‘Unnecessary anxiety’ for families with special needs kids
By Maurice Garvey
ONE crucial aspect children with special needs require is familiar structures and security but the pandemic and lockdowns have destroyed much of this organised environment.
News that special schools will reopen on February 11, has been welcomed by embattled parents, but uncertainty over how it will work, has added “unnecessary anxiety” for many families.
Lisa Coleman with her son Mason
Lisa Coleman, a Clondalkin resident and mother of son Mason (13) who is autistic, wrote to the Dept this week seeking clarification.
“It will be absolute torture, probably worse than what we’re dealing with now,” said Lisa.
“At least now his new routine is daily, going to work and home. School on alternate days, God help the poor staff. Like each mid-term or summer break, because of our kids anxiety, when they return to school, it is literally like first day all over again. So we shall pray, light candles and expect nothing but hope for the best.”
The agreement between the Department of Education, Fórsa and INTO trade unions, who represent special needs assistants (SNAs), will see the partial reopening of special schools with a maximum of 50 per cent of pupils attending on alternate days.
The INTO said clear advice has been provided by public health authorities that the limited and partial reopenings, will not give rise to an increase in school-based or community transmission.
During the last year, Lisa has managed to bring Mason with her to work in the haulage industry.
She has battled authorities for years in an attempt to secure a school place for Mason, who in September moved to a new school Setanta in Greenhills.
“He was really settling in until all this started,” said Lisa.
“The disability is more manageable than the amount of work that goes into just trying to get the kids a school place, nevermind any other services.”
Lisa and other parents The Echo spoke to cite school transport as another issue of importance, as most kids need that service.
“If there is no transport it will be a lot worse. I’m not sure I’ll even manage to get him to school with two other kids learning from home,” said one mother.
Another mother feels 50 per cent capacity is “ridiculous” as “classes are so small already”.
“Going back for one or possibly two days is not good when these kids have no concept or understanding of days,” she said.
Detailed plans for the reopening of special schools, which the INTO and Fórsa say they have scrutinised, have been circulated to schools this week.
By subscribing to The Echo you are supporting your local newspaper Click Here: Echo Online.
TAGS news
