advocate for everybody, including people who are not in a service and people with very high support needs who cannot speak up for themselves

We would particularly like to thank IHREC for their funding support and all of the people who spoke and shared videos of their experience. The high quality of their presentations was powerful and led to great discussions of the need for change.

Inclusion Ireland launch position paper on housing

Inclusion Ireland launched a position paper on the housing needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The paper examines the barriers people with intellectual liabilities face in getting a home in the community with the right supports in place. The paper found that people with intellectual disabilities, as a group, have largely been removed from the general housing market, both in private renting and in social housing.

They face some of the same barriers as everyone else in society in attempting to access affordable housing amidst an ongoing housing crisis.

However, there are extra barriers such as the absence of available support services, the lack of accessible houses and availability of accessible information,

and the extra costs associated with having a disability.?

The paper is available in full and easy to read formats along with a fact sheet on what steps a person can take to have their housing needs addressed 

 http://www.inclusionireland.ie/content/news-items/1789/housing-people-intellectual-disabilities 

People with intellectual disabilities tell Tusla about domestic violence

People with intellectual disabilities and Inclusion Ireland participated in a consultation on domestic violence accommodation in Sligo on 19 February. Organised by Tusla's Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence programme the consultation was seeking views on accommodation and supports required in order to plan for the future. Accessibility issues were raised, particularly the need for information on services to be in an easy to read format and additional supports for people with disabilities to access services and supports.

19 Stories of Social Inclusion 

A morning at the cinema - Stories of Social Inclusion
The cinema at The Model, Sligo and the Darma Centre in Tullamore were buzzing recently when over 100 people watched short films about people with intellectual disabilities who are working in supermarkets and on farms, happily married, going to college, active in community arts and living ordinary lives like most people. The films show that with the right supports it is possible to be included in your communities and live independently. A lively discussion followed the films from the audience who were made up of people with intellectual disabilities, family members and staff from disability services.
Thank you to Sligo Leader Company and the Midlands Conversation Group for their support with the event.
A short film of the Sligo event was produced by IT Sligo student, Michael Bonner, and is available here
 
Watch the videos and read the research report from the '19 Stories of Social Inclusion' project here
 

General election 2020 

Inclusion Ireland was very busy during the General Election campaign. We produced a manifesto with an easy to read version, a canvas card and we analysed all of the political manifestos on their disability commitments. We had an ''email your candidate'' tool on the website and 17,500 emails were send to candidates using the tool. More details can be read here
Inclusion Ireland staff were very busy and we met candidates in Laois, Offaly, Dublin, Wicklow, Sligo, Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Leitrm to discuss disability issues.
We held a hustings in Sligo along with Independent Living Movement Ireland and Disability Federation Ireland where candidates came together to talk about disability issues with a packed room of people with disabilities and their supporters.
Inclusion Ireland is part of the Oireachtas Disability Group (ODG). The ODG held a major election hustings event in the Mansion House to discuss disability issue with all of the parties.
Since the General Election we have been working to keep disability issues on the political agenda as a program for government is formed. We wrote to the Irish Times about Assisted Decision Making and have produced videos for a short campaign on getting disability issues addressed in the program for government. The videos are less than one minute each and address Assisted Decision Making, Housing, Living in the Community and Changing Places

 

Staff changes in Inclusion Ireland

Policy Submissions 

The Public Sector Duty with Offaly and Sligo Councils

Public Information events

Covid 19 (Corona) Virus

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 14

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

The latest advocacy news

On Thursday June 25th, Inclusion Ireland addressed the Special Response Covid - 19 Committee in Leinster House. The subject was special education and access to the ''summer program'' set up by the Department of Education and Skills. The presentation and questions may be viewed here at 2hr 41 mins in or the debate may be read here
 

