As Australia’s largest service provider to people who are blind or have low vision, we believe that the Australian Government’s early release of the Productivity Commission report (on 10 August 2011) shows welcome progress and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of people with a disability.
Vision Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Gerard Menses and Ms Maryanne Diamond, General Manager of International and Stakeholder Relations, said people with sensory disabilities should respond positively to proposed changes that include support for early intervention services, communication devices, and training to increase independence and safety when walking.
“The Australian Government has today indicated it wants to immediately start technical work on the scheme and establish an Advisory Group that includes disability advocates. We would hope that blindness and low vision is represented in both works. We are keen to continue our involvement in developing effective assessment tools,” Mr Menses said.
“Positive changes include sensory impairment now being included in the early intervention category, support for communication devices, and orientation and mobility training. These services deliver huge personal and community benefits,” Ms Diamond said.
“However we will need to work with the Government to ensure that the Productivity Commission’s proposed changes to the Disability Support Pension do not in turn disadvantage people who are blind,” Ms Diamond said.
“We also want to ensure that the Australian Government delivers systems that adequately care for people who are blind or have low vision, no matter what their age. We urge the government to take note of the Commission’s warning not to let people fall through the cracks,” Ms Diamond said.
“The Commission has responded to our concerns that the NDIS should support agencies to deliver information, referral, web services and community engagement by suggesting a ‘compact’ to deliver community engagement and employment for people with disabilities, as well as low cost community and business initiatives to improve access to buildings and public spaces which sounds interesting,” Ms Diamond said.
“We are happy that there appears to be progress but will continue to pursue the Government to ensure systems provide appropriate support for people who are blind or have low vision,” Ms Diamond concluded.