A VIEW FROM THE SPECIAL OLYPMICS

A VIEW FROM THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

BRIDGET REIDY DUNDON

How have things changed for you during quarantine?

Liz: Life has changed dramatically for us and our child with special needs. We have been confined to our home but we’re lucky to have a big garden and live in the country so we could properly isolate. We have had to stop meeting people, only to go to the shop once a week. My husband and son have to work from home in case they bring the virus into the house. What we have considered normal things to do in our daily lives have gone and will be gone for a long time to keep our daughter safe.

Katie: I have found the whole routine of my family life changed. The freedom to come and go as I pleased was no longer there. It was very hard to not let the kids go to see their grandparents and visit. Homeschooling was a new experience and a hard one to try to adapt to. I did interviews with Liz Clear, whose daughter Kizzie goes to The Special Olympics group here in Portlaoise, along with Katie Reidy, whose son Kyle goes to the group as well! The Special Olympics are an amazing group who give support to people of all ages with disabilities and give them opportunities to get into sports and competitions.

How has the changes in routine impacted you and your family?

Liz: The changes have had a huge impact on our family. Everyone is confined/stuck with each other. The closure of the school, the suspension of all clubs, sports and social [activities], the closure of respite services and therapy services has led to huge behavioural problems for our daughter which impacts all the family. Simple household tasks now have to be carefully planned between three people.

Katie: My son Kyle has ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder. His whole routine has been taken from him. His daily schedule was turned upside and had no structure. It was hard to try to adapt to a new daily routine that would not impact him too much. I had to change my working hours in Tesco to make sure that Paddy and I were not overlapping our working hours too much so childcare would not be an issue.

Is there anything you would like to say to raise awareness or to open people's eyes?

Liz: The families caring for someone with special needs were forgotten about. I understand everything happened very quickly but even as restrictions ease there is no more reopening respite services, therapy services or schools.

Katie: People with disabilities need to be helped more by the government, be it in home supports or social groups. Not all disabilities are visible so more education around that in that area particularly businesses is essential.

I asked Liz some questions about how Covid-19 and the restrictions followed by it would affect the Special Olympics group.

What has lockdown been like for you all as an organization?

We have had to stop meeting as a club/group and all the athletes miss it so much. The club was providing physical activity, it was good for their mental health and it was a fantastic social outlet for the athletes and their parents. As a parent if you had a problem chances are someone else had been through it before and were able to give you advice. I miss that the most.

Is there anything you miss about being able to do? Such as running groups.

Our club missed out on three competitions this year after putting great work in all year. That was very disappointing for the athletes. All competitions have been cancelled for the year because of Covid-19.

How have you all adapted? How have things changed?

We have started a zoom meeting at our usual training time. Each athlete will get to give a group challenge for the week ahead. We do exercise, have a chat/any news, and it could be someone's birthday. They get a drill to practice for the week and they can put a video of it up on our WhatsApp page.

What will have to change in the future, to abide by new government guidelines?

The vulnerability of our athletes and imposing social distancing measures is going to be a huge challenge for the club and we will have to stay closed until government bodies give us clear guidance and possibly financial support for PPE to run our club safely for everyone.