Calls For Stronger Personal Assistance Rights For Disabled People In County Wexford & Beyond

Calls are being made for disabled people in County Wexford to have a guaranteed right to personal assistance, amid concerns that the current system is limiting people's ability to live independently.

Disability campaigner Michael O’Dowd says people with complex disabilities can be left with too few personal-assistance hours, while access can vary significantly depending on where someone lives.

Speaking to South East Radio, he said personal assistance should allow disabled people to decide how they live their lives, rather than having their routines dictated by the availability of services.

He cited examples of people being required to accept assistance at particular times because those were the only hours available, and said there is currently no legal right to personal assistance.

Mr O’Dowd also raised concerns about people reaching the age of 65.

He said disabled people can move from disability-related payments onto the State pension and may no longer qualify for some supports they previously received.

Campaigners argue that a person's disability does not disappear when they reach pension age and want legislation changed to ensure appropriate support continues.

Mr O’Dowd also highlighted the stalled rollout of personal budgets, which are intended to give people greater control over how money for their care and support is spent.

He says the wider issue is about moving away from a system centred on providing care towards one that gives disabled people greater choice, independence and control over their own lives.

The issue is being discussed at a disability rights seminar in Dublin, with campaigners calling for personal assistance to become an enforceable right rather than something provided at the discretion of individual health service managers.