17/6/05
School-aged children with disabilities from the Rockingham area are set to benefit from State Government funding for school holiday recreation programs.
Local disability support organisation ‘Care Options’ is one of 25 agencies State-wide to share in funding for a range of holiday programs for children with disabilities. A total of more than $240,000 has been given to organisations - almost half of them in the country - for programs specifically targeting the recreation needs of children with disabilities and their families during school holidays.
Care Options will receive more than $10,000 for up to 10 children aged from six to 16 years to attend the Rockingham program, which will focus on aspects of science through an easy-learning and fun environment.
Disability Services Minister Bob Kucera said providing children with disabilities with meaningful activities during the school holidays, when demand for respite was at its peak, was crucial to the well-being of families.
“School holidays can be a particularly challenging time for families with a child with disabilities, as they try to balance the competing demands of all of their children,” Mr Kucera said.
“This funding is enormously important, as the programs provide children with disabilities with structured, fulfilling activities to increase their skills, give them the opportunity to meet new friends and - most importantly - allow them to have fun.
“It gives families a break from their caring role and in particular, frees-up parents to meet the needs of their other children.
“It is also part of the Gallop Government’s plans to ensure we improve the quality of services to Western Australians, wherever they live.
“We are all very well aware of the many benefits recreational activities bring and we are pleased to be able to offer these opportunities to children with disabilities.”
Minister's office: 9213 7000
