Local parents have their say at MyTime

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas and Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens today joined parents and carers of children with disability in a MyTime session in Merrylands.

The Federal Labor Government is delivering $10.5 million to support the MyTime program across the country, providing a support network for parents and carers of children with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.

“MyTime sessions give parents and carers an opportunity to talk to others who are going through similar situations and understand the rewards and challenges of the caring role,” Senator McLucas said.

“It provides an opportunity to relax and socialise with other parents and carers, to share ideas and experiences and to learn about other resources and networks, while a ‘Play Helper’ supervises their children.”

Federal Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens said the MyTime sessions were a fantastic way for local people in the community to connect, to build relationships and to provide support to other carers and families in similar situations.

“Finding out that your child has a disability can be a daunting experience,” Ms Owens said.

“MyTime sessions help parents get the information they need to access the right resources, funding and support for their children.”

“We’ve heard from many of the parents how much emotional support MyTime provides to families and carers.

“MyTime is just one of the ways that the Federal Labor Government is working to deliver programs that support people in their caring roles.”

During the MyTime session, parents and carers also shared their views and hopes that the National Disability Insurance Scheme would help provide greater support and control for families caring for children with disability.

“An NDIS will mean that people with disability, their families and carers will have greater control over the support that they receive and how they receive it, no matter where they live or how they acquired a disability,” Senator McLucas said.

“It will mean that people with disability are supported over their lifetime and are provided with the tools they need to reach their goals and to participate fully in the community.

“A National Disability Insurance Scheme would also really focus on making sure early intervention services are available to families when they need them, so our children start on the right foot.”

The Federal Labor Government is delivering $1 billion to launch the first stage of an NDIS from the middle of next year.

Ms Owens said, “It’s great to be here today to talk to parents about what they want in an NDIS, what they want for their children. These are the voices we want reflected in the design of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”

The Merrylands MyTime program is available for families of children with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition under 5 years.