BY MARK McKELVEY
Last week's wanton arson attack on the Omagh Centre did not just cause extensive destruction to bricks and mortar. A monetary value cannot be placed on the drastic lasting consequences on the lives of the 50 families that rely so heavily on the wonderful services that were provided there.
Exemplifying the importance of this facility for those with learning disabilities is the story of 28-year-old Gavin Kelly who is profoundly physically and mentally handicapped.
Gavin is blind, doesn't speak and suffers from epilepsy. He is confined to a wheel chair and needs 24 hour care and attention and a ceiling hoist to lift him from his chair to his bed.
Attending the special needs unit of the Omagh centre for five hours a day Monday to Friday is Gavin's only outing, which his parents Rita and Dessie says he just loves. Now, because of this "senseless" arson attack, Gavin and many more that attend this centre have had an integral part of their lives removed, causing severe disruption and distress.
Rita explained the significance of this facility to Gavin's well-being.
"In the house Gavin doesn't have much stimulation, that is why the centre is so important. The staff there are excellent, working really hard to provide a range of activities such as yoga, relaxation therapies, parachute simulation, multisensory room and arts and crafts," said Rita. "It is impossible for us to be able to provide that stimulation at home.
"Gavin will hear the bus coming before we see it and gets really excited because he knows where he is going. Last Wednesday morning he was sitting ready waiting for the bus when we got the phone call telling us about the fire and that the centre was closed."
Dessie continued, "It was really confusing for Gavin as he is used to his routine. This centre was finding it tight before hand getting all this equipment and then in this mindless act someone goes and burns the place and what they didn't burn they wrecked. These things are of no value to anyone else. Whoever did this must be the lowest of the low. If they just knew the invaluable work that is done in that centre."
As Gavin is blind, he gains great enjoyment from various sounds, which Rita has said is the biggest loss to him now that he has to stay at home, leaving him very agitated.
She said, "This is a safe caring environment and has been his life for the past ten years. The fire has completely changed Gavin's routine and we have noticed he has become more agitated since last week and when he gets agitated he would thump himself. This has had a drastic impact on his quality of life.
"Gavin's two sisters, Ciara and Louise have now moved away to work and go to university so there is now less activity around the house. Because he doesn't see, Gavin is stimulated by different voices and loves noise and music. Sound is so important to him.
When he hears the bus driver and attendants that collect him each day, he would get excited because he knows where he is going. His everyday routine is hearing the voices of the staff and other people there.
"There is nothing to be gained from burning equipment that doesn't mean much to anyone else but is so valuable to them.
Gavin has been going to the centre for ten years and during this time staff have built up his own life book at the centre and we don't know if that has been destroyed in the fire or not.
Gavin's parents thanked the staff for there efforts saying, "They have done above and beyond the call of duty" during the past week, ringing everyday and offering any assistance they can.
Currently they are still waiting to hear what equipment has been salvaged and the viability of the temporary measures that are being put in place to suit Gavin's requirements, as specially modified equipment is needed to lift Gavin and they do not know if it has been destroyed.
