A FORMER Special Needs Assistant’s probe of classrooms’ crises could spark an audit of schools.
Eric Roberts, from Downings, left his SNA role at Mulroy College in Milford three years ago to become a TV presenter on Virgin Media.
His documentary on special needs education aired on Monday night and has since prompted a protest outside Leinster House by families and calls in the Dail for audits of special schools to identify gaps in service.
Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins said: “Eric Roberts has highlighted exactly what the Social Democrats have said for years.
“Disability services, education and healthcare is completely under-resourced and under-funded.
“The children and young people in Ireland deserve better, this must lead to action.
“This has highlighted the unworkable situations many schools find themselves in.”
The documentary was called Eric Roberts: Crisis in the Classroom.
Eric Roberts was a SNA at Mulroy College in Milford. Photo: Gerard McHugh.
It featured on TV show Gogglebox Ireland last night when the award-winning reality show returned to Virgin Media One.
A station spokesperson said: “Households watched the documentary and it sparked strong reactions amongst the families as viewers heard about the challenges facing Ireland’s special needs education system.”
Crisis in the Classroom was the first instalment of new four-part documentary series Home Truths.
The spokesperson said: “Demand for special education support in Ireland is rising rapidly, but many families are struggling to access the services and school places their children need.
“Across the country, parents, teachers, Special Needs Assistants and school principals are warning that a system already under pressure is being pushed to its limits.
“Former SNA Eric knows first-hand the difference the right support can make.
“Inspired by his nephew Oisín, who has cerebral palsy and autism, Eric spent six years working as an SNA before becoming a broadcaster. It is a deeply personal documentary.”
Eric’s nephew Oisin and Oisin’s mum Tanya Roberts Browne.
Eric’s nephew Oisin is the son of Eric’s sister Tanya Roberts Browne, who is the national chairperson of the inclusive community program GAA For All that adapts Gaelic games for people with disabilities and diverse needs.
Tanya told the Donegal News: “Eric’s documentary explores the reality for families of children with additional needs and SNAs on the ground and it reinforces just how many barriers still exist.
“It’s encouraging that these conversations are happening more openly but it’s disappointing that access to education continues to be one of the biggest concerns for so many families.”
Crisis in the Classroom is available to watch on Virgin Media Play.