‘No funds’ for special needs laptop
The Limerick youngster’s condition is not on a Department of Education illness list, it has emerged.
Darragh Hogan is aged nine but his bone size has, so far, developed only to that of a three-year-old.
His mother, Aisling, is threatening to take a case against the Department of Education over their refusal to provide him with the €700 sensory laptop.
Ms Hogan, a mother of four, who lives at the Old Cratloe Road, said: “It’s a bad day when you have to do this to get rights for your child.”
Darragh cannot play outdoors as he could get injured very easily. He requires regular physiotherapy sessions and frequently has to visit hospital.
Therapists at St Gabriel’s school for children with physical disabilities and the Central Remedial Clinic in Dublin have recommended that Darragh be supplied with the special computer.
Ms Hogan believes funding is not being sanctioned as her son’s condition cannot be easily categorised.
“Sometimes Darragh cries with pain. His wrist power isn’t there so he can’t keep up with his homework and writing.
“The teachers are very understanding, but the doctors don’t know why he is not growing. They’re investigating it and saying it will take time. Kids of five are taller than Darragh. He can’t play games as he would get badly hurt. He’s feeling it now and getting withdrawn.”
Cllr Maurice Quinlivan described it as a bizarre situation. “Everybody knows the child needs a computer, but he can’t receive it because there isn’t an exact diagnosis.
“It is clear he would benefit from this small expense but it’s as if the Department of Education don’t have a box to tick.”
A spokesperson for the department said they could not comment on individual cases but that special educational needs organisers assess the need for extra technologies for pupils.
