a. Every Child Matters

From June 2007, you will be able to apply to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for an independent assessment of need for your child under five who has a disability.

This assessment will be done independently without thinking about the cost or availability of the services.

Your child's assessment must start no later than three months after you have applied for it and, when completed, you will receive an assessment report. There will be regular follow-up assessments as needs change.

All other children with a disability will be given an assessment of need as soon as possible.

b. Adult Needs

From 2011, if you are an adult with a disability you will be able to get an independent assessment of need from the health and education sector.

You can apply for your own assessment to the HSE. Someone else may also apply on your behalf. All assessments will be carried out independently without thinking about the cost or availability of the services. You will be invited to add your opinion on your needs during the assessment.

Your assessment should start no later than three months after you have applied for one and you will receive an assessment report when it is completed. You can apply for another assessment if things change for you, if you have more information about your disability or if you feel that there has been an oversight in your original assessment.

If you need other things, like a house, you will be referred to other suitable services if that is ok with you.

c. Your Service Statement

Once an adult with a disability or a child with a disability has been assessed under disability law, a Liaison Officer working with the HSE will prepare a Service Statement based on the assessment report and taking into consideration the availability of services. This Service Statement will be given to you and it will set out the services you will receive.

d. You Can Complain

You can complain if:

• An adult or a child is found not to have a disability,
• An assessment is not conducted in accordance with the standards in place,
• An assessment is late,
• Services set out in the Service Statement are not being delivered.

Complaints should be made first to the Complaints Officer in the HSE. If you are not satisfied with this outcome, you can bring your complaint to the attention of an independent Appeals Officer.

If you have a child of school-going age and you are not happy with an Education Plan, you will have the right to appeal it to the Special Education Appeals Board.