Summer education program - July Provision

The summer program of education support has begun but it is not to late to apply. The scheme is aimed at reintroducing children to education prior to September. To see if your child qualifies for the scheme there is a guide here
If your child''s school is running the scheme they should contact you but it is wise to contact them to be sure. Any parent who wants to avail of the home based scheme must first register here Once you have registered print off this form and get the school principal to sign it off. This now means the child qualifies for the scheme and you may hire a tutor. You need no further confirmation.
There are some good online sources to locate a tutor for a home based program at this link  
 

HSE Services

At present, most HSE and HSE funded disability services are not operating or are at severely restricted capacity. The HSE has published a document on the reshaping of disability services post Covid-19 that may be read here
The HSE has also produced a flyer on what is happening to start day service provision up again here which is also available in easy to read format 

Keeping good mental health

The Covid-19 period has had a significant impact on all of our lives. Many of the supports to people with disabilities and their families ceased overnight such as school, day services, respite and therapy services. This can impact on a persons mental health. 
Family carers can access support on Facebook as the Care Alliance has established a Facebook page to offer peer support. Family Carers Ireland has a free phone-counselling service to people who require it.
For people with intellectual disabilities, Inclusion Ireland has developed a short guide to keeping good mental health at this time.
The HSE also has a great resource on all things that support good mental health here

Welcome to your regular E-Newsletter

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus). 
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

Day service re-opening dates

On August 4th, the HSE launched a web page with full details of the re-opening of all adult disability day services. The information includes dates, locations and contact details for the service location. You can find out much more about your local day service re-opening by clicking here

Bernard O''Regan, the Head of Disability Planning and Strategy in the HSE issued the following video message to people with disabilities and their families.
 

Day services protest

On July 29th a protest took place outside of the Convention Centre in Dublin about the continued closure of adult disability day services. The protest was highly effective and was debated in leaders questions in the D?il (start at 11 minutes) by Deputies Alan Kelly and Roisin Shorthall. A short video of the protest and its impact may be viewed here  
 

Personal Budgets

Budget 2021

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 7

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

News and advocacy

Inclusion Ireland is concerned by the lack of reporting of cases of COVID-19 in residential services for people with intellectual disabilities. We have raised this directly with the Minister for Health in a face to face meeting on April 27th. People with disabilities and their families are also very concerned by the lack of transparent information. Minister Harris has pledged to publish this information as it becomes available.

Until detailed information is made available, Inclusion Ireland has collated data and articles from various reliable news sources.

For all the news and available data on COVID in residential services read here 

Inclusion Ireland expressed grave concern to the Minister for Health that ''ethical guidelines'' could possible see people with disabilities discriminated against in the provision of health care. We are please to say the Minister has issued supplementary guidelines to ensure this does not occur. Our press statement may be read here and the Department of health supplementary guidelines may be read here
 

Be prepared - plan ahead

In case your family member with an intellectual disability has to go into hospital for treatment it can be a good move to have a ''health passport'' which lists all about the person and any medications, likes and dislikes they may have. Use this guide when filling out a health passport so it is as good as it can be.This makes it easier for health professionals to treat the person. This fun video explains all about health passports, their use and why they are so important.

Our friends in Family Carers Ireland have developed an emergency plan in case the family care has to go to hospital with COVID-19 or is incapacitated due to the virus.
 

Free webinars

The Middletown Centre for Autism has a range of free webinars during the month of May. The webinars address issues such as managing anxiety, managing meltdowns, promoting sleep and how to cope with the stress of the COVID-19 period. You can get more details and register at this link 
 

Fun education, therapy and activity resources

Remember you are not a teacher and do not feel under pressure in providing home education at present.

Inclusion Ireland has collated some fun educational resources such as these fun educational comics

Special Olympics has also put together fun activities for younger children and also some structured activities, mental health advice and healthy eating and living options for adults in their Together at Home web page 

If you are interested in art there is lots of colouring activities from Crayola for children and adults alike at this page  

For all of the resources that Inclusion Ireland has gathered please visit the website at this link 


 

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 3

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Inclusion Ireland''s weekly newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

Inclusion Ireland to host online physiotherapy Q&A

Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapist Deirdre O'Donoghue will host a questions and answers session on Inclusion Ireland's Facebook Page Live. Deirdre is a highly skilled and experienced child physiotherapist who has worked at a senior level for 15 years and now operates in private practice, Move Kids Physio https://www.movekidsphysio.com/ 
If you would like to ask Deirdre a question about your child please submit it to info@inclusionireland.ie by 12pm on Tuesday 14th April.

