Three leading organisations representing people children with educational needs have said a return to the initial lockdown where disabilities saw a complete removal of support services in education, would be intolerable.
Down Syndrome Ireland, AsIAm, and Inclusion Ireland have all written to the Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan to seek an urgent meeting over the potential further closure of schools due to the surge in Covid-19 cases recently.
Barry Sheridan chief executive of Down Syndrome Ireland said: “The huge growth in Covid-19 cases in recent days is a massive concern, and, of course, the protection of public health is absolutely paramount right now, but we are extremely concerned at the increasing speculation that schools will be closed further past January 11th."
He said the Government must consider the impact that further closures will have on some of the most vulnerable children in the State, such as children with additional learning needs and prioritise them too.
He added "For many young people with additional needs, the supports provided in educational settings such as special school or classes, access to additional teaching time and SNA support are the only tangible resources which they or their family receive from the State. It is absolutely vital they are retained, if at all possible.”
Negative developmental impacts
Meanwhile, Adam Harris, chief executive of AsIAm said: “In March 2020, these students not only lost these supports but also their structure, routine and opportunity to learn and retain key skills.
“At the same time at this occurred, vital clinical and therapeutic supports were diverted elsewhere.
“A lengthy period in which families had little or no support followed and whilst it is too early to fully assess the negative developmental impacts this will undoubtedly have; even initial indicators are most concerning.
“In DCU’s government-funded T-Res Study, 61 per cent of children with additional needs were reported to have lost key abilities and skills during this period including self-regulation, academics and motivation.”
He said that 68 per cent of those surveyed by AsIAm prior to school re-opening reported that their child had experienced increased meltdowns or overloads at home during the period.
Also, 89 per cent of families surveyed by Inclusion Ireland found that their child “missed school quite a lot”. A large percentage of our communities are unable to engage in online learning owing to cognitive differences.
