The Physical
Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) congratulates
the NSW and Federal Government for the one-off
$11 million funding package to support people
with disabilities which
was announced yesterday.
It is a much needed boost to the NSW Program of
Appliances for Disabled People (PADP) to address
the current waiting list.
PDCN believes the funding
boost, announced by The Federal Minister for
Aging Justine Elliot and NSW Health Minister
Reba Meagher, is an important step in addressing
an immediate need. Equipment provides essential
practical support for people with physical
disabilities in NSW to participate as members of
the community.
Changes to improve the
efficiency of PADP were also announced,
including:
- Establishment of
EnableNSW to bring together the
administration of five disability support
programs including PADP, the Artificial Limb
Service and three Home Respiratory
Programs.
- A new website to be
launched in 2009 providing clients and
clinicians with information about EnableNSW
and about the availability of specialised
equipment.
- A statewide
information line 1800 ENABLE (1800 362 253),
which has been operating since October last
year to provide expert advice to members of
the public and clinicians.
PDCN hopes the changes
will provide people with physical disabilities
with an equitable and transparent system for
equipment and support.
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