When: Thursday April 16th @ 11am
Where: Inclusion Ireland Facebook page, just like the page and enjoy from the comfort of your own home. 

Information for health care professionals

For some people with an intellectual disability communication may be difficult. Most health care professionals are not trained in communicating with people who have an intellectual disability or are autistic. Inclusion Ireland has developed a simple document aimed at health care professionals to assist them when treating people with intellectual disabilities and a guide on wider accessibility issues.

Temple Grandin Webinar

In this time of no public meetings webinars are becoming increasingly popular. Join Dr. TEMPLE GRANDIN, the World''s most Famous and Influential person with Autism and outspoken proponent of Autism Awareness for a very Special Pre-Recorded, On-Demand Webinar on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 at 7.30pm until 8.30pm. Full details and registration are here

Education resources

Parents have been thrown into new roles as educators for their children. Thankfully it is now Easter holidays. Inclusion Ireland has collated some of the best educational resources to assist parents in home education. Remember not to pressurise yourself and have some fun along the way. 
There are online PE classes available each day
There is an hour of school each day on RTE television
There is access to text books for free at CJ Fallon
To view all of our resources visit the Inclusion Ireland website

Easter Bunny cleared to work

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD has declared the Easter Bunny an ''essential worker''. This means the Bunny is free to carry out important delivers of yummy chocolate to young people and not so young people. Young people can see the Minister''s statement here and also a video from New Zealand''s Prime Minister.

Budget 2021 has been announced.

This week the Government unveiled their Budget for 2021. This outlines the changes in taxes and spending they have planned for next year.
We looked at the key changes relevant to people with disabilities and their families:

• ?100m in additional funding for disability services in 2021.
• ?20m in additional funding for disability voluntary service providers involved in the Transforming Lives Programme.
• ?6m - an additional ?2m, for Decision Support Services (DSS)
• Living Alone Allowance to increase by ?5 to ?19 per week for older people, widows, widowers and people with disabilities from January 2021.
• Disability Allowance earnings disregard to increase from ?120 to ?140 per week from June 2021.
• Carer's Support Grant to increase from ?1700 to ?1850 per annum from June 2021.
• Employability Grant - Up to ?1,000 technical support grant for jobseekers with disabilities accessed on a similar basis to the TSG (Intreo) and Mediator Fund (Local Employment Service).
• Hearing Aids - ?500 grant without matching funding from customers, ?100 repairs without fund matching.
• Funding for an additional 400 Special Needs Assistants, and a reduction in the Pupil Teacher Ratio to 24/1. 

Assessment of Needs

Special survey on returning to school

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter. This week we have an important survey. 
Please send this survey to anyone who has a child or young person with a disability who is returning or has just returned to school.

Important Snap Survey

Inclusion Ireland has been asked to appear at the Oireachtas Special Committee on a Covid-19 Response on September 3rd. We want to let the Committee know the experience of families who have a child with a disability returning to school or who has just returned. 
This survey will only take 3 minutes and it will help us greatly to inform the committee of the experience of families. You may take the survey here The survey will close at 10am on September 1st. 

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 8

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

 

Home education not working for many

Inclusion Ireland conducted a survey of parents; 733 parents told us children with intellectual disabilities and autism are missing school a lot. For children with complex behaviour and medical needs home education is very difficult or non-existent, despite the best efforts of parents and teachers. The experience of parents across the country varies widely. 
Parents are struggling to provide any form of education to disabled children while also trying to work from home, work on the front line and isolate at home, or minding other children or elderly adults.
There is a small group of children who have no access to any form of technology to engage in virtual/online schoolwork. There is also a group of children with complex needs who cannot access education unless it is provided in person. For these children education has stopped.

