1. Working with children with special needs
Relevant legislation
8th Feb 2010

2. Disability Act 2005

3. The Act establishes a basis for..
Independent assessment of needs
Access to public buildings, services and information
Sectoral plans for 6 departments to ensure integrated planning for people with disabilities
To be pro-active in employing people with disabilities
Genetic testing
Centre for excellence in Universal design

4. Definition of disability in the Act
“Means a substantial restriction in the capacity of the person to carry on a profession, business or occupation in the State or to participate in social or cultural life in the State by reason of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment”

5. Assessment of need Statutory entitlement to
An independent assessment of health and educational needs
A statement of services to be provided
Pursue a complaint through an independent redress mechanism if there is a failure to provide these entitlements

6. Assessment report Whether a person has a disability
The nature and extent of the disability
The health and educational needs arising form the disability
The services considered appropriate to meet those needs and the timescale required for their delivery
When a review of the assessment should take place

7. Service statements
This will set out the health and educational services that can be provided to the person taking account of
The assessment report
Eligibility criteria for services
Relevant standards and codes of practice
The practicability of providing the service
The financial resources available

8. How will the system be managed?
Statutory officers will be appointed
Assessment officers
Liaison officers/case managers
Complaints officers
An appeals officer

9. To date… 0-5 from June 1st 2007 5-18 ?? Problems with EPSEN Act
Over 18 ??
Single point of entry
Spirit of the Act being maintained???

10. Other aspects of the Act
Access
Employment
Genetic testing
Centre for Excellence in Universal design

11. EPSEN 2004

12. EPSEN See attached handouts NOT enacted as yet
Link with Disability Act
Education v health
Criteria v needs led services

13. Health and Safety at Work Act 2005

14. Health and safety Highly important and relevant Affects us all!
All have responsibilities under the act