Today and always, we stand in solidarity with all survivors of these horrific abuses, particularly our members with intellectual disabilities

Inclusion Ireland is incredibly saddened reading reports on the “historical abuse” in schools across the country. CEO Derval McDonagh said: “We are particularly focused on the abuse experienced by disabled children in special schools. 528 allegations and 190 alleged abusers relate to special schools, the biggest number in a school for children with intellectual disabilities.

 

“Our hearts are with the survivors. There is nothing ‘historical’ about the trauma they have endured. We know that there are probably many more individuals affected but for a variety of reasons, they have not come to light.

 

“Access to justice is often denied to the people we know and love at Inclusion Ireland. Nonspeaking people or those who cannot rely on speech to communicate are often not seen as ‘reliable’ witnesses. This has got to change. People working in the justice system need particular skills and competencies to interview and take testimony from people with intellectual disabilities. Their accommodation rights should not be ignored or denied.

 

“Today and always, we stand in solidarity with all survivors of these horrific abuses, particularly our members with intellectual disabilities. We will fight by your side to make sure you get justice. We will highlight the support you need to access your rights. For too long people with intellectual disabilities have been more at risk of abuse than their non disabled peers. What does this say about our society? We will continue to shine a light where there has been darkness and silence.”

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