Read our paper sent to the Minister for Education here 
Read our press release about what we want the Minister to do here 
 

New support service for family carers

On May 5th a new online counselling service became available to family carers.  To access this vital service, ring on the Freephone Careline, 1800 24 07 24 or contact your local Family Carers Ireland office.  A qualified professional will be available to support family carers who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, and other health issues either by phone or a secure video link. A qualified professional will seek to support your mental health and emotional well being from your own home. 
 

Mental health supports

It is so important to mind your mental health and the mental health of all of the family. This can be hard when we are all stuck indoors. tay safe, stay well and remember it is good to talk. The below resources are supports to keeping good mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel very low contact Samaritans by phoning 116123 for free. Another great service for people experiencing mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts is Pieta House. You can contact them at 1800247247.

There are also precautions we can take to keep good mental health. The HSE has a comprehensive guide to minding your mental health while being stuck indoors for long periods of time and having no work or school or day service to go to. Inclusion Ireland has created an easy-to-read guide to keeping good mental health that is accessible to people with intellectual disabilities. Finally, Kidstime has a great guide to keeping you organised and mental health well now that many families are working, educating and supporting adults with intellectual disabilities all in the one house which may be accessed here. 
 

Behaviour support resources for parents

There has been no school since mid-March and many families are struggling at home to home educate and manage behaviour. The National Council for Special Education has developed a range of booklets for parents on managing behaviour at home. The aim of these resources is to give parents some simple skills and behaviour supports that may work in the home. All of the available resources can be accessed here  

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 11

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

July Provision update

Inclusion Ireland and a number of other organisations were told by the Department of Education and Skills that the July Provision program would be severely restricted in 2020. Thankfully, they have changed their mind and widened the scheme to include children with Down Syndrome. You can get more details on the scheme and updates, including the Ministers press statement here RTE covered the confusion on June 4th in this article

At present the scheme is not open to children with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities. Inclusion Ireland will advocate for their inclusion but contact us if you want to discuss this. Applications are not open yet for the ''summer scheme''.
 

COVID - 19 updates

Today, June 8th, COVID-19 restrictions have eased slightly. Phase 2 of Ireland re-opening can be accessed here Inclusion Ireland will publish and easy read version on this information in the coming days.
Covid-19 has not gone away and all of the good practices we have gotten into need to be kept up so we do not spread the virus further. As a reminder here is an easy-to-read guide on the virus and protecting yourself. As we all know the best way of protecting yourself is good hand-washing routine and here is our easy-to-read guide to good hand-washing.
 

Inclusion Ireland meeting with Minister Harris

At a meeting on June 4th with Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD,  Inclusion Ireland called for the introduction of a Covid-19 fund to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families as services reopen. We also got an accurate update on the status of Covid-19 cases in residential settings for people with disabilities. A short report of the meeting can be read here
 

Adult Day services

People have been largely without adult day services for 3 months at this point. The HSE has published a framework for disability service providers to start the re-opening of day services and prioritising people to return. The framework may be accessed here 

Inclusion Ireland is finalising a report on how the closure of services has impacted on the lives of people with disabilities and their families during this time. The report will be completed this week. We would like to thank the 337 people with intellectual disabilities and their family members who completed the survey.

Special Newsletter on day service supports

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus). This edition will focus on the issues surrounding the closure of adult day services and supports. 
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response

Inclusion Ireland is to give evidence to the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response on Friday July 17th. You will be able to watch the proceedings live online here or by tuning in to Oireachtas TV on your television.
In advance of this session we sent the Committee a full written statement on issues for people with disabilities and their families during the Covid-19 period. The submission notes issues in relation to adult day service provision, residential services, therapy provision and mental health services. You may read our written submission here

The latest HSE news

Disability day services have been closed to people who use them since mid-March with a few exceptions. On July 8th the HSE issued a guidance document to disability day services to guide and support the reopening of these adult day services. They have also issued a July update for families and an accessible update for people with disabilities.
Disability services should begin to contact people with disabilities and their family members in the coming week or two to begin the return to services in a safe manner. It is disappointing that the HSE are indicating a reduced service for people at present, due to public health guidance. The HSE is also indicating a very slow return to the resumption of services over July and August and beyond. Some families have told Inclusion Ireland they have been given a date of September 7th for reopening. 
The HSE Guidance staff will be in touch with people that have left school in 2020 and need a HSE funded day service in September. They will discuss how their service will commence. 

