News in Brief
News in Brief
Inquiry into Better Support for Carers
Through our national organisation the Australian Association for Families of Children with a Disability (AAFCD), we recently contributed to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Better Support for Carers
Our submission focused on the need for real change and recognition of carers, service system reform and financial assistance for carers.
We were also invited to attend one of the public hearings and roundtable discussions held in August which was an opportunity for the committee to hear first-hand about real-life issues for families and carers.
It is encouraging that the government has set up this Inquiry and we look forward to seeing how it all translates into real outcomes for families and carers of children with a disability.
To read our submission to the Inquiry visit the AAFCD website www.aafcd.org.auwww.aafcd.org.au
For more information about the Inquiry visit www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fchy/carers/index.htm
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Family Relationship Service for Carers
The Family Relationship Service for Carers (FRSC) is a statewide program that supports carers of family members with a disability with issues around family relationships, disability and future planning.
The FRSC works with family members caring for someone with any type of disability, of any age, including young children. Free counselling information and referral is available and the service is designed to complement other services or counselling a family may be receiving.
For more information contact the Regional Program Co-ordinator in your area: Gippsland, Hume, North, West and Eastern regions contact Nicola Roche on 1300 303 346 or nroche@EACH.com.au. Barwon South West, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, and Southern regions contact Karen Jorgensen on 1300 303 346 or email frsc@each.com.au
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Helping children with autism package
The Australian Government’s Helping Children with Autism package includes a range of new initiatives across a number of government departments, including:
• increased access to early intervention services for children aged 0–6
• education and support for families and carers of children with autism spectrum disorder
• new Medicare items for diagnosis and early intervention treatment for children aged under 13 years
• workshops and information sessions for parents and carers of school-aged children
• professional development for teachers and school staff who work with students with autism spectrum disorder
The Helping Children with Autism package will provide $190 million over 2007-08 to 2011-12 and is a joint initiative of the departments of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA); Health and Ageing (DoHA); and Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
For general inquiries and information about support for children aged 0–6 phone 1800 289 177 or visit the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) website www.fahcsia.gov.auwww.fahcsia.gov.au
For information about Medicare items for children aged under 13 visit the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) website www.health.gov.au/autism
For information about support for school aged children visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) website www.dest.gov.au/schools/autism
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Autism State Plan
A summary of the statewide consultation process for the Autism State Plan is now available. The summary outlines the main themes that emerged from the forums and written submissions.
For more information about the progress of the Autism State Plan and the consultation summary visit http://autismstateplan.dhs.vic.gov.au
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Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme
The new Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme (VMSS) is now available for Victorian residents who meet the eligibility criteria of the Aids and Equipment Program.
The statewide scheme will be administered by Ballarat Health Services through the Aids and Equipment Program.
The subsidy will provide assistance to:
• people requiring vehicle modifications due to their disability to drive their primary vehicle, and
• people with a disability requiring modifications to travel as a passenger in their primary vehicle.
A maximum subsidy of up to $10,000 over a seven year period is available to assist with the purchase of prescribed vehicle modifications. A range of vehicle modifications are covered by the scheme including hand controls, specialised seating, hoists and ramps. The application process requires an assessment by an occupational therapist.
For more information phone Ballarat Health Services on 1800 995 009 or visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability
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New guidelines for Individual Support Packages
From 1 July 2008, disability support packages known as HomeFirst, Support and Choice and Community Options/Futures for Young Adults Years 1−8 have been consolidated into one Individual Support Package with a single set of guidelines.
Individual Support Packages are Disability Services funds allocated to a person to meet their disability related support needs, which may include support to maintain independence, learn new skills and participate in the community. They were created so that people with disabilities can direct the planning process and make their own choices about how they live their life.
To be eligible to receive an Individual Support Package you must meet eligibility criteria under the Disability Act 2006.
For more information about the guidelines and how to apply, contact your regional Disability Intake and Response Service on 1800 783 783, TTY 1800 008 149 or visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au
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National Disability Insurance Scheme
The idea of a National Disability Insurance Scheme has been around for some time but appears to be gaining momentum after it was discussed at the Australia 2020 summit in April this year.
The proposal is for a ‘no fault’ insurance scheme for people with disabilities that would fund the reasonable needs of the insured person without the need to sue and win a court case. This could include medical costs, aids and equipment, home modification, and therapy services.
The proposed scheme could operate in a similar way to the TAC no fault insurance scheme but would cover all people with a disability. Funding for the scheme could come from a number of sources, such as a supplement to the Medicare levy.
Anyone interested in supporting the proposed scheme can contact our CEO Elizabeth McGarry by email elizabethm@acd.org.au or phone the Association office on 9818 2000 or 1800 654 013 (rural callers).
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Capital grants scheme
The Capital Grants Scheme provides one-off assistance to concession card households by repairing or replacing essential water, gas or electrical appliances for households who otherwise could not afford to do so because of financial hardship.
To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you have no savings to meet the cost of the faulty appliance. Applications are available from financial counsellors or direct from the Concessions Unit.
For more information contact your financial counsellor or the Concessions Unit at the Department of Human Services on 1800 658 521 or visit www.cyf.vic.gov.au/concessions
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Livewire website
The Starlight Children’s Foundation Livewire website for teens with a serious illness or disability features information, online chat, games, competitions, forums and more.
For more information visit www.livewire.org.au
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Early Childhood Intervention Reform Project (DEECD)
Amongst a range of early years consultations happening of late is a statewide review of Early Childhood Intervention (ECIS) Reform Project by KPMG.
The project will look into issues around early childhood intervention services for children aged 0–6 with a disability or developmental delay, including demand for services, funding arrangements, transition issues and workforce development.
Of particular interest to families of children with a disability is an examination of the Early Childhood Intervention Service (ECIS) program, Kindergarten Inclusion Support Services and the Preschool Field Officer programs. The resulting Ministerial Options Paper and Action Plan due in September 2008 will guide a long-term reform process for early childhood services in Victoria.
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A Statement of Principles to guide support for families of children with a disability and their families (DHS)
KPMG’s National Health and Human Services Practice is assisting the Department of Human Services to develop a contemporary Statement of Principles to guide support for Victorian children with a disability and their families.
The purpose of the project is to:
• Raise the profile of children with a disability and their families receiving support through the Disability Services Program
• Provide a Statement of Principles to underpin service delivery to children with a disability and their families; and
• Contribute to a co-ordinated approach across Disability Services and children’s services sectors to provide timely and effective supports
The Statement of Principles will be informed by a range of recent reforms to legislation and policy being implemented by the Victorian Government in relation to early childhood, disability and related areas such as child protection, education and health.
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Send your items for Diary Dates and News in Brief to Fiona Gullifer by email fionag@acd.org.au or phone the Association office on 9818 2000. A selection of News in Brief items also appears in our NoticeBoard magazine.
Infoxchange
Visit the Disability News section of the Infoxchange Australia website for more news, events, activities, publications, research, services and programs.
Classifieds
The Classifieds listing is a free service for families of children with a disability in Victoria who want to buy or sell equipment that relates to their child's disability.
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