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Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland express extreme disappointment at exclusion of those with disabilities from JobBridge
Launched by Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton last month, the innovative new JobBridge scheme appears to be closed to unemployed people on disability allowance
Dublin 26th July 2011. Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) the national voluntary organisation representing over 8,000 people with, or affected by, Spina Bifida and / or Hydrocephalus has condemned the Government decision to exclude people with disabilities from its €20 million JobBridge internship scheme. JobBridge is designed to help people who have been unemployed for at least three months to get back to work and the scheme appears to be closed to those claiming disability allowance.
George Kennedy, CEO of SBHI said, “SBHI has members throughout the country who have suitable educational qualifications, and are keen to work but are frustrated with the lack of opportunities and the difficulties in attaining appropriate work experience. Instead they are forced to remain out of work and claim the disability allowance.”
"We are deeply concerned about this discrimination against our members and people with disabilities. It is unacceptable that there is an apparent assertion in the scheme that if a person has a disability they are not capable to work a normal working day" commented Kennedy.
He continued, "We at SBHI hope want to encourage Minister Bruton to revise her decision as it gives a negative message to potential employers regarding the ability of a potential job candidate with a disability. Furthermore people with disabilities should have a fair chance to gain employment."
OUTPATIENT SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SHUNTS
Children's University Hospital, Temple Street have issued the following information for outpatients with shunts.
The outpatient service for children with Hydrocephalus and shunts has changed in the past year.
What changes have been made to this service?
Patients who were previously followed by either Mr Fergal Quinn or Professor Martin Corbally for their shunts will now be reviewed by neurosurgery. Neurosurgery clinics take place at Out Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and also at The Children’s University Hospital Temple Street. Mr Quinn or Professor Corbally will be referring children for shunt care by letter to neurosurgeons who attend both hospitals.
What should I do if my child has symptoms of shunt failure/malfunction?
With respect to patients with shunts who develop symptoms of possible shunt failure, they will now be assessed at Temple Street A&E Department by a neurosurgeon without the need to present to Crumlin A&E. Patients who require shunt surgery will either be operated on at Temple Street (age 0-6 years) or at Beaumont Hospital (over 6 years).
What should I do if I live outside Dublin?
Patients who live remote from Dublin should attend their nearest hospital A&E Department first for assessment. A paediatric neurosurgeon is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the switchboard at the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street (01 8784200).
If you require further information please contact your Family Support Worker. Click here for contact details.
CATHETERISATION IN SCHOOLS
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland has been working with the National Council for Special Education and as a result we can now offer a directive in relation to catheterisation in schools.
Where an SNA is appointed to support a child with a physical disability they are required to carry out care needs as stated in NCSE Circular 07/02 under Appendix 1/04. Assistance with clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene. For a full copy of circular click here.
NCSE state that care needs arising from toileting, such as catheterisation are considered to be the role of the SNA and an SNA should be appointed who either has the skills or is willing to learn the skills to implement these toileting needs. The SNA shall fulfil these toileting needs until such time as the child is able to catheterise independently.
The school must also provide accessible facilities which enable these toileting needs to take place in an environment which is respectful and safe for the child. Funding for adaption’s can be sourced from the Furniture and Equipment section of the Department of Education and Science, Portlaoise Road, Tullamore, Offaly (057) 932 4300.
If you have further questions or require support in relation to this please contact your SBHI Family Support Worker.
