Post by Banker on Dec 19, 2011 14:57:40 GMT 7
The disabled in South Australia will have a bigger say in what services they use and how they use them under a revamp by the state government.
Premier Jay Weatherill said instead of the system dictating the services individuals received, people would be able to choose those that were most important to them.
Anyone who received six or more hours a week of disability support would be given a personalised budget and would have the option of receiving direct payments to manage their needs.
Under the changes, prompted by a review, the government will also draft a new disability act, provide extra funding to support access to job training and improve access to public transport.
"For too long, people with disabilities have been told what services they will receive, when and how they will receive them," Mr Weatherill said.
"We want to provide greater opportunity for people with a disability to take control of their own lives and make decisions just as any other South Australian does."
Dignity for Disability MP Kelly Vincent welcomed the reforms but said she remained unconvinced that adequate funding was being provided.
Ms Vincent added she was concerned that pressures on the state budget would result in more talk and not enough action.
"Arresting this appalling funding situation and successfully empowering people with disability is going to require a significant mind shift in the government's approach to the sector and much higher, adequate levels of funding," she said.
news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8392156/disabled-to-get-more-say-in-sa
Premier Jay Weatherill said instead of the system dictating the services individuals received, people would be able to choose those that were most important to them.
Anyone who received six or more hours a week of disability support would be given a personalised budget and would have the option of receiving direct payments to manage their needs.
Under the changes, prompted by a review, the government will also draft a new disability act, provide extra funding to support access to job training and improve access to public transport.
"For too long, people with disabilities have been told what services they will receive, when and how they will receive them," Mr Weatherill said.
"We want to provide greater opportunity for people with a disability to take control of their own lives and make decisions just as any other South Australian does."
Dignity for Disability MP Kelly Vincent welcomed the reforms but said she remained unconvinced that adequate funding was being provided.
Ms Vincent added she was concerned that pressures on the state budget would result in more talk and not enough action.
"Arresting this appalling funding situation and successfully empowering people with disability is going to require a significant mind shift in the government's approach to the sector and much higher, adequate levels of funding," she said.
news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8392156/disabled-to-get-more-say-in-sa
