"We don't want our children being left at home for the rest of their lives without stimulation or intervention," that's according to Norma McVitty who is a representative of the Parents Association of the Holy Family School in Cootehill who have raised their concerns in relation to the lack of services and opportunities for young adults when they leave school at 18.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Norma McVitty explained that parents of children with special needs are always concerned about the future, especially when there is "little to no availability" across the Cavan/Monaghan region when it comes to essential services for young adults.
As a result, Norma along with other parents are calling on local politicians to help them push for more funding in relation to providing services across Co Cavan. "We’re so fortunate to have a great facility in the Holy Family School but once our children hit the age of 18 it is no man’s land and as parents we don’t know what to do," she explained.
Norma continued; "We are calling on our local representatives to push for funding to see if we can have a building/buildings that will facilitate all the different needs of young adults from the Holy Family School that are age and interest appropriate. My son who turns 13 this Sunday is autistic and routine is key to him.
"Covid was detrimental to him and many other children, that’s why we are so worried as parents in relation to the care and support that is out there after the age of 18. We don’t want that regression again. We don’t want our children being left at home for the rest of their lives with no stimulation or no intervention of any kind.
“A hydro-therapy pool was built in the Enable Ireland building on the Ballyjamesduff Road, yet not one child has put a toe in that pool. It needs people to operate the facility, there’s 12 out of 22 positions in Cavan/Monaghan that needs to be filled. The pool facilities particularly for children who are dependent on a wheelchair, can give them the freedom of movement in the water that would make such a difference.
"If you look at other counties there is an unbelievable number of services compared to Cavan. It needs to be looked at on a county-by-county basis, where the demand is and the amount of services because it’s simply not even or fair when it’s distributed down through the country."
