Disability: one woman's story: A 20-year-old Co Kildare student who has been waiting six years for the installation of wheelchair ramps and a lift in her school has called on the Minister for Finance to earmark part of the €900 million disability fund to ensure equal access for all school students.
"It is a basic right for all people with disabilities to have the same access and opportunities as everybody else. I want the Minister to invest this money to ensure pupils do not have to wait so long for basic rights such as ramps," said Ms Joanne Murphy, a PLC student at Athy Community School.
Ms Murphy has to struggle up a twisty narrow ramp at the back of her school where she has access to four classrooms out of 28. The school bought her a laptop because she could not get into the computer room and music and drama classes are out because she cannot get up the stairs.
"It is difficult. If there were ramps and a wheelchair lift it would make a big difference to me. I would be more independent, be able to get around more easily," she said.
Ms Murphy's mother, Peggy, said yesterday it should not be like this. "You should not have to beg and beg, it's Joanne's right, it's so frustrating."
The school principal, Mr Richard Daly, said Ms Murphy's mother requested wheelchair access more than six years ago when she was in primary school. "We applied but we still haven't got it," he added. "This situation cannot continue any longer. I am hoping Joanne will return to extend her PLC course for another year. It's a disgrace," said Mr Daly, who is also an Athy Town Fine Gael councillor. He wants to see the money announced in the Budget making a difference.
"But I am dealing with the Department of Education all these years so I have to say I am sceptical," he said.
"The money might not reach the people that most need it, most of it could be swallowed up in reports and administration," he added.
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