Imagine being put to bed at 6 PM, regardless of your wishes or preferred lifestyle. Unfortunately, this is the stark reality facing many disabled adults and older people in Ireland today. Due to decisions made by certain agencies and care establishments, these individuals are being forced into a routine that strips away their ability to choose, violating their fundamental human rights.

As someone who deeply cares about the rights and dignity of disabled people and older  people this issue strikes a personal chord. This isn't just about early bedtimes; it's a matter that touches on the essential principle of 'freedom of choice,' a right we all should have regardless of our status.

Statistics from Ireland's Health Service Executive indicate a growing number of adults facing institutionalized care settings that prioritize convenience and operational efficiencies over individual needs. While care providers claim resource limitations, these explanations do not justify encroaching on personal freedoms.

Institutions as well as community home care should adopt more flexible scheduling systems, allowing for individualized care plans that respect personal preferences and enhance quality of life. It’s crucial to foster an environment where mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical care—an essential safeguard that ensures dignity and self-worth are upheld.

Let us stand together to advocate for the rights of those who feel voiceless against the rigid structures defining their daily routines. By signing this petition, you join a collective demand for change—a demand that Ireland’s disabled and older community deserves to live with autonomy and respect. Let us urge government officials and healthcare administrators to review policies, increase funding, and enforce regulations that protect the rights of  disabled people and older citizens.

Please sign, leave comments and circulate petition  and show your support for reversing this unnecessarily restrictive practice. In doing so, we can help to restore dignity and choice to all disabled adults and older adults in Ireland.

Thank you