The Disability Information and Resource Centre

On June 2nd Disability Speaks released the following:

“The Best of Both Worlds”

Is what intellectual disability service consumers are demanding

MEDIA RELEASE: June 2nd, 2011

The SA Government has released a detailed evaluation of the Strathmont Redevelopment and Community Living Project.

Strathmont as you will recall has received widespread negative publicity in recent times.

It is an excellent report and the Minister should be complimented for commissioning it and making it publicly available.

As expected the report confirms that there are perceived benefits from moving clients from a hopelessly outdated facility like Strathmont to new purpose built community accommodation.

For those with a vision restricted by fear and paranoia of congregate living they will focus on the positive comments with glee.

What is disturbing is that the report also confirms again that increased isolation can be generated by such accommodation models specifically for people with high levels of intellectual disability.

This negative outcome potential is already widely known but often ignored by those who push community living as the only accommodation option

Observation of the residents reveal “ they engage in very few social interactions and have relatively little to do during their waking hours”

Comments from volunteers who assisted the clients included “another believed that some residents seemed isolated and had more activities when they were at Strathmont” are impossible to ignore.

For those like the Intellectual Disability Association of SA (IDASA) who want to modernise and lift the debate on developing and creating more vibrant and client centred accommodation models this report confirms once again what so many parents carers clients and families have been complaining of for years “ they want the best of both worlds”.

They want modern living in environments where clients with intellectual disability (noting in many instances their needs are very different from people with other forms of disability) are the beneficiaries of accommodation models that do not yet seem to exist.

The report can be accessed at www.dfc.sa.gov.au/research/.

Your comments and feedback as always would be appreciated.

David Holst

Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee & Intellectual Disability Association of S.A

0418 555 683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net

On March 29th Disability Speaks released the following comment on the Strathmont Centre:

“Strathmont”

“A snapshot of everything that is wrong with disability services particularly the problem resolution process”

When the South Australian Sunday paper The Sunday Mail last weekend slammed the dismal quality of life of local disability residential facility Strathmont Centre and the depressing conditions in which sixty six local DSA clients with intellectual disability live the online blog on “Adelaide Now” provided a sobering snap shot of just what is wrong with disability service delivery both locally and nationally and the resolution process. There is no question that this centre in underfunded, run down and a sobering place to accommodate people with intellectual disability.

Whilst the paper got the message right about the need for urgent action, mother Margaret Morris provided the clearest insight when she said her son was happy there and would not cope in the wider community.”We don’t want it to close”

Kelly Vincent MLC (d4d) also got it right in the article when she said “It is vital that the Government remain mindful of the fact that many of these residents have lived in Strathmont since early childhood.” and “Therefore, it is absolutely essential that any residents moved from the centre are given adequate support every step of the way to help them adjust to life within the community.” Ms Vincent could have also added “ it is essential that the government adopt a strong person centred planning approach and actually ask the clients where they want to live, who they wish to live with and the lifestyle they want and then provide appropriate resources to deliver such services.”

Both d4d and Kelly are widely known as strong advocates for consumer driven choice.

Elsewhere in S.A. modern person centred choices are currently being offered to 511 clients of major S.A. non government organisation Minda which is establishing new benchmarks of service delivery with an ultra modern person centred approach. It would be fundamentally wrong if clients of DSA were denied similar options on the basis of having the wrong service delivery agency supporting them. A DSA department statement reported in the Sunday Mail that” There are many benefits to appropriate community-based accommodation and there are ongoing plans to move residents into this style of care,” suggesting that the option of choice is not going to be offered to the Strathmont clients is very disturbing.

