Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week to kick off tomorrow

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week commences tomorrow across the country (31 July – 6 August), an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of people with cerebral palsy and to promote a more inclusive community for people with disability including cerebral palsy.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Senator Jan McLucas said events and activities were occurring across Australia to recognise the week long annual celebration.

“This week is a chance to create greater awareness and understanding of cerebral palsy and work together to promote acceptance of people with cerebral palsy within our communities,” Senator McLucas said.

During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week, Senator Jan McLucas is encouraging parents of young children with cerebral palsy to register for the Gillard Government’s $147 million Better Start for Children with Disability initiative which commenced on July 1.

“We know that investing in early intervention for children with disabilities before they get to school gives them the best chance of reaching their full potential,” Senator McLucas said.

“Families can receive up to $12,000 for early intervention services and therapies through our new Better Start for Children with Disability initiative.”

Children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and moderate or severe vision or hearing impairments including deafblindness, under the age of six years, will be eligible.

Eligible families can register to access funding of up to $12,000 – up to a maximum of $6,000 in any one financial year – for early intervention services and therapies including speech pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orthoptists and psychologists.

Families will have until their child turns seven to use the early intervention funding.

To help support children living in regional, rural and remote communities, the Government is delivering an extra one-off payment of $2,000 to help meet the higher costs of accessing services.

Registrations opened to families on 1 July.

Families can register or obtain further information by calling Carers Australia 1800 242 636 or downloading an information brochure from www.fahcsia.gov.au/betterstart.