Continued disability funding 'critical'

DISABLED PEOPLE must not lose out as a result of the economic downturn or Government cutbacks, Enable Ireland has warned.

The organisation, which has helped with people with physical disabilities since 1948 and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, published its annual report yesterday.

Its chairman, Donal Cashman, said that disabled groups had benefited from 10 years of growth and prosperity and were looking for reassurance while the country moves into less certain economic times.

"In this environment, it is the responsibility of society to continue to build on the progress that has been made in recent times and ensure that people with disabilities do not get left behind," he said.

He said the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, had provided €50 million in funding for all service providers delivering services for people with disability as part of Budget 2008.

Mr Cashman said it was critical that the Government continue to make the financial commitments to fund the services it is already funding.

"It is critical that statutory funding match these continued financial pressures and rising costs to ensure, at a minimum, the continued delivery of services at existing levels," he said.

Mr Cashman acknowledged the strides made since the Disability Act was brought into place in 2005. The Act has had wide-ranging implications for disabled people, giving them, for the first time, a statutory entitlement to having their individual needs assessed, a related service statement and independent redress.

Mr Cashman encouraged the Government to continue to ensure that an appropriate level of resources be made available to fulfil the commitments made to children, adults and families under the Act.

He said: "I urge all interested parties to work together in 2008 to ensure that the quality of support to our children is on a par with our status as one of the most developed countries in the world."

He said the lack of choice around living options has emerged as a "significant barrier" to social inclusions and independence for Enable Ireland's adult service users and the urgent need to practical and financial support for independent living options is identified as a priority.

"Substantial funding will be required into the future in order to ensure that independent living becomes a reality rather than an aspiration for these individuals," he said.

In its annual report, Enable Ireland reported record revenue of €3,658,135 from fundraising and its chain of charity shops. It provided services to 3,760 children, adults and their families in 15 centres throughout the Republic.

Enable Ireland opened its National Assistive Technology (AT) Training Centre in Crumlin and delivered an accredited training course with 42 new graduates.