S.A Disability Minister Jennifer Rankine now has the opportunity to deliver quality services to Strathmont residents by ignoring the self appointed experts and instructing her department to sit down with the 66 clients of Strathmont and come up with individual plans. Rankine will no doubt be aware that the old fashioned and hollow calls of a one size fits all approach by some in the article are not supported in the numerous blogs attached to the Adelaide Now website. The somewhat hysterical and emotional commentary of one advocate quoted that “ I want to drive the bulldozer that knocks this building over” clearly does not necessarily enjoy the broader support of consumers and their carers anymore. The “community relocation only option” pushed by die hards from the eighties is being widely challenged by more educated and discerning service consumers. One feels Darren may choose to see his home upgraded rather than demolished.

Clients with disabilities are demanding the same options available in the general community where the need for social interaction has become a key component of numerous accommodation models as general community lifestyles move away from the isolated quarter acre block focusing more on community access and personal solutions to address social interaction priorities. Moving Strathmont residents against their will would be a terrible outcome. Noting again the comments of Darren Morris’s mother (who may know best what suits her son) bloggers have rightfully identified that no one should have their lifestyle forced on them by academics, experts or over zealous government agencies

The sector has lost faith in parliamentarians to resolve the service delivery model issues. We were all reminded how out of touch parliamentarians are when reported comments by Federal Liberal Senator Suzanne Boyce last week that “all special schools should be closed” shows that despite reading (we assume she did but it is possible she did not?) the draft NDIS policy paper she had completely failed to grasp the overwhelming theme that in 2011 people in the disability sector wanted to make their own choices on what services they deemed suitable, who delivered those services and what manner they would be delivered. Instead Senator Boyce showed the same disdain for people with disability that has permeated both state and federal governments for decades that people should be denied choice contrary to the NDIS draft.

Disability Minister Rankine’s response will be eagerly awaited

Online blogs and comments on the Strathmont issue can be viewed at

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/the-strathmont-centre-adelaides-crying-shame/comments-e6frea6u-1226028690111

David Holst
Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee
Chair – Intellectual Disability Association of S.A
0418 555 683

On March 31st Disability Speaks provided the following update:

“Strathmont”

Disability Minister Rankine Clears the Air

Disability Speaks is pleased to be able to distribute information on key sector issues

As always we are committed to distributing information from all key stakeholders to give a balanced perspective.

The comments below from SA Disability Minister Jennifer Rankine gives the SA Governments perspective on what has been an important debate

It is important to note her comments highlighting the SA government commitment to the “2009 Person Centred Active Support Model”

The future of Strathmont must be decided by the clients who live there, not academics, minority advocates or Disability SA employees

Whist the Minister makes some very valid and impressive points many in the sector will look forward to the day when an announcement is made on the final redeployment of the sixty six clients still living onsite.Disability Speaks would like to thank the Minister and her media advisor John Fullwood for taking the time to draft this response below.

Strathmont

The recent media attention on Strathmont regretfully confuses arguments on bricks and mortar with the level of care residents receive. Whilst the infrastructure was built forty years ago, the standard of care clients receive is higher today than it ever was.

I won’t pretend Strathmont looks like many other government buildings built in the 1970’s. In its heyday it catered for over 600 people, but since then a concerted effort has been made to improve the delivery of accommodation offered to South Australians with an intellectual disability. Most importantly, work at Strathmont is winding down.

In 2005, the Rann Government commenced Stage One of the Strathmont Centre Redevelopment and Community Living Project. This has relocated residents to purpose-built group homes in the community and also provided sustainment work on three of the five remaining villas. An additional $6.7 million in recurrent funds and more than $20 million in capital funds was made available to assist people to move from Strathmont back into the community.

So far 146 residents have moved to purpose-built houses throughout Adelaide with 66 people remaining.

No corners are being cut on the level of care for the remaining residents. Whilst many have moved out, staffing levels have not been reduced at the same level. It means that, current staff ratios are higher than they have ever been and we intend to maintain them at that level.

Clients still living there participate in a range of activities during the day and early evening. These include vocational and pre-vocational programs and day options provided by non-government providers. Residents also enjoy a range of everyday activities in the community with support from staff, such as the cinema, dining out, indoor bowling, bike riding and walks in parks and beaches.

