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Health | December 15, 2015

Have your say on services for autism spectrum disorder

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has encouraged the local community to have their say as part of an inquiry into services for people with autism spectrum disorder.

Emma Kealy MP is a member of the Victorian Parliament’s Family and Community Development Committee which is considering the adequacy of existing services as well as those to be provided through the NDIS.

“This committee will provide the Government with recommendations, which will help to inform how we can deliver the best possible support for people living with autism spectrum disorder and their families in our local area,” she said.

“As we gain a greater understanding of autism spectrum disorder, we also gain the best possible outcomes and support for our local people,” Ms Kealy said

The Inquiry will provide up to date information in a range of areas, including:

• Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in Victoria;
• The availability and adequacy of services provided by the commonwealth, state and  local governments across health, education, disability, housing, sport and employment services;
• The adequacy of services to be provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme;
• Evidence of the social and economic cost of failing to provide adequate services; and
• The projected demand for services in Victoria.

“I encourage any locals touched by autism to make a submission to this Inquiry,” Ms Kealy said.

“It’s important that the Committee hears a wide range of views through public hearings and submissions, to gain an in-depth understanding of the issues and how services could be improved,” she said.

Emma Kealy MP said the location of public hearings had not yet been announced, but public submissions could be made until 18 March, 2016, online via http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/article/2846