Season 2 Episode 7: That OA Thing with Ger Deering, Ombudsman for Ireland (Ensuring Equity for People with Disabilities)

For our April edition of That OA Thing, we’re focusing on equity in public services for people with disabilities. We were pleased to welcome Ger Deering, Ombudsman for Ireland, as our eighth guest of the season.

Ger joined Donal Galligan, Chief Executive of the Ombudsman Association (OA), to explore the challenges that people with disabilities continue to face in accessing quality public services –and how the Office of the Ombudsman is working to address them.

In this episode, Ger shares insights on:

• The role of the Ombudsman for Ireland and how the office advocates for equity and inclusion.

• The impact of the ‘Wasted Lives’ report on younger people with disabilities placed inappropriately in nursing homes.

• The findings of a recent investigation into Treatment Abroad Schemes, and how overly restrictive criteria have affected access for people with disabilities.

• Ongoing issues with accessible transport, and how lack of progress is impacting lives.

• The Office’s proactive outreach initiatives to ensure people with disabilities are aware of and can access Ombudsman services.

• What a demographic survey of complainants reveals about the barriers still faced by people with disabilities.

Ger’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of making sure public services are not only available, but also accessible and equitable for all.

Click on the links below to listen:
🎧 YouTube

🎵 Spotify

We hope you find this episode as insightful as we did.