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Extra $4.2 Million to Support Queenslanders with Spinal Injuries
Information provided by SCI News - Published: 2010-11-15
The State Government will invest $4.2 million in 2010-11 supporting Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries, Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced to mark Spinal Injuries Awareness Week (7-13