Voices of Disabled Children
See the child first and and try to understand their disability
Voices of Disabled children is a not for profit organisation that is focused on ensuring that the voice of all disabled children will be heard in the Irish courts system and especially in Family Law matters
Who We Are
Our Roots
Voices of Disabled Children was started in the summer of 2020 by Catherine Rossiter, a parent of a disabled child. The primary aim of the website is to enable parents, guardians and carers of disabled children to support their child in the Irish Legal System by ensuring that their 'voice' is heard and that the true and full nature of their disability is understood so that the legal outcome is one that allows the child to live as full, complete and as happy a life as possible
Objectives
In the Irish legal system the 'voice of the child' is an often used phrase. Since January 2016, under the Children and Family Relationships Act, in cases such as custody, access, divorce and separation, courts are obliged to hear the voice of the child, provided he or she can express an opinion (www.irishtimes.com)
To make it law that all children under supervised access orders in Irish courts are supervised by qualified, appropriate and vetted individuals.
Protecting Vulnerable Children
Increase Awareness among the legal profession of how best to understand and support disabled children and their families in legal matters.
Ensuring supportive legal advice
To build a website that will provide a wealth of information and support for disabled children and their families and guardians
Empower parents and guardians
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”
Mark Twain
Voices of Disabled Children
Catherine Rossiter, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, Ireland
