20,000 people with disability not getting services they need

ABOUT 20,000 people with a physical or sensory disability are not getting the therapeutic, rehabilitation or respite care services they have been identified as needing, a report has found.

The National Physical and Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD), compiled by the Health Research Board, recorded 25,191 people under 66 with a disability on its voluntary register as of December 2010.

According to the database, 11,955 people require assessment for therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation services, and 5,301 people need an assessment for personal assistance and support services. A further 3,292 people required assessment for respite services when the survey was carried out.