Author Archives: squirrelstown

Summer School Programme (July Provision) in disarray

Scheme for children with additional needs is in disarray due to online application problems and reduced staffing allocations ‘We’re a week out from the end of term and still nothing’ – summer school programme debacle causing chaos for families Irish Independent 23 June 2026 Link: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/were-a-week-out-from-the-end-of-term-and-still-nothing-summer-school-programme-debacle-causing-chaos-for-families/a/157388068.html

Public consultation to inform the review of the Disability Act 2005

Public consultation to inform the review of the Disability Act 2005 – Deadline 8th June It has been over 20 years since the Disability Act 2005 was updated. The Act is being reviewed in light of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and of practical experience of its operation.Continue reading “Public consultation to inform the review of the Disability Act 2005”

€750,000 Power to Participate Fund for Disabled Persons’ Organisations launched

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins have launched a new €750,000 Power to Participate Fund for Disabled Persons’ Organisations and eligible Civil Society Organisations. Power to Participate: Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement Fund 2026 will make individual grants available to organisations that areContinue reading “€750,000 Power to Participate Fund for Disabled Persons’ Organisations launched”

Introducing The ID Zone Podcast

The ID Zone Podcast, created and co-hosted by two mums, Claire and Nessa.  They realised the significant gap in accessible information available to families and carers navigating the intellectual disability world. They went looking for answers and discovered a whole community ready to share. Join Claire and Nessa in conversation with therapists and advocates connectingContinue reading “Introducing The ID Zone Podcast”

Updated National Standards for Residential Services for Disabled People – Draft for Public Consultation June 2026 by HIQA

Publication: Updated National Standards for Residential Services for Disabled People Draft for Public Consultation June 2026 by Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) Download and read:https://www.hiqa.ie/sites/default/files/2026-06/Updated-National-Standards-for-Res-Services-for-Disabled-People-DRAFT-For-Public-Consultation.pdf

Natasha: A True Story of Disability, Caring and Politics by Seamus Cowman

In 1985, Seamus and Nenette Cowman welcomed the birth of their first child, Natasha, who was shortly afterwards diagnosed with profound intellectual and physical disability. Seamus and Nenette found themselves thrown into the role of carers for Natasha for the next nineteen years, until her death in Temple Street Hospital. Natasha, as the subtitle states,Continue reading “Natasha: A True Story of Disability, Caring and Politics by Seamus Cowman”