Meeting With Co-Action
On the 22nd June 2011 Paula O’Leary and Karen O’Sullivan from Autism West Cork (AWC) met with Maurice Walsh (CEO Co- Action) and Mary O’Donovan (financial controller) to discuss issues that arose at Co-Action’s AGM and concerns from parents about services provided to their children.
The meeting was extremely productive, we have outlined the topics that were dealt with that day.
Funding from the HSE
Co- Action has provided care to children with asd for 3 years, at the time they were allocated enough funding for 30 children to provide 2 ½ days of a multidisciplinary team.
There are now 86 children with ASD and 40 waiting diagnosis. Co-Action requested more funding two years ago, this request was denied.
It was discussed how these growing numbers are impacting front line children’s services and we were informed that Co-Action have in recent months used services allocated for ID (intellectual disabilities), specifically speech and language therapy and psychology services for children with ASD to help with the work load. They are aware that a huge amount of time is taken up with assessments.
Co-Action agreed to our request for support to lobby the HSE for more funding and have provided us with contacts to enable us to pursue this.
The subject of ‘changes’ throughout disability services that Mary Bickley discussed at the AWC summer meeting were examined and it has been confirmed that this is expected to take place within the next year.
The changes that are expected, in theory, should benefit all children with ASD. The government have decided to amalgamate the three areas that currently exist as separate entities (ASD, ID and physical & Sensory). The new proposal will see funding for all three areas put together and divided equally. Our children’s care will no longer solely be given by Co-Action, but by the HSE too. A consultation form will be sent to parents, with further information and to give feedback.
Co-Action has identified West Cork as the pilot programme for this new proposal. (LIL) local integration group meet regularly to discuss the initiative, Co-Action have a seat on the forum so as to be kept informed of developments.
This new approach to services will impact Co-Action as funding for ID will be diluted, Co-Action are lobbying for ALL disabilities to be given the same funding without reducing funds given at this time.