Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 06 Hansard (Thursday, 24 June 2004) . . Page.. 2801 ..

skills, clients with complex needs, Gateway services (including shop front), tenancy management, maintenance, managing rebates, debt, allocations, protective behaviours, and software applications. The induction training for Disability Support Officers includes, among other areas, ACT Vision and Values, medication administration, First Aid, Professional Assault Response Training, epilepsy training, client safety workshops and manual handling.

Housing—disabled persons
(Question No 1519)

Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice, on 5 May 2004:

In relation to housing for people with a disability, can the Minister (a) provide a current update in regard to the gradual phasing out of group housing and (b) explain what provisions the Government is making to ensure that people with a disability are appropriately housed.

Mr Wood: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(a) Current Update in relation to the gradual phasing out of group housing

The Government response to the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into Disability Services includes several commitments in relation to this question, all of which are being implemented. Progress against these recommendations is included in the Progress Report which was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Friday 14 May 2004.

In line with the recommendations of the Disability Reform Group the services provided by the Disability Program have remained stable whilst consideration is given to the roles of government and the sector in relation to accommodation services and crisis support. The draft “Future Directions for Disability ACT 2004-08” document invites community input into the future role of the government service provider, including the role of group homes.

To date there has been no reduction in the number of people provided with support through government provided group homes. Three people have left group homes and are now being supported by other agencies, with funding provided by Disability ACT. This is balanced by three people who were granted Individual Support Packages in 2002-03, who have requested that Disability ACT’s Individual Support Services be their Service Provider.

The Government has given a commitment that existing consumers will be offered opportunities to explore options for increasing the flexibility and portability of the support they receive and will not be disadvantaged through the reform process. The Individual Support Services of Disability ACT is establishing mechanisms to provide these opportunities, including the Community Linking and Needs Assessment team, which assists individuals plan for their future and match their aspirations and support needs to available services.

(b) Explain what provisions the Government is making to ensure that people with a disability are appropriately housed.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .