Calls for more parking spaces for those with hidden disabilities
There was unanimous support for a notice of motion that focused on hidden disabilities during this month’s meeting of Cavan County Council.
Cllr Aine Smith (FF) asked the local authority to introduce “dedicated parking spaces” for hidden disabilities.
Giving one example, she outlined: “Simple everyday tasks such as shopping, attending appointments, going to parks and public amenities with children can be really challenging for people with hidden disabilities like autism. I believe that we need to generate more awareness of these challenges and encourage acceptance and understanding in our society."
The Cavan/Belturbet representative then highlighted a plan to move forward.
“I believe this council should be providing dedicated parking spaces to people with hidden disabilities. In some cases some of these individuals and families are not entitled to a disabled parking permit but they need to be able to park closer to certain facilities and in a safe manner," said Cllr Smith.
She referenced the successful rollout of autism-friendly parking spaces in Dungarvan in Co Waterford in council-owned carparks near playgrounds, for example, with Cork County Council looking to do something similar.
“It could be introduced as a pilot scheme initially in Cavan Town before rolling it out across the county,” suggested Cllr Smith.“We’re not talking about a huge amount of space - one or two spots within the town centre and close to shops, playgrounds, and local amenities.
“In some areas this has been done with a big yellow sunflower - the internationally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities.
We have made great strides in society in becoming more inclusive and empowering our children, young people and adults including those with special needs and disabilities, to reach their full potential.
“The simple addition of these spaces in our county would make a huge difference to those with hidden disabilities. It would also be a positive an progressive step if Cavan County Council took this on, even on a pilot scheme basis.”
Cllr Philip Brady (FF) then offered his support to the motion. He added: “Parking is not great in Cavan Town at the moment because there aren’t enough spaces. I would like to know where we stand with that at the moment. There are a lot of people with disabilities and it would be great to see an initiative like this being piloted in Cavan Town.”
His party colleague, Cllr Patricia Walsh, then pointed to how “we all know that people try to park at doctors surgeries and pharmacies but they can’t”.“Hidden disability is real and we don’t know when we look at a person what they are suffering from in life,” she concluded.