Please snowball this alert...
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Lives are still ticking away while
people with disabilities wait for attendant care...
ATTENDANT CARE ACTION GROUP
FAX-IN
THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 1998
The Attendant Care Action Group is a community based disability rights
group and advocacy organisation run by and for people with disabilities. We
are currently involved in a long term campaign to increase government
funding for the In Home Accomodation Support (IHAS) program.
ACAG believes that people with disabiltiies have a right to live in the
community based housing of their choice. For many people however, this is
not possible unless htey have assistance with their daily living needs.
This may include assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing,
going to the toilet, general grooming, eating and/or getting in and out of
bed. Other p[eople may need help with shopping, banking, food preparation
and household chores. This assistance is called attendant care.
Since the early eighties, there have been a number of govern,ent funded
schemes which have enabled people with disabiltiies to access attendant
care services in the community. One of the main schemes in Victoria is
called the In Home Accomodation Support (IHAS) program. This program has
already prevented over 400 people with physical disabilities from being
forced into institutional care and has enabled many people to move out of
institutions and into community based housing.
Unfortunately, however, while this program has successfully achieved
dramatic positive change in the lives of so many people, it is also
severely restricted by budget constraints. At present IHAS can provide
funding for up to 34 hours of assistance per week. Even though this may
sound adequate, many people have very high support needs. 34 hours is often
just not enough.
In addition, some people need attendant care outside the home so that they
can go to work, persue an education, and get involved in leisure
opportunities within the community. IHAS does not currently provide funding
for support outside the home.
Furthermore, there are over 400 people throughout Victoria who are waiting
to get onto the IHAS program.
YOU CAN HELP!
On the International Day of Disabled Persons, Thursday 3 December, fax or
email the minister and demand the expansion of attendant care.
Minister for Youth and Community Services
Dr Denis Napthine
Department of Human Services
Fax: (03) 9616-8002
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For further information please contact Katie Ball, campaign coordinator,
Attendant Care Action Group on (03) 9890-9378.
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Ria Strong - Melbourne, Australia
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NOTE TEMPORARY ADDRESS:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL.VL