Volunteer services hold bingo, music, singing and “drop-in” sessions for up to 20 residents, 3-4 times per week with support from recreation staff.

More recently a new program has been brought it that tailors recreation and leisure activities such as ten-pin bowls, fishing and cooking according to the individual preferences of residents.

Since 2005, more than $5 million has been spent on improving amenity for residents and ensuring all buildings remain habitable and safe. All residents now have their own bedrooms (originally residents slept in single, double or triple rooms), the common areas of the living and dining rooms have been redecorated and good heating and cooling systems exist. Over $800,000 was spent on maintenance work in 2009/10 and over $1 million will be spent this financial year.

A business case is underway looking at the most effective way to house the remaining residents in appropriate accommodation. Significant work has already been undertaken in assessing residents’ support needs, compatibility, support infrastructure and housing solutions to develop capital and recurrent financial options. These options are being considered as part of the Department for Families and Community’s Master Planning process.

I was very concerned about the content of the recent Sunday Mail article, which among other things contained photographs of disused areas where villas were demolished more than 10 years ago and is an area is no longer used by residents.

Of more concern is the media taking photographs of residents who are unable to give consent.

Strathmont is institutionalised care- a model that was acceptable in its day, but now considered inappropriate. I acknowledge that for some a different model of care is going to be needed, that isn’t in dispute. As this matter progresses, my department will be working closely with families to deliver the best outcome for each individual.

The Government also embraces the delivery of services in a client centred manner. In December 2009, I launched the Person Centred Active Support Model. This ensures residents are involved in the day to day running of their house and the support which they receive in their home and community.

There is always more work to do to improve disability services- Strathmont is no exception. We must however not confuse an argument about bricks and mortar with the level of care clients’ receive. Whilst the brickwork comes from a bygone era, the standard of care clients receive within is higher today than it ever was.

End

David Holst

Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee

Chair – Intellectual Disability Association of S.A

0418 555 683

Disability Speaks recently released the following (apologies for the lateness of this posting):

SHORTEN PROMOTED

But Jan will more than fill the bill!

Media Release: – Monday September 13th 2010

The Gillard Government is quickly spreading the message that they remain fully committed to the disability cause, but Bill Shorten will be sadly missed from his pivotal hands on role.

We have attached a message from Bill that was circulated on the weekend.

As you will see, not withstanding Bill’s appointment as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, (A well deserved and not unexpected promotion) Bill remains passionate about advocating for better life outcomes for people with disability and their carers.

There are many in the disability community who feel the needs of people with disability, families and carers was a ignited by a personal campaign of Kevin Rudd’s who by appointing a genuine fresh talent in Shorten to the Disability portfolio turbo charged the debate and ensured Disability Unmet Need emerged from the shadows.

Many will hope that Julia Gillard has the same priority and intent as her predecessor. Julia’s pre election comments on NDIS were a touch disappointing a and lacking the passion of Shorten and Rudd particularly when combined with the lethargic ALP 2010 pre election commitments that totalled just $160 million some 80% less than 2007. Julia spoke more passionately on mental health and aged care which we all know are decidedly more populous vote winners than the disability crisis and they have now been included as an enhanced Ministry. Disappointingly Disability was not given Ministerial status as many had hoped for. !

Gillard has however gone for experience in the tried and trusted appointment of Senator Jan McLucas as the new Parliamentary Secretary for Disability.

Senator McLucas is highly knowledgeable and has vast experience in disability, having served as Shadow Minister for Ageing and Disabilities from October 2004 to June 2005; and as Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers from June 2005 until December 2007. Senator McLucas was responsible for drafting much of the ALP’s 2007 election policy (an excellent policy!) in relation to disability and carers which formed the basis of the 2007 Labor Governments significant reform and achievements in the portfolio during its first term. As such, while the disability sector should be confident that Senator McLucas does possess an extensive understanding and appreciation of disability in Australia many will look for an update on how she personally perceives the new era of choice and change that is permeating the disability community and allowing consumers to choose who and where they live, what services they want, how they should be delivered and who controls them. Senator McLucas is contactable at senator.mclucas@aph.gov.au and would no doubt welcome your questions.

