Deafblindness needs to be recognised as a distinct disability- Cllr Nic Cormaic
Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic fully supports the recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability:
Nic Cormaic said:
“In May 2015, the Anne Sullivan Centre, based in Stillorgan, addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee, calling for deafblindness to be recognised as a distinct disability. The Department of Health rejected this call.
Nic Cormaic continued:
“I fully endorse Anne Sullivan Centre’s assertion that the official recognition of Deafblindness can lead to improved understanding of the condition, and that a national programme for diagnosing children and adults who are Deafblind can result in the provision of early intervention services.
Nic Cormaic added:
Our (SF) Spokesperson for Health Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin was in attendance at the specific meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children and confirmed Sinn Féin's support for the recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability. This is a position I am committed to and will, in Government or in Opposition after the Election, seek to have implemented."