The €50 million extra for the disabled caps a week in which advances have been made, writes Angela Kerins.
This has been a historic week for the disability sector. Last month the pervasive spirit of the Special Olympics World Games engaged the whole country. Following the euphoria and celebration of the event, many commentators wondered whether the spirit of inclusion inspired by the Games would vanish, or could be harnessed to effect change and ensure that a legacy of support for disability was maintained.
All were concerned that public, governmental and media interest in disability issues would be brief. All noted that efforts must be made to keep awareness and interest levels high lest the needs of people with disabilities would be once again forgotten.
Although none of these commentators or those they represent can yet become complacent, the events of the last seven days must give all involved in the disability sector real hope that the flame is indeed still burning.
The Taoiseach's meeting last Tuesday with the Disability Legislation Consultation Group (DLCG) resulted in a clear commitment that the Disability Bill, to be published this year, will allow for enforceable rights for people with disabilities. The details of this are not in any way clarified, but the concept of a regulator/enforcer was discussed as a mechanism for ensuring these rights are upheld, with the courts available to people as a last resort.
The Department of Education has issued the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill, which takes on board a number of concerns expressed recently by the disability sector in relation to the education of children up to age 18.
Crucially, the Department also stressed its availability for consultation and willingness to meet representatives of the disability sector in securing legislation which meets the needs of children, and it is giving the sector time to consider its response.
Both of these are immensely positive developments, which together would go a long way towards meeting the proposals of the disability sector. In itself, the unified position of the disability sector is a unique event, marking the first time a co-ordinated approach has been achieved by organisations of people with disabilities, families, carers, service providers and advocates representing more than 507 organisations and 365,0000 people and their families.
While we must await with anticipation the publication of the Disability Bill in the autumn, further positive developments are needed. The Taoiseach reacted favourably to the suggestion by the DLCG of the need for a strategy for disability. This would form a coherent plan, focusing on operational issues, so that the vast number of changes and developments that are required to enable the integration of people with disabilities could be implemented in a co-ordinated and sustained way. The manner in which disability services are delivered, across a range of departments and agencies, means there is a significant danger of ad-hoc change and disjointed incrementalism. Only through a co-ordinated approach can this be avoided.
While mainstreaming means that services to people with disabilities would not be segregated, but integrated into services provided to the general public, it is necessary and crucial to ensure that standards of service are high and that mainstreaming in no way means a diminution of services; in fact, the opposite must be true. The announcement yesterday by the Minister for Health and Minister of State that an additional €50 million will be spent on services to people with disabilities in 2003 is a real step forward.
Public spending reflects political priorities. As we are now half way through the European Year of People with Disabilities, it is fitting that the Government should prioritise spending on improved services for people with disabilities.
This money is earmarked to serve identified need, and the capital spent is designed to address the shortfalls in funding which lead to under-staffing, badly maintained buildings and poor services, or force organisations into debt to maintain services. Many services to people with disabilities have been underfunded for years.
Media attention in recent times focused on the inappropriate accommodation in psychiatric institutions, lack of provision for education, and inadequate care services due to underfunding.
These are the fundamentals which will be addressed through a combination of funding and legislation, where the legislation provides the impetus and the political prioritisation to ensure this essential funding is not dependent on whim or on economic climate.
The moves this week augur well for the changes which are required if people with disabilities are to be facilitated to take their full place in society as equal citizens.
The Irish people, through their support of the Special Olympics, have made it clear they value and recognise the contribution of all of our citizens.
It is very encouraging to see this public support translating into tangible benefits for people with disabilities, and to see the Government recognising the importance of providing quality, appropriate services for them.
Disability has been put firmly on the policy agenda and it is in the mind of the public and the media. The consultation process on disability legislation has been a huge capacity-building exercise in the disability sector. Organisations of and for people with disabilities are well equipped to participate in decisions on the need for future change and the Government must value their input, after all they are the experts.
Access to proper healthcare, education, training and employment, as well as full access to all of the benefits which other citizens enjoy and the services they require, are hugely important issues for people with disabilities. What is required now is a strategic direction, to ensure that the standards we expect and demand are applied in relation to the provision of services, both public and private, to all so that Ireland can achieve her potential through all our citizens.
We've all shared the feeling now let's share the future.
Angela Kerins is chairwoman of the Disability Legislation Consultation Group and of the National Disability Authority