There is also no doubt Bill remains strongly committed to advocating for people with disability both inside and outside of Government. His often repeated comments that Australia has a basic health care program (Medicare), a basic wage, a basic superannuation scheme, an strong social security program and the remaining hole in community protection is disability support will no doubt resonate in cabinet from his new and stronger position. Bill’s appointment to the Ministry should be viewed as an opportunity to broaden the disability debate across Government and continue the significant momentum that Bill worked hard to bring to the disability portfolio during the Labor Government’s first term.

We all look forward to working with Jan to get the big job done. There is never a more important time that the disability community bands together and carries the message outside our own peers to the wider community. The implementation on NDIS may well depend on this message being broadcast publicly and no longer internally.

David Holst

Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee

0418 555 683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net

Earlier this week Disability Speaks released the following:

We bring you comments from the key players regarding their key disability announcements, plus a summary from the National Disability and Carer Alliance that has been formed to advocate for National Disability Insurance.

Timely comments are as follows;

The Hon. BILL SHORTEN ALP

After 12 long years of neglect, the Gillard Labor Government put support for people with disability back on the national agenda.

We delivered historic increases to the DSP and Carer Payment now worth around $100 per fortnight for singles. We invested $1.7million in Disability Employment Services to end waiting lists for people with disability who want help finding a job.

We are doubling funding to the states and territories under the National Disability Agreement, providing more than $6 billion over five years. We ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and signed the Optional Protocol.

We are making public buildings more accessible through new Access to premises standards, and brokered a landmark agreement with the housing industry for all new homes to meet universal design standards by 2020.

We provided early intervention services for children with autism, and if re-elected will provide $12,000 for early intervention services for up to 7800 more young children with disability. We will also provide $60 million in capital funding to build innovative, community-based supported accommodation places.

Prime Minister Gillard has said that the status quo in disability can not continue and a re-elected Gillard Labor Government is committed to major reform in disability services.

That’s why our government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake its landmark inquiry into the feasibility of a national care and support scheme for people with disability.

Only Labor understands the challenges faced by people with disability, so make sure your vote counts on August 21.

http://www.alp.org.au/agenda/

The Liberal Party / Coalition The Hon. Mitch Fifield

Australia’s system of support for people with disabilities is a broken, frayed patchwork. Many people with a disability are left without the assistance they need. There is a community consensus on the need to do better.

The Coalition supports the referral of the concept of a National Disability Insurance Scheme to the Productivity Commission for inquiry. Australians with a disability should be supported properly regardless of how they acquired their disability.

The Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, has said:

“There are millions of Australians who are involved with this, not because they necessarily have a disability themselves, but because their loved ones do and they are rightly, rightly very interested in the outcome of this Productivity Commission inquiry and we won’t let them down.”

(Tony Abbott, doorstop interview, Adelaide, 7 May 2010)

During the 2010 Election the Coalition has announced an increased and expanded Education Tax Rebate. For the first time, a range of expenses can be claimed including education costs for children with special needs. The Coalition has also announced $314 million to provide portable funding for students with a disability through an Education Card worth up to $20,000 per year. Further elements of the Coalition’s disability policy will be released during the election.

The more government is able to live within its means, the more can be done to support Australians with disability. That’s why the Coalition wants to end Labor’s waste and repay their debt.

More details are available at www.liberal.org.au

The Greens, Lead Senate Candidate Penny Wright SA

Overall Greens policy

The Greens are committed to a fairer, more inclusive society for all Australians including people with a disability. Our policy: http://greens.org.au/policies/care-for-people/disability

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The Greens broadly support the NDIS initiative but are concerned that it does not address the immediate and urgent needs of carers. Greens’ Senator Rachel Siewert has worked hard to secure increased income support for carers. http://greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/disability-carers-need-urgent-financial-support-increase

The Greens negotiated improvements to the Fair Work Act which secured the right to request flexible working hours for parents and carers of children with a disability under the age of 18.

