Earlier this week I watched a documentary about the state of disability services in Australia, it was called 'Breaking Point'! I think the title 'Breaking Point' is quite a conservative title to be quite frank ... I have actually seen families go beyond breaking point to the point of ruin. The disintegration of the family unit, broken marriages is rife in families living with the strain that occurs when caring for a loved one with a disability, especially those that have disabilities that cause unwanted challenging behaviours. I have seen families, so desperate for assistance, that are suffering from sheer exhaustion .. they have felt they had no other avenue than to relinquish the care of their loved ones giving up their parental rights by handing them over to the state. It is a drastic measure but for some it seems to them to be the only option available. It is a sure fire way of receiving the care required to alleviate the situation. That.. or as is mentioned in the documentary ... being taken away in pine box.
The variance of feelings I experienced whilst watching this program left me feeling angry & exhausted by the emotion that I felt.
The field of disability services is filled with truly wonderful & caring workers but yet the system as it exists today is in ruins. It is a fact that the need for a variety of disability services is in such high demand. The 'need' for these services far outweighs what is available in this country. Funding is limited & there is most definitely not enough. I personally feel that the criteria for services is selective & unfair. I believe that what is good for one should be good for all...but sadly this isn't how it is!
There are waiting lists of up to 3 years for some services & the sad reality is that many families looking for assistance are in heart rendering situations & are desperate for the help ... YESTERDAY not years from now! Tomorrow may be too late for some!!! This is a case where the saying, "Better late than never" holds no truth!
Disability Services in Australia needs reform & it needs it now!!
Let's not neglect these wonderful people & their families any longer. We are supposed to be a lucky country but yet I see no luck in this situation. Life has already dealt these people more than their fair share of troubles & hurdles. Wouldn't it be lovely if we could make their lives just a little easier. They deserve it!
I had a friend here in the states that used his blog to weekly call out local businesses he had trouble getting into because of his wheelchair. Unfortunately, he passed away last year. His blog had a big effect on making this town a little more handicap-friendly.
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I am sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I am glad to hear that his voice was heard & that he was able to make a difference in your town. The legacy he has left, with regards to the positive changes he made, will most definitely make a huge difference to others with disabilities in the community!Bless his soul!
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