HSE ADM Disability Services Working Group |
Introduction:
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) have confirmed that the 'go live' date for the full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 is November 21st 2022.
The following resources are available for staff to prepare for the commencement of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015. All of these resources can be found on www.assisteddecisionmaking.ie which has been redesigned to be easier to navigate:
- Frequently asked questions on the Act
- A short Explainer Video on the Act containing simple core messages on the Act from the voices of staff and people who use our services
- Recordings of webinars on key provisions within the Act, including supporting decision- making, advance planning, and the role of advocacy
- A quarterly newsletter providing updates on the Act and the work of the HSE National Office of Human Rights and Equality Policy
- The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 – Personal and Professional Reflections – a collection of essays written from both a personal and professional perspectives highlighting the importance of the Act
- A recorded presentation An Introduction to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
- Additional resources from other organisations
HSE Disability Operations have established an Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act Working Group to support the disability sector with the implementation of the requirements of the Act. The working group is jointly chaired by Bernard O Regan and Marie Kehoe O Sullivan. The group has membership across the sector (HSE and from organisations funded by the HSE) as well as from representative bodies.
In line with the terms of reference for the Working Group, it was agreed at a recent meeting than an impact assessment be completed within sector. It was identified that it was necessary to reach out to the sector, gather perspectives and complete an impact assessment with identified outcome-based actions. This would assist the Working Group in supporting the disability sector to develop targeted actions and resources.
It is for this reason the following survey has been sent to you for completion. The survey is a high-level survey targeting senior personnel in the Disability Sector. The purpose of the survey is to gather perspectives on services’ readiness for the commencement of the Act on the 21st of November 2022.