The Greens consider it is important that the NDIS deals adequately with the following:

• a range of support options, including individualised approaches
• a co-ordinated package of care services which includes accommodation, aids and equipment, respite, transport and a range of community participation and day programs for a person’s lifetime
• assisting a person to make decisions about their own support
• support for participation in employment where possible.

The Greens’ ability to secure improvements in disability policy depends on the strength of our voice in parliament. The more Greens Senators, the more likely it is that whoever is in government will consider Greens ideas and amendments which are directed to achieving a kinder, fairer society.

David Holst

Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee

0418 555 683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net

Disability Speaks have released the following:

2010 promises less than 2007 despite escalating catastrophe!

The attached advertisement will appear in the Adelaide Sunday Mail this weekend

It shows graphically how quickly the disability crisis is escalating as S.A. continues to fail to meet its responsibilities for disability service delivery.

Let’s hope that changes in our September 2010 Budget ?? and understand SA is not alone!

A 26% jump in the S.A. unmet need disability waiting lists in 12 months is horrific. It is impossible to imagine the depth of family despair behind these numbers!

Any pretence of the states stopping the catastrophic escalation while continually underfunding disability service provision must be addressed by the Federal Government. There is no doubt the states are waiting/hoping for a National Disability Insurance Scheme to remove their legal and moral obligations for disability support. Given that a National Disability Scheme (NDIS)

• Is not guaranteed and
• The final Australian Productivity Commission report is at least 12 months away and
• Further public discussion and debate will take another 12 months minimum after that and
• Implementation if it occurs will be a further two to three years after that at least and
• The Federal Government could change (again and again?) in that time and
• After five years eventually nothing may have happened despite the already established need

The Australian disability community can not be denied additional support for the next four years while boneheaded state treasurers hope the ” NDS Cash fairy” will appear to wave a magic wand to save them continuing to posture, preen and pretend what a great job they are doing while surreptitiously winding down growth in disability funding figuring the Feds will sort it out eventually. Both the ALP and the Liberals as part of the 2010 Federal Election process must urgently consider a multi billion dollar crisis management strategy

The Liberals have not released a disability policy yet (other than education) and the ALP at this stage has tabled significantly less than the new immediate support offered prior to the 2007 Federal Election which totalled some $1 billion and also demanded state matching!

What are the 2010 elections priorities? We are not sure? The Liberals must show their hand and following last weeks 3000 new aged care beds from Abbott we watched in envy as a Liberal leader with a social conscience slugged business a staggering $2.7 billion of extra maternity leave tax that pays up to an extraordinary $150,000 per annum via a 1.5% tax levy previously described by him as “a modest levy”.

Mr Abbott is yet to balance his shocking gaffe on disability cinema access with a 2010 fully funded Disability Policy.

This lift in the tax rate is the foundation on which NDS is promulgated and if it is good enough for maternity leave (which is after all by choice and only temporary) surely a short term levy is also appropriate for today’s tragic disability crisis which both leaders have spoken too in the last week?

Given Mr Abbott is touching business on community issues Gillard should follow suite NOW!!! for disability. She has after all already committed and allocated future government revenue for maternity leave.

Conversely Abbott can take the federal funds Gillard has promised for future maternity leave and direct it NOW!!! to critical disability support plus some!

While it arguable correct the national disability support services are broken, reality is they are also desperately chronically and systematically underfunded with extraordinary waiting lists and a significant cash injection would wash through the current service structures none of which are operating near capacity and to distressed unmet need waiting list clients very quickly and very effectively.

In the next four years then an orderly review and rebuilding of National Disability Services can be implemented following the Australian Productivity Commission report with a long term sustainable funding model included and the temporary measures eased. On the way through both leaders will win plenty of votes if they compel, force and demand the delinquent State Governments to meet their current obligations.

