Six-year-old Thorn's
18-month wait for a suitable wheelchair, as
reported in the Daily Telegraph
(Monday,
17 September p8)
highlights a grossly under-funded mis-managed
system.
Attending regular school
in a pram will result in significant medical and
social impacts for young Thorn in
class.
Failure to provide aids
and equipment for children and adults with a
physical disability means this section of our
community (20% in NSW) experience difficulties.
They are prohibited from employment, attending
school or engaging in shopping and leisure like
other members of society.
The Physical Disability
Council of NSW believes the primary problem with
this vital program is the lack of funding. Due
to a massive funding shortfall, this program
consistently falls short of providing vital aids
and equipment to children and adults with
physical disabilities. An injection of an
additional $10.5 million is necessary
annually.
The NSW Program of
Appliances for Disabled People (PADP),
administered by the Department of Health, is a
vital program. It provides people with
disabilities ordinary opportunities for ordinary
lives. Without it, they suffer. People with
disabilities are unable to lead ordinary lives
without essential equipment.
Without adequate funding
PADP will not provide a level playing field and
thereby fails to provide all citizens equality
of opportunity and equal citizenship.
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