Day services report launched by Inclusion Ireland

Inclusion Ireland launched a report on the impact of the closure of adult day service supports on 9th July. The report notes the supports people have gotten has varied quite a bit and that this has impacted on peoples mental well being with reported increases in anxiety and behaviours of concern and loneliness. The report calls for a full return to previous levels of support for people and the Minister to make funds available to allow this to happen. 
The report and easy-read summary may be read here and a short article on the report here Inclusion Ireland had an online launch of the report which may be viewed here
 

Day services in the news

Welcome to your regular E-Newsletter

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus). 
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

New rules on face coverings

Before this week face coverings were mandatory on public transport. As of Monday August 10th face coverings are mandatory in certain situations. You need to wear a face covering in shops, libraries, bookies, concert halls and many other locations. You can find out when you need to wear a mask here You should note that it is not mandatory for a person with a disability to wear a mask if they cannot do so.

There is an easy to follow video on how to make a face covering here and also how to wear a face covering properly here
 

Online Careers Event

Due to Covid-19 AHEAD is hosting its career event, ''Building the Future'' for students and graduates with disabilities online this year. Students and graduates will still get an opportunity to experience mock interviews, CV clinics, attend workshops and also chat with employers face-to-face all from the comfort of their own home! All you need is access to the internet either from your mobile or a laptop and Zoom. 

You can find out how to register and full details of this week long online event here

Returning to school

UNCRPD Participation 

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 5

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

Ask the expert: anxiety and coping during isolation

On Thursday 23rd April we had a tremendous Q & A session on Facebook Live with Dr Olive Healy a behavioural psychology expert fromTrinity College Dublin. Thank you Olive and the 2,600 people who have watched the video. 
We are delighted to announce that on Thursday, 30th April at 11am Stella O'Malley, Psychotherapist and Author, will join us on Facebook Live. She will be available to answer your questions about anxiety and coping strategies during this time of isolation. Stella is the author of 'Cotton Wool Kids', 'Bully Proof Kids' and 'Fragile'. She has played a key role in the 2019 RTE programme, "Raised by the Village", providing therapy to the young people and to their family members.  You can find out more about Stella at her website www.stellaomalley.com 

If you would like to ask Stella a question or address an issue you are having at the moment please contact info@inclusionireland.ie by lunchtime Tuesday, 28th April.

 

Keeping healthy during isolation

It is important to keep fit and healthy during this time when we are not going out as much. This involves healthy eating, exercise and minding our mental health. You can learn a new sport, take part in a fitness class or learn to cook a healthy meal with Special Olympics, Together at home programme.

There are also lots of additional exercise opportunities and exercise resources on Inclusion Ireland''s dedicated web pages Take care when engaging in exercise for the first time not to overdo it. Stay safe and stay well.

There are also lots of great ideas for keeping active body and mind at the website of our friends in Down Syndrome Ireland.
 

#happyathome

It is hard being at home all of the time and most of our regular activities are closed. Inclusion Ireland had asked that you send us in your pictures of things that make you happy while at home to inspire other people. We have had lots of pictures and videos sent in. Thank you and keep them coming to us by Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp. Full contact details are here 

We have also put together a short video of pictures of people being happy at home. You can see much more by scrolling through our Facebook Page. 

Advocacy work

Over the last few weeks Inclusion Ireland has been very busy engaging with Government, HSE and other organisations on the rights of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis. We are meeting the Minister for Health on Monday April 27th to discuss concerns that have been raised with Inclusion Ireland by members.

