Upcoming public meeting in Kilkenny seeking reform of adult disability services
People in Kilkenny invited to hear from families and advocates on Friday, June 19 at 7 pm in the Ormonde Hotel
Senator Patricia Stephenson is set to host a public meeting in Kilkenny City seeking reform of adult disability services.
Senator Stephenson will meet with families and advocates on Friday, June 19 at 7 pm in the Ormonde Hotel to discuss the urgent need for reform of disability services for adults with disabilities.
The meeting will focus on the challenges faced by adults with disabilities who continue to live at home with ageing parents and carers, many of whom are increasingly concerned about the future care of their loved ones.
Senator Stephenson told Kilkenny Live that she will be joined by her colleague Liam Quaid TD who is the Social Democrats spokesperson for disability issues.
“Liam has vast experience in the sector as a clinical psychologist who has worked for many years with Community Adult Mental Health Teams,” Senator Stephenson said.
“Too many families are living with uncertainty about what will happen when elderly parents are no longer able to provide care.
“Families need confidence that appropriate supports, housing options and services will be available throughout a person’s lifetime.”
Senator Stephenson added that the State ‘must do more to plan for the future and to support adults with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and security’.
“This meeting is an opportunity to hear from families who have spent years advocating for better supports,” she said.
“Their voices and lived experience must be at the centre of any reform of disability services.”
The meeting forms part of ongoing engagement by Senator Stephenson with stakeholders seeking a more sustainable and person-centred approach to adult disability services.