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We are facing a critical moment in the fight to preserve vital support for families of children with developmental disabilities in Western Australia. Our Specialist Education Advocacy Service, a lifeline for many since its establishment in 2015, is on the brink of closure due to a lack of funding from the WA State government.
As you know, this program has been a cornerstone of our mission to empower and advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Specialist Education Advocacy Service offers expert guidance and support to families navigating the often complex landscape of the education system. It’s a service that goes beyond general advocacy, providing tailored assistance to address the unique needs of children with disabilities.
Despite our tireless efforts and numerous appeals for funding, including a recent plea to Education Minister Tony Buti, we have been met with refusal. This leaves us with no choice but to turn to you, our community, for support in securing the necessary funding to sustain this critical service.
Yesterday, our CEO, Mary Butterworth, spoke passionately on 6PR Mornings with Gary Adshead, urging listeners to join our campaign to save the Specialist Education Advocacy Service. Mary emphasized the invaluable impact of this service and the urgent need for action to ensure its continuation.
LISTEN HERE: https://vimeo.com/956293573
In a recent opinion piece published in The West Australian (7 June 2024), DDWA Board member, Alan Langford, highlighted the broader issue of funding uncertainty facing disability support services across the country. He emphasised the urgent need for government accountability in ensuring the continuity of essential programs like ours.
We are calling on each and every one of you to lend your voice to this cause. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that families of children with disabilities continue to receive the support they desperately need.
Here’s how you can help:
- Email Education Minister Tony Buti at Minister.buti@dpc.wa.gov.au and urge him to fund our Specialist Education Advocacy Service.
- Reach out to other relevant officials, including Premier Roger Cook, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti, Opposition Leader Libby Mettam, and National Party Leader Shane Love, to emphasise the importance of funding for disability support services.
more information, see related stories:
- OPINION – Alan Langford: Buck-passing puts vital disability services at risk
- Act Now to Save Our Specialist Education Advocacy Service
- Update: paving the way for potential funding
- WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP TO SAVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WA
Your support is important in our fight to continue this vital service. Together, we can ensure that no family is left behind and that every child with a disability and families receive the support they need.
Thank you for standing with us in this urgent campaign.