Questions remain unanswered over cancellations of disabled transport – Bradley

Donegal Senator and disability advocate Nikki Bradley says the HSE has questions to answer over the recent cancellation of disability transport for 40 people in the North West.

In one such case highlighted by Donegal DailyOisin Roberts Browne, 18, was due to start his higher education studies earlier this month, with special transport arranged by the HSE due to his additional needs.

However, his mother, Tanya, was only informed a few days before he was due to leave for Letterkenny that there would be a delay in booking a bus for him – meaning she would have to undertake the 40-minute journey with him, before leaving for her own job and also caring for two other children.

Senator Nikki Bradley says the lack of alternatives available to these individuals and their families following last-minute transport cancellations needs to be investigated.

“It has been confirmed that nearly 40 disabled people in Sligo and Donegal have been affected by the HSE’s failure to provide transport to childcare services.”

“Families have to go through a lengthy application process to arrange transportation, and even after all of these steps, they still may not get help.”

“I have heard countless stories of people having their transport cancelled at the last minute with no other options offered to them by the HSE.”

“A constituent told me that his son couldn’t go to university for the first time because his transport was cancelled at the last minute. This should have been his first big step towards independence, but now his routine has been completely disrupted and his family has no idea when this situation will be resolved.”

“A student who misses out on school because of lack of transportation shows 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 transport arranged by the HSE can have a real impact on their daily lives.”

“Not all day centres are able to provide transport for users themselves and the cost of a wheelchair taxi on a weekly basis can be exorbitant.”

“We need the HSE to implement a new action plan to ensure disabled people have transport to daycare.”

“It is absolutely devastating to see the impact this is having on families. The HSE must provide clear advice and support to those looking for alternative transport,” Senator Bradley concluded.

Questions remain unanswered over cancellations of disabled transport – Bradley was last modified: September 13, 2024 by Editor in Chief