A genuine 26% jump in S.A. waiting lists must focus our national leaders acutely on the crisis that is disability in Australia today. It demands immediate action. Our leaders next jobs may depend on it?

David Holst

Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee

0418 555 683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net

On Thursday July 29th 2010, Disability Speaks released the following:

FIREWORKS NOT JAZZ?

Australians living with disability will focus on Sydney on Sunday!

This is an event not to be missed.

The exquisitely timed Disability Rocks; Mad as Hell public meeting in Sydney on Sunday August 1st at 3.00pm at The Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, Chippendale Sydney could deliver real fireworks. With ALP Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Bill Shorten no doubt looking to go head to head with Liberal Senator and Disability Shadow Mitch Fiefield the sparks seem certain to fly particularly given Labors disability announcements today in Melb. While less than the initial financial boost many would have hoped for, some details of today’s ALP announcement including the exciting new concept of community and NGO groups being encouraged to develop innovative and flexible new supported accommodation models will be widely applauded as will the early intervention boost. Full details can be found at www.alp.org.au.

An unbiased summary of the ALP announcements is attached from National Disability Services who like many see the ALP plan as well targeted.

Our very own Kelly Vincent MLC S.A. (d4d) will add reality to Sundays debate where the other participants including Ian Cohen (NSW Greens) will be looking to convince that they are fully committed not just participants or timely vote seekers. Kelly has life experience the others will never truly understand.

Many across the country who cannot make the meeting will look for the distribution of notes or bullet points to highlight the major promises of the meeting. The big questions will no doubt be:

Will major parties give unqualified support for National Disability Insurance? How serious are the leaders? Julia says “if feasible” Tony says “more seriously than the Henry review”

Will there be more major disability funding announcements to attack the crisis that exists now in disability services? With some 25,000 on national lists surely just 150 new supported accommodation positions is not the only financial commitment to reduce chronic unmet need waiting lists nationally (did someone leave a zero of the ALP media release? e.g. 1500)

Will anything really change or are we just looking at more talk?

What are the States forced to do?

Do Prime Minister Gillard or Opposition Leader Abbott personally care or is disability just another of those boxes that get ticked in any election period?

Who should we vote for and why?

Disability Speaks looks forward to distributing a précis of the meeting next week

At a local level (S.A) the next meeting of the Disability Speaks steering committee will be held on Thursday 5th August where the Federal election will no doubt be the main topic of interest at 1.00pm at DIRC, 195 Gilles St Adelaide. As always anyone is welcome to our open meetings.

David Holst

Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee

0418 555 683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net

Disability Speaks have released the following:

“GILLARD MUST SPEAK”

On Disability crisis support and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)!

The Federal Election on August 21st may just well be the most important one ever for people with a Disability.

With support for NDIS growing many will be waiting to see whether Gillard speaks with the same conviction or passion as her predecessor did.

Admire or despise for his political legacy Kevin Rudd there is no doubt he (and his wife Therese) promoted disability related issues with a genuine passion and understanding.

With a growing 2-4% of the primary vote sympathetic to disability issues the election of Kelly Vincent MLC d4d to the SA Parliament confirms this lobby is increasing in political expertise and strength.

Tony Abbott spoke with conviction and passion in SA on May 7th when he confirmed Liberal support by saying

“The Coalition appreciates that people with disabilities get a raw deal. The Government has commissioned a Productivity Commission inquiry into how we can deliver better and more effective services to people with disabilities. The Opposition strongly supports this inquiry and should we come into government at the end of the year we would very much look forward to getting the recommendations of the Productivity Commission and I give people this assurance, that we would treat any Productivity Commission recommendations in this area much more seriously than the Government has treated the recommendations of the Henry Review. “

We will wait to see with much interest what disability emergency crisis management funding the Liberal Party will commit to long suffering people with disability while the Productivity Commission inquiry runs its course? Support is essential now! National Disability Services (NDS) released a media announcement this week that both the Greens and the Nationals were indicating support for NDIS.

