Therapists sharply critical of disability assessments

Occupational therapists have criticised changes to an assessment of need for children under disability legislation, just as a High Court judgement will compel the HSE to deliver outstanding assessments within six weeks for two families who challenged the former system.

An assessment of need (AON) allows children to be diagnosed and then apply for the resources they require in line with their disability.

The current system of delivery was the subject of judicial reviews after families claimed the HSE was not meeting its statutory requirements, namely the AON commences within three months of the application, and that it then be completed within another three months, including the furnishing of all relevant reports regarding what resources would then be required for the child.