Highlights from the launch
Community Services Minister Lisa Neville launched the Autism State Plan on 21 May 2009 during Autism Awareness Month. The Plan will boost support for Victorians with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) their families and carers over the next 10 years.
Ms Neville celebrated the launch of the Plan with Victorians affected by an ASD, their families, carers, support agencies and the indie rock act, Rudely Interrupted.
“The Brumby Government is leading the way developing an Australian-first Autism State Plan to meet the growing and complex needs of people of all ages living with an ASD,’’ Ms Neville said.
The Plan was developed in partnership with Autism Victoria. Other speakers on the day included Michele Carson, Deputy Chairperson of the Autism Victoria Board of Governance and Meredith Ward, President of the Autistic Families Support Association.
Grant Ward and Meredith Ward, President of the Autistic Families Support
In her previous role as Autism Victoria’s government liaison officer the Minister acknowledged Meredith’s particular contribution to the Plan’s development. Meredith’s son Grant, who has autism, read a poem he had written to an audience of over a hundred people. The poem is titled ‘I am’ and offers a vision for a kinder world. Grant’s poem is included in the Plan.
Tracel Devereux, CEO Alpha Autism
Tracel Devereux, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Autism hosted the event at Alpha Terrace. Tracel was also one of Autism Victoria’s organisational representatives who participated in the partnership to develop the Plan.
Daniel Giles, a young man with autism and the City of Bendigo’s 2008 Young Citizen of the Year, travelled from Bendigo to speak at the launch. Daniel shared his story of living and achieving with autism.
Daniel Giles
Download Daniel Giles' Story [pdf, 76kb]
He commended the government saying, ‘The Victorian Government in partnership with Autism Victoria has taken a great first step and have truly recognised that autism is for life! I commend them for this initiative’.
In the 2009-10 budget $8.3 million was allocated to kick-start the implementation of the Plan. For more information go to: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/autismstateplan/#budget
The funded initiatives will build on other recent investments including the $2.75 million that was allocated to implement the government’s acknowledgement of ASDs as a neurological impairment under the Disability Act 2006 in December 2008. The newly funded Autism State Plan initiatives will build on the existing service system and link to other key government initiatives including the Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development and the Mental Health Reform Strategy.
Minister Neville speaking with Tracel Devereux at the launch at Alpha Terrace
One of the features of the Plan’s development was the close involvement of key stakeholders, with the views of individuals with an ASD, their families and carers key to shaping the Plan’s directions. Stakeholders will continue to have an important role during the implementation stage via a Stakeholder Advisory Group.
The Rudely Interrupted band members enjoying the launch of the Plan with lead minister for the Autism State Plan Minister Neville.
From left to right:
Rohan, Constance, Josh, Minister Neville, Rory, Sam and Marcus
