Image Copyright: Caitlin Deborah Stoffberg
We emigrated to Ireland in Sept 2019. My husband, myself, our 6yr old daughter Saphira and our almost 3year son, Keian (he has down syndrome)
Before we left I contacted the Down Syndrome Awareness group in Ireland to find out about schools and stuff. They said most schools accept special needs children (depending on what types of disability they have). I phoned for schools while still in SA, as soon as we knew when and where we were moving to.
I spoke with Saphiras school about Keian attending the same school as his sister and they said I must contact the Early Intervention team in Ireland. Went back the the doc, told them what we wanted (Keian needed to go with to the doc) the doc referred us to the EI (She wrote a letter for us and sent it to EI)
They contacted us about 2 weeks later for a consultation. They wrote down all he could and couldnt do, asked what we needed help with, eg speech and potty training. The EI lady said she was going to put Keians name on the list for Occupational Therapy, Physio Therapy, Speech therapy, dietitian, hearing tests and eye tests.
This all happened a week before lock down. During lockdown they contacted us with questions so they can better understand the type of help Keian needs. There is going to be a meeting on Tuesday and they going to discuss Keians case then he will be helped.
To apply for Domiciliary Care Allowance you need a doctors note stating the severity of the disability. People here are very helpful and kind. Never in SA did we feel like they cared as much as they do here.
Important links:
#MapMyMove- Our coaching Services - Confused or lost and need some direction, book a session with us to help untangle the confusion and work out your route of immigration
Resources for this topic- Special Needs People related - Links to getting assistance with various special needs and disabilities, adults and children
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