MEMBERS of the board of management of Leap National School responded with frustration to an explanation by the department of education about its refusal to provide funding for disability access.
The decision to submit an application for funding under the department's Emergency Works Programme was the school's move to future-proof the premises for pupils, parents and teachers.
Last week, The Southern Star carried an article in which both Principal Mary Crowley and Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns stressed the need to provide universal access.
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A press statement subsequently issued by the department outlined the reasons for the refusal saying: 'The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs.'
The department spokesperson cited another reason for the refusal saying the application was 'unsuccessful on the basis that no occupational therapist's report was provided.'
He said: 'Such a report would be necessary to provide details of how the existing accommodation could be modified to accommodate the pupil or staff member.'
The department said it is 'open to the school to appeal the decision.'
This week, members of the school's board of management confirmed that they had gone to the time and expense of preparing a complete application, including an occupational therapist's report.
A spokesperson for the school board said: 'We wish to confirm that the report was attached and that a duplicate copy will be despatched to the department today just in case it was misplaced.'
The school wants to carry out the works so it would be in line with Section 25 of the Disability Act 2005, which requires public bodies to ensure that public areas are accessible to people with disabilities.
Disability access refers to compliant parking, accessible routes, adequate door widths measuring a minimum of 900mm, and turning spaces for wheelchair users – the only exception being heritage sites.
The board conceded that there is no member of the school community, either student or staff, who needs universal access at present, but the situation could change tomorrow morning. The board spokesperson said: 'When somebody in a wheelchair comes to our door, they cannot access the school unless someone literally carries them into the building,' a situation that they described as 'shameful.'
