Page 639 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 23 March 1993
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The Australian Capital Territory Disability Services Act 1991 enables people with disabilities to receive services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential as members of the community. I think that is the focal point of all of our efforts; that is, that individuals can achieve their maximum potential. Recent Australian Capital Territory guardianship legislation is another example of legislation recognising the rights of people with a disability. Madam Speaker, in this Down Syndrome Awareness Week we can all recognise that people with Down syndrome are individuals with the same needs, aspirations and rights as other members of the community. It is up to us all to provide them with the opportunity to take their rightful place in all areas of society. I present the following paper:
Down Syndrome Awareness Week - Ministerial statement, 23 March 1993.
I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
MRS CARNELL (3.14): Madam Speaker, I am delighted to add my support and the support of the Liberal Party to this important week. It is the third such week to be held by the Down Syndrome Association and a number of major events will take place during the course of the week. The aim of the awareness week is to promote and encourage both people with Down syndrome and their families. Mr Berry has already told us that Down syndrome occurs quite regularly in our community - one in every 600 to 650 live births - so it is a very real concern and problem for the community to face. It also increases with advanced maternal age, particularly over the age of 35, and the incidence is as high as one in 80 for offspring of women over 40. This becomes more of a concern as women have children later and later.
I believe that it is the support and encouragement of those in our community with Down syndrome that is our real challenge and something that we should focus on in this important week - not support in words only, but tangible support; that is, support, as Mr Berry rightly said, at the early intervention stage; stimulation to teach gross motor skills; help for families to come to grips with the problem that they have and the real positives that exist with having a Down syndrome child. But the problems do not stop with childhood. We then as a community must take into account the situations that occur when children get older, when they go to school and, just as importantly later, with housing problems, employment problems and respite care.
Support can lead to independence, acceptance and a real sense of worth. One only needs to look at the achievements of Tracie Sammut, who last week received a Logie award for her performances in the ABC's GP program. When independence is not possible, support to assist parents must be available. The Down Syndrome Association plays a large role in this early and continuing backup, but it cannot be left to only one association; government also must play a role. One of the most important areas, of course, is respite care. No matter how devoted parents are, there comes a time when a small break, a breather, is required, and without respite care parents just cannot cope. Coping does not stop when the children are 18 or 19; it goes on and on. The very real need for improved respite care in the ACT should not go without comment during this week. Madam Speaker, I and the Liberal Party support Down Syndrome Awareness Week, but let us make it in deeds, not just words.
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