Woman with cerebral palsy secures 24-hour HSE care to study in UCC
Evelyne Cynk who has cerebral palsy, fulfilled her dream of securing a place on UCC’s creative writing master’s programme and will receive HSE funding to benefit from 24-hour care in Cork
A University College Cork (UCC) student with cerebral palsy who was forced to commute between Germany and Cork to retain her disability supports has won her battle to stay in Ireland.
Evelyne Cynk has managed to secure funding from the HSE that will allow her access to 24-hour care in Ireland similar to what she receives in Germany.
Up to now, she had to travel between Ireland and Germany every three weeks to avoid losing her entitlements.
The 36-year-old, who was born in Poland and is living in the German city of Bochum, went to extensive lengths to fulfill her dream of securing a place on UCC’s creative writing master’s programme. This involved flying back to Germany every three weeks. However, she was previously informed by German authorities that moving to Ireland would result in the loss of her 24-hour personal assistance support payments.
The wheelchair user accepted a place in the programme in September 2021, but complications relating to her personal assistance support meant she was unable to begin her studies in the college until three years later.
Evelyne had been paying rent in two counties to make her dream of studying in the college a reality.
The student had to offer her place in Germany as an Airbnb to help cover expenses. She admits the constant travelling also left her exhausted. German state funding provider Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL) provides individuals with financial support to study abroad as long as they hold on to their habitual residence in Germany.
Evelyne spoke to the about her relief to receive HSE funding.
“I hope that I’m the first person in Ireland to receive 24-hour care after coming from abroad. I’d like to be the person who opened up a whole new world for people with disabilities.
“This is my greatest dedication to the country. I would like to contribute to inclusion and betterment.
“I’ve been a long time securing this support so I am very grateful to everyone involved in the campaign.
“It’s always been my dream to be a full-time writer. Now, I can pursue this dream without obstacles, even international obstacles which is amazing.”
Evelyne said the 24-hour care she receives in Ireland has been exceptional.
“They are really listening to me and putting a strong team together. We are all celebrating this win together.”
Evelyne was inspired to sign up for the UCC course by her ambitions to eventually become a romance author.
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