Julia Gillard must get on the record on both short and long term resolution the disability sector so desperately needs.

Bill Shorten, Federal parliamentary Secretary (ALP) has done a remarkable job highlighting the despair and possible solutions that the disability sector faces. Many will already be feeling strongly disposed to an ALP victory based on Mr Shortens passion and work. Bill may care to remind Julia that we are unaware of any parents killing their children because the wait is too long for a tonsillectomy or because their new school desk lacks a shiny veneer, yet the reality is that no less than 10-12 children with disabilities have been allegedly killed by their desperate parents in Australia in the last 5 years.

Who really wants to be Prime Minister with that on your CV so let’s hear what both Tony and Julia are going to do about it? Let’s hope if nothing else that both Tony and Julia demand that the states meet their current responsibilities.

REMEMBER YOUR DISABILITY ALIGNED VOTE CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!

David Holst

Chair – Disability Speaks Steering Committee

0418 555 683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net

Disability Speaks have sent us the following on the upcoming Town Hall Meeting on the National Disability Insurance Scheme:

“Is it any wonder parents harm their children??”

CRITICAL S.A. DISABILITY WAITING LISTS JUMP 26.2% in JUST 12 MONTHS ?

Last Sunday The Adelaide Sunday Mail ran a great story on the disability waiting list crisis in SA.

You know the waiting lists that the Government just hopes will go away!!!!!!!!!!!!

With the official new data released just last month ( after the state election?) the Dec2008-Dec 2009 comparison makes horrific reading.

In just 12 months SA Cat 1 critical waiting lists jumped from 525 clients to 663 or 26.2%.

Total clients awaiting disability services jumped from 2173 to 2667 or 22.7%.

And the Dec2009 major response of Premier Rann was to announce ………………………yup, another inquiry?

Little wonder no one seems keen to support this Cappo inquiry unless crisis management intervention is taken first!

Full details of the most recent report can be found at

http://www.dfc.sa.gov.au/pub/tabid/258/itemid/1365/Reports-plans-and-statistics.aspx

The importance of a Federal Solution, possibly National Disability Insurance Scheme grows by the day

Spread the word (and the flyer) and don’t miss the

PUBLIC MEETING

“National Disability Insurance”

Adelaide Town Hall

King William Street, Adelaide

Wednesday 30th June 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Entrance is free!

With Special Guest Speakers

The Hon. Kelly Vincent MLC, D4d

Mr Bruce Bonyhady

The Hon. Bill Shorten ,ALP

The Hon. Mitch Fiefield ,Liberal

David Holst

Chair

Disability Speaks Steering Committee

0418555683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net

The next meeting of the Disability Speaks Steering committee will be held on Friday 18th June at 1.30 pm at SACOSS, 47 King William Rd Unley. As usual this meeting is open to anyone who would like to participate.

At this meeting it is intended that the details for the “National Disability Insurance” public meeting will be discussed and finalised.

Other Agenda items include discussing Disability Speaks future strategy on

• The Cappo Inquiry
• Unmet need waiting lists
• The Federal Election
• Minda redevelopment
• Strathmont
• D4d Television campaign
• Protest Rally and March
• other business

Disability Speaks have released the following:

If South Australia funded Education Services in the same manner they supported Disability support parents would burn Parliament House to the ground.

• When children turned 5 they would go on a waiting list for assesment to attend school
• When assesd they would go on a waiting list to attend school
• Some might not get to start school until they were 12
• Some might only get 2-3 hours schooling per week
• Some would be given 1-2 days a week of schooling
• No one would get the full service of 5 days of education
• Some would be told you cant attend school until some one else leaves the school ( or dies!)
• Some would be told you cannot have pencils and books until some one else has finished with them
• and some would be told if you want essential school equipment like a new computer go to Variety or Rotary

The South Australian Governments answer to the disability service crisis (yes people have been physically harmed and allegedly killed while waiting for services so that is really a crisis!) was to announce before the last election…….
another inquiry!!!!!!

