(Dis)ability and choice: The dilemmas of young people's transitions to further and higher education in Ireland.

Abstract

The implementation of austerity measures in Ireland is having a significant effect on the ability of children with a variety of different and complex needs to reach their full potential through education. The recent attempt to erode services would have effectively translated into a 10 per cent cut in teaching supports for these young people, bringing the collective reductions over the past three years to 25 per cent (Inclusion Ireland, 2013). Austerity has also affected the future recruitment of educational professionals to support these young people. The Irish Times of September 19, 2013 included a cover page story where the plight of Kate Crowley who is in a wheelchair, has spinal rods, severe respiratory conditions and hearing problems yet was unable to be granted access to a special needs assistant to support her learning was noted in the Dail . In tandem with a reduced health service and the lack of educational assessment many are left in educational `limbo? while economic recovery is placed at the top of the political agenda for the Irish government.