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Release News

23 November - Tara Cunningham meets with Minister Mary Harney and Minister Parlon to Discuss Pilot Program of Release

Thursday, 23rd November 2006, a meeting took place between Tullamore resident and Managing Director of Release Communication Intervention, Tara Cunningham and Minister for Health, Mary Harney T.D. The meeting was arranged by Minister for State Tom Parlon T.D.

A number of weeks ago, Minister Tom Parlon, T.D. arranged to meet Tara Cunningham when he heard of her speech therapy programme which could help the State meet their needs for children with communication disabilities.

Since January 2005, Release has worked with over 240 children; providing 2600 hours of speech and language therapy in two special schools incorporating the teachers and SNA's into the therapy sessions; have provided speech assessments for St John of God's Menni Services in Tallaght and Islandbridge and holds private sessions in Solas Centre, St Gabriel's Rd, Dollymount, Dublin 3, Ireland. Irish Autism Action recently named Release their provider for speech and language assessments nationwide.

Over 95% of Release parents are completely satisfied with their children's progress.

The children's success lies in the programme's ability to assess in a timely manner, and then provides continuous speech and language therapy throughout the year. Parents or caregivers are 100% involved from the assessment through to the therapy, attend every class and complete daily homework with their child.

Following a detailed presentation by Ms Cunningham in Minister Harney's Government Offices, Minister Harney praised Ms Cunningham for the hard work she had put into making Release a viable option for children in need of speech and language therapy. Previous to this meeting, Ms Cunningham had been dealing with the HSE.

Minister Harney went on to state she was impressed with the approval ratings from the parents participating in the program.

Minister Harney has instructed her officials to consult with the HSE on the program.

Release is looking forward to a positive outcome to these continued consultations.