The State Government has endorsed recommendations by a wide-ranging review for extra accommodation for Western Australians with disabilities.
Accommodation for an extra 200 people will be provided in the next term of Government in a $20 million program.
The increase will mean an additional 50 places each year commencing when the Commonwealth/State Disability Agreement is finalised, likely before the end of this financial year.
This is just one major initiative of the Government's Disability Services policy to be announced on the weekend.
The State already provides $60 million annually for a range of accommodation for 1,700 people with intellectual disabilities.
Disability Services Minister Eric Ripper said today the Government endorsed in principle the review's 28 recommendations.
"The review provides a sound foundation and direction for the future development of accommodation services in Western Australia," Mr Ripper said.
"Some recommendations are already being implemented, and increases have already been made to family support and respite care services."
Increases already in effect included:
· $350,000 for individual and family support grants which were now being assessed and distributed;
· provision in Perth's northern suburbs of a $300,000 respite care facility for children with severe or multiple disabilities.
The accommodation review had input from more than 140 individuals and organisations through written and oral submissions, with more than 160 people involved in public meetings.
Mr Ripper commended the members of the steering committee, drawn from both Government and non-Government, for their successful completion of the major project.
