Donegal Senator and disability advocate Nikki Bradley says the HSE has questions to answer over the recent cancellation of disability transportation for 40 people in the North West.
In one such case highlighted by Donegal Daily, 18-year-old Oisin Roberts Browne was set to start higher education at the start of this month with special transport being arranged by the HSE due to his additional needs.
However his mother, Tanya, was only informed days before he was due to start in Letterkenny, there would be a delay in securing a bus for him – meaning she would have to undertake the 40 minute journey with him, before setting off for her own work and caring for two other children also.
Senator Nikki Bradley says the lack of an alternative provided to these people and their families after the last-minute transportation cancellations must be looked into.
“It has been confirmed that almost 40 people with disabilities in Sligo and Donegal have been impacted by the failure of the HSE to provide transportation to day care services.”
“Families have to go through a long application process to organise transport, and even with all these steps they still may not get help.”
“I’ve heard countless stories of people who have had their transportation cancelled last minute with no alternative options put forward by the HSE.”
“One constituent told me their son isn’t able to attend college for the first time because their transport was cancelled last minute. This should have been his first big steps to independence, now his routine has been completely disrupted and his family have no idea when this situation will be addressed.”
“A student missing out on their education because of the lack of transport highlights just how serious the situation is.”
“The lack of support and communication is unacceptable and leaves families feeling abandoned and helpless.”
“For many people who have a family member with a severe disability, not having regular HSE organised transportation can really impact their daily lives.”
“Not every day centre has the ability to take over the transportation of service users themselves and the cost of paying for a wheelchair taxi on a weekly basis can be extortionate.”
“We need the HSE to implement a new action plan so that people with disabilities are guaranteed transport to day care facilities.”
“It is absolutely devastating to see the impact this is having on families. The HSE needs to provide clear guidance and support for those looking for alternative forms of transportation”, concluded Senator Bradley.
