2/4/96
Disability Services Minister Kevin Minson has launched a five-year strategic plan for meeting the needs of people with disabilities.
"The plan is the result of extensive Statewide consultation and is both realistic and achievable yet ambitious and visionary," Mr Minson said.
The plan sets out the Disability Service Commission’s ideals, achievement goals and its operational and business planning for the future.
"The Government has worked long and hard with people in the disability field to rein in the growing backlog of unmet need,” Mr Minson said.
"Although much still remains to be done, I am confident that by working together, we can find better ways of meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of Western Australians with disabilities.
"To get there we need all the support the community can give us, for the way a community responds to people with disabilities is a measure of its humanity.”
In addition to increasing services and protecting people’s rights and responsibilities, the commission’s goals include:
· ensuring equal access for people with disabilities to services and facilities available to others;
· promoting lifestyles and behaviours that prevent disabilities;
· provide those people with disabilities with opportunities for optimum growth and development; and -
· ensure necessary supports are in place to meet carers' needs.
Families and friends of people with disabilities comprise about three quarters of all the help given to people with disabilities,” Mr Minson said.
"These are dedicated carers who ask for little and whose role is overdue for recognition and we have made sure the commission’s goals have included moves to support their unselfish work.”
Mr Minson said these strategies included providing a point of contact for them and giving them support such as respite care, skills and training and equipment.
Media contact: Steve Manchee 481 2133
