❓ Question regarding the implementation of recommendations from a 2012 report on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The Disability Services Commission states that existing legislation adequately addresses the needs of individuals with FASD, and no specific funding was allocated as a result.
AnsweredQoN 3739Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the report of September 2012 prepared by the Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Education and Health Standing Committee titled, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: the invisible disability , and I ask: (a) what action has the department taken to date in response to the recommendations contained within the report; (b) have all relevant recommendations been implemented; (c) if no to (b), which recommendations have not been addressed and why; (d) has any funding been set aside since the 2013 Budget process to address any of the recommendations contained within the report; (e) if yes to (d), what is the value of funding; and (f) if no to (d), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
3 December 2015
Responded by
Minister for Disability Services
Response time
42 days
(a)
The Disability Services Commission is responsible for addressing Recommendation 8 of the report which relates to supporting changes to Commonwealth and State legislation to better accommodate people with FASD through broadening the definition of cognitive impairment.
The Commission has considered Recommendation 8 of the report and determined that no further action is required as both Commonwealth and State Acts currently focus on the functional impact of a disability, rather than diagnosis alone.
In the WA Disability Services Act 1993 eligibility for disability services provided and funded by the Commission is based on the likely permanency of an impairment and the functional impairment of that impairment. This accommodates children and adults with FASD.
Similarly, under Commonwealth legislation, eligibility for disability services funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is based on the likely permanency of an impairment and the functional impact of that impairment, which accommodates children and adults with FASD.
(b) Yes.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) Specific funding to address report recommendations is not required - refer part (a).
The Commission provides individualised supports and services to people with FASD, as part of a holistic approach to providing services to people with disability.
The Commission has also allocated $519,725 funding to provide a variety of services and supports, such as counselling and education, to pregnant women with disability in metropolitan and regional locations. In some instances this may include addressing the complex needs of alcohol-dependant mothers.
(e-f) Not applicable.
The Disability Services Commission is responsible for addressing Recommendation 8 of the report which relates to supporting changes to Commonwealth and State legislation to better accommodate people with FASD through broadening the definition of cognitive impairment.
The Commission has considered Recommendation 8 of the report and determined that no further action is required as both Commonwealth and State Acts currently focus on the functional impact of a disability, rather than diagnosis alone.
In the WA Disability Services Act 1993 eligibility for disability services provided and funded by the Commission is based on the likely permanency of an impairment and the functional impairment of that impairment. This accommodates children and adults with FASD.
Similarly, under Commonwealth legislation, eligibility for disability services funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is based on the likely permanency of an impairment and the functional impact of that impairment, which accommodates children and adults with FASD.
(b) Yes.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) Specific funding to address report recommendations is not required - refer part (a).
The Commission provides individualised supports and services to people with FASD, as part of a holistic approach to providing services to people with disability.
The Commission has also allocated $519,725 funding to provide a variety of services and supports, such as counselling and education, to pregnant women with disability in metropolitan and regional locations. In some instances this may include addressing the complex needs of alcohol-dependant mothers.
(e-f) Not applicable.
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