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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 8 Hansard (31 August) . . Page.. 2719 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

has been seen as a very positive step in helping clients with a disability to improve their lifestyles and integration within the community.

Members may recall that last year I released a document entitled Strategic Plan For Disability Services in the ACT, which provided the framework and a guide for taking action-they are all in there, Ms Tucker-to improve the quality and availability of disability services. Together with the community, we are implementing that plan. Nearly 300 individuals are formally supported by the government in the community. The level of support required varies enormously. Some are able to live independently with assistance on a daily drop-in basis, whilst others require 24-hour care. A huge number of hours of care goes into nearly 300 people.

Within such arrangements, government funding per person varies from $10,000 to $180,000 for people with severe intellectual and physical disabilities who require 24-hour support. (Extension of time granted.) I do need to run through some of the details. The government provides over $4 million per annum for clients who have very special needs and these are provided for through individual support packages. Other services are also provided by the government to support its disability clients, such as accommodation support, including home cleaning and maintenance, house management, personal care, supervision for safety and life skill development.

The funds allocated for accommodation support total approximately $20 million. A further $6 million is provided for services to improve community access for disabled clients, integrated day programs and employment options, respite care, leisure activities, transport, support for advocacy and special interest groups, special therapies for children in schools, and information and referral.

In addition to the health services I have just described there is a significant contribution to disability services and funding through the departments of Education and Community Services, Justice and Community Safety and Urban Services. Members may recall that we announced in the last budget additional funds to target areas of particular need, such as $250,000 for disability services for children with complex behavioural and support issues, in particular for children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy, and special therapies in schools provided by Health, with a further $50,000 being provided by DECS; $845,000 for respite for aged carers of people with disabilities; $200,000 for supported accommodation for clients with dual diagnosis; and an additional $200,000 for special transport needs.

I would like to focus specifically on the six areas of Mr Rugendyke's motion. The first area is training, supervision, evaluation and support of staff. These areas have come out of the various reports.

Training: It is important to note that ACT Community Care is a registered training organisation with three-year accreditation to deliver certificates III and IV and an advanced diploma in community services for disability work.

This comprehensive training program includes a three-week induction course for all new direct care disability support officers, so a great deal of work is done there. Clinical and administrative staff also undertake orientation. ACT Community Care also provides certificate III training in community services for disability work to trainees and

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