The parents of Kolbe and Offaly School of Special Education are expressing their frustration and disappointment following the ommission of our two schools from a recent government announcement regarding the in school therapy pilot program for special schools. 

While we welcome the initiative which has been a long time coming, we are deeply devastated that Kolbe and Offaly School of Special Education have not been chosen for this pilot program. In the absence of any explanation or clear criteria for the selection of schools for the pilot program, this exclusion appears to stem from the incorrect perception that the children who attend Kolbe and Offaly School of Special Education do not have as many complex needs as those in other special schools. This perception is entirely unfounded and we believe it is essential to clarify the realities faced by our children.

Kolbe and Offaly School of Special Education currently serves almost 100 students between them. 

Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise has 44 students with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.

Offaly School of Special Education has 42 students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.

Most of the students have a dual diagnosis of autism and mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.  Additionally many of these children have further diagnoses including ADHD and complex medical needs also. A significant number of the students are non verbal and many are not independently trained for toileting. Furthermore other students contend with a range of complex needs including severe dyslexia, dyspraxia, speech and language difficulties, emotional and behavioural challenges, severe self injurious behaviour and suicidal ideation and are in urgent need of therapists in our special schools.

The parents of Kolbe and Offaly School of Special Education are so thankful and have massive respect for the staff of our two schools. Principals, teachers, sna's, nurses, bus escorts, bus drivers, administration, cleaners and caretakers as they facilitate and accommodate our children daily and for that we are blessed and so grateful to them all, but they are not the trained specialised therapists that our children need.

The ongoing necessity for us as parents to prove that our children's needs are as complex, if not more so than those of other children is demeaning and dehumanising for all children with special needs. It is exhausting and heartbreaking to have to continually demonstrate our children's challenges rather than being able to celebrate their undeniable beauty and individuality. Our children deserve better. They cannot wait any longer. We will not let them face another school year without the supports they so desperately need.

Our two schools are demanding NORMA FOLEY , HILDEGARDE NAUGHTON and the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION include our two schools into the " THERAPISTS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS " pilot program.

So that our children can have their complex needs met, which in turn will allow them the dignity of their education. 

Please sign our petition and share it to support us to achieve this for our children. 

Thank you.