Yesterday Kelly Vincent MLC (D4D) publicly advised that she and D4d could not support the Cappo Inquiry unless the SA Govt takes immediate action to address todays crisis. Disability Speaks totally supports Kelly and her courageous approach. A copy of the D4d press release is here.

There is nothing pretend about the crisis in SA. The Australian Productivity Commission report released in Jan this year 2010 (Table 14A.5) shows in 2004-2005 Qld spent $369.3 mill on disability services and SA $228.0 mill. Both states have approx 20,000 NDA clients. By 2008-2009 Qld had jumped too $598.0 up $230.0 mill or 62.2%. SA over five years had gone to $238.3 mill up $10.3 mill or 4.5%.

SA retains its unenviable record of being stone motherless last for disability funding nationally. This is a crisis!

It is little wonder that Kelly and the SA Disability Community is demanding that real action proceeds another inquiry!

Many in the disability sector regarded another government inquiry announced in a lead up to an election particularly from a government with a terrible track record of supporting people with a disability with deep suspicion. We are all aware numerous promises made as far back as 2001 by this Premier remain undelivered. We totally supports Kelly Vincent and the D4d approach. We need an immediate crisis aversion funding injection for disability services now, if the Govt expects widespread sector support for the Cappo inquiry.

This funding needs to be directed and delivered to 4 key areas with outcomes finalised in the next 3 years

1. The unmet need waiting lists be cleared as Kelly has demanded,
2. The closure of Adelaides very own disability ghetto Strathmont that is a disgrace,
3. The freeing up of SATAS transport and journey to work vouchers so they are flexible, poolable and transferable to assist people with a disability to access at their leisure better transport arrangements.
4. A sustainable equipment supply program

Mr Cappo said on ABC 891 radio yesterday (Abraham: Okay, your current brief though is to bring about a major reform of the disability sector … you’ve met with the new MP Kelly Vincent?) I have … her message is very clear. Support for what we’re doing in terms of bringing about a reform but her proviso is you need immediate action. There … are too many crisis points in the disability area in terms of the immediate needs of people for supported accommodation for respite, for equipment … a whole lot of areas and I’ve taken her message to heart … that means cash … in the next few budgets. (Abraham: … you’re a very senior Catholic Priest as well as a Social Inclusion Commissioner and … people are hurting in disabilities because there’s not enough cash and yet you’re also seeing a Government that’s splashing cash around on a stadium, particularly the latest $85m. How do you feel about that?) Well, it’s not a good look. I don’t think it’s a good look for Government and it’s not a good look for the community. (Abraham: How would you spend that $85m?) … with that sort of money we could certainly relieve some of the immediate pressures on people in the disability system. (Abraham: And would it be better spent doing that rather than writing another cheque for the Stadium Management Authority?) Well of course my bias is always the social issues affecting the community but I think the key message from me to Government is really, we’ve got to put disability far more at the top of our agenda than we have in the past. (Abraham: … do you think we get distracted by things like the stadium debate? … it’s been a major debate and both parties are having a bidding war on it and yet, things are done … there has been extra cash … to clear the waiting list, we’re told permanently for equipment for people with disabilities and yet that money has to be eeked out … and yet you see big cheques being handed over to SANFL and to SACA? Is that a question of priorities?) Well, it’s really not a good look at all and … I understand Government has a wide range of responsibilities to the community but I really hope that this particular year we can put the social issues really at the top of the list. (Abraham: … thank you for coming in to the studio.) It’s a pleasure. (Abraham: … in a moment we’ll have … we’ve had the priest, we’re going to have the sinner, we’ll have Kevin Foley, Treasurer and Acting Premier in the studio in just a tick.)

We think he has the message? But will Cappo have the Governments support?

David Holst

Chair

Disability Speaks Steering Committee

0418555683

www.disabilityspeaks.com.au

disabilityspeaks@internode.on.net