Parents, carers, charities and families gathered at Stormont on Tuesday, May 19 to demand better disability services and a more inclusive future for children and young people across Northern Ireland.
The rally brought together groups from across the region, united in the view that current services are falling short and that families “deserve better”.
Among those attending were representatives from Inclusive Ability Trust, a parent-led charity working with children and young people in the Armagh area.
“In order to guarantee equality for children with disabilities and their families, Inclusive Ability Trust continuously works to address issues,” the group said. The charity says it simply wants equal opportunity for everyone and frequently calls for greater inclusivity.
Campaigners stressed that equality and long-term planning in services are essential for children and young people with additional needs.
Inclusive Ability Trust sponsored the banners for the rally, and parents from the group came together to highlight what they describe as “unavailable and broken” services. They say they are determined to support families to demand better provision for children and young people with additional needs as a standard – not as a second thought – and to ensure equity of access.
The charity has families registered with a wide range of abilities and ages, including children with X Linked Myotubular Myopathy, Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injury, among others.
Colleen and Ciaran McConville from Inclusive Ability Trust have helped support organisers to unite and highlight what they see as repeated failures and shortfalls in the system.
“We have two boys so we know first hand the services are not fit for purpose. All we want for our sons and all families out there is a better future. A future for all. We are stronger together, so the more families come out the better. There needs to be a clear plan. This is only the start, there will be more to come, more needs to be done. We need to be their voice”.
Aimee and Silvija from Inclusive Ability Trust said: “It was fantastic to stand united with all groups that have at their core one shared message and that is an equal future for our children”.
Erin McAllister from NI Community for Parents/Carers of children with complex needs said: “I was so proud to stand alongside fellow SEND parents, groups and campaigners today as we stood united for our loved ones with complex needs. It was clear we will not be silenced, we will not accept the current state of SEND services across the board and this is only the beginning”.
Alma from Caleb’s Cause NI said: “Today was an opportunity to come together and stand shoulder to shoulder with groups that have the same message. We want a future for all”.
Laura from Parents United for Children’s Health said: “It was great to unite with other SEND parents/carers and campaigns at Stormont today. Together we are stronger in saying change is needed for our loved ones and that the current state of SEND services is not good enough. This is just the beginning, and we aim for more momentum. We hope more families and campaigns will reach out and stand with us to spearhead REAL and meaningful change for ALL”.
Carla from Inclusive Ability Trust said: “There’s momentum building amongst SEND parents and community groups to come together and act – to make our government act. It is our collective hope that this momentum leads to necessary and adequately funded legislation, real planning and tangible support for people in the SEND community. #Actnow”
Elena from Autism Families said: “It was fantastic to have stood together Stormont today with amazing SEND families, groups and dedicated campaigners united in our commitment to push and demand an equal future for our children with special educational needs – it’s time for change! Our SEN children matter and we won’t stop fighting for them!”
Families and campaigners say they plan to gather again at Stormont and at other locations in a continued show of unity and support.
Their message is that campaigners are not going away – they are demanding change now and a better future for all children and young people, with the same rights, equality and provisions for everyone in society.
