As regular reader’s to my blog will know. Jono had a real battle with the HSE to get his spinal surgery. With thanks to the Irish Daily Mail he got his surgery in the end.
Because it was such a major surgery and also because Jono has Asperger’s syndrome and found school very stressful he left after his Junior Cert. At the time we were assured that there were training courses Jono could go on that would be more suitable for him. This didn’t work out due once again to cut backs.
We were told there was an ideal course called Reach run by the HSE just for people with Asperger’s syndrome. It sounded ideal as Jono would be able to go part-time. The only drawback was he had to be 18 which he will be in three months.
Then today we got a call to say the Reach course is being finished and they aren’t taking anyone else on. It’s very disappointing as Jono really needs something to do. Reach was run by the HSE and due to cut backs it is finishing.
Sometimes I get so bloody fed up with this country. Jono is such a lovely lad. How many times can one person be let down?
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So sorry to hear this Val. You must be so upset and annoyed. Is there anything else at all on the horizon
Thanks Mairead, there is the National Learning Network but when we went there before they said he had to go full time and he’s not fit for it.
That’s terrible news Val. Could Jono go to a regular college if it was just part time? I’m hoping Keiran will be able to do a Foundation Learning course in September, we don’t have a college here but they run a lot of courses at the community centre, this one will only be one day a week. Hope something turns up for Jono.
The only place near here is the IT and you have to have your leaving cert from school for that. The community centre there sounds great, nothing like that here.
Sorry to hear this Val – he is a lovely lad – keep your fighting spirit up and like Elaine has said maybe there are other courses he could look into. x
Thanks Michelle x
Hi Val
This really sucks! I do hope everything will turn out well again due to your exertions. Don’t lose hope.
Kees
Thanks Kees
I remember that when Jono finished school he had to wait until he was 18 to get on this programe and after waiting all this time, just as he is getting near it, you find that it is no longer an option. That is so very disheartening for Jono. I’m so sorry.
Val, I know that you will not leave any stone unturned in your quest to find him the placement he really deserves. Keep fighting, and I hope that you will soon be able to report that you have met with success.
Stella x
It is so frustrating Stella. Jono was really looking forward to going to it and it sounded ideal. So now we are back to the drawing board, but we will find him something.
Thanks for you message, x
So sorry to hear this! Wishing you the best of luck in finding or creating something else….
Thanks Susan
Val, I think Sligo IT have some facility for people who leave school early, it may be worth checking out.
Thanks Lily, I will check that out.
That is such a shame. You must be gutted. It hurts so much when our children are held back – I do hope that you can get something sorted for him.
Good luck
sheila x
Thanks Sheila
Sorry to hear this Val. If I can be of any assistance just let me know. I have some knowledge of the area.
Sorry to hear this Val. If there is anything I can do for you just let me know. I have some knowledge of this field.
Thanks Greg, we are having a meeting on Monday so we’ll see what happens then.
This does make me angry because society should look after our more vulnerable (forgive me – but you know what I mean) who need support. Is there anything Jono can do working from home for example?
Keeping fingers (and toes) crossed
XX