Inclusion Ireland developed a position paper on how to protect peoples rights at this worrying time. We sent this to an Taoiseach and the Minister of Health. The paper can be read in full here

We also co-signed two statements on upholding the rights of people with disabilities during the current crisis. The two statements can be accessed here and here 
 

All of our press releases on disability issues during the COVID-19 period can be accessed here
 

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 13

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

Inclusion Ireland to appear at Covid Committee

On Thursday June 25th, Inclusion Ireland will address the Special Response Covid - 19 Committee in Leinster House. The subject for discussion is special education. We will make a written submission and an opening statement to the Committee. These submissions have been informed by a survey of 1064 parents of children with disabilities and will tell how the Covid - 19 period is affecting families.
We have also been asked to send in a written submission on other issues for people with disabilities for next week. Such issues include day service closure, therapy services, home supports and the closure of community supports. 
 

''All walks of life''

Inclusion Ireland advocacy officer, Paul Alford appeared on the RTE 1 program ''All walks of life''. In the program Paul was interviewed about his life by ex-president of Ireland, Mary McAleese while on a pilgrim walk in Donegal. You can catch a rerun of the show on Friday June 26th at 7.30pm.

Paul has also written a short blog on how he is coping living with an intellectual disability in the Covid-19 period. You can read Paul''s blog here
 

Wearing a face mask

At present face masks are not mandatory but they can limit the spread of Covid-19. Many people with intellectual disabilities and autism can also find them difficult to wear and do not have to wear them.
However, there is Government advice to wear a face mask in certain situations such as going shopping or using public transport for example. You can get the latest advice on face masks, how to make a face mask and how to use it safely here 
 

Covid 19 Disability issues Newsletter Vol. 15

Welcome to your regular Inclusion Ireland newsletter to keep the disability sector informed on all things to do with Covid 19 (Coronavirus).
Please send this to anyone who has an interest in disability issues or people can sign up for free by emailing info@inclusionireland.ie 

New Ministers Announced

After such a long period, a new Government was appointed. All Ministers with relevance to the disability sector have been changed. for the relevant Ministers contact details click on their names below. At present it is not fully clear on the specific areas each will be responsible for.
There is a new senior Minister for Children, Disability, Integration and Equality, Roderic O''Gorman and a junior Minister in this department with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte. 
The new Minister for Health is Stephen Donnelly who may still have control of the disability spend.
In the Department of Education and Skills Norma Foley has been appointed as the new Minister with a junior Minister responsible for special education, Josepha Madigan. 

The road map to reopening Ireland

At present Ireland is doing well on Covid-19 and numbers of cases are lowering. Because of this Government has started to allow business to reopen. You can look at the full details of phase 3 of reopening Ireland here 
In addition, the Daughters of Charity speech and language department has developed a child friendly video to explain to children with disabilities all about what is reopening and why. The video is also narrated by a young person with autism and may be viewed here
 

Day services report launch on Facebook

At the start of June Inclusion Ireland had a survey on how day services closures was affecting people with disabilities. We will be launching this report on Thursday 9th July at 10am live on our Facebook page and on our Twitter feed @Inclusionire  
The closure of services has impacted on the lives of people with disabilities greatly in loneliness, anger, anxiety and behaviours of concern. Contact with services has varied from very good to almost non-existent. Some services have been innovative and done online classes and contact but this does not work for people with the most significant disabilities. We sincerely thank the 350 participants in the survey.   
 

Another U-Turn on summer provision

The summer education provision program has been characterised by confusion from the start. Children qualified for the scheme, then they did not. On July 6th the new Ministers Foley and Madigan announced the scheme would now include children with Down Syndrome at second level. While this is good news the scheme continues to discriminate against many children with intellectual disabilities.
Inclusion Ireland is meeting minister Madigan tomorrow July 8th and will continue our campaign to have all children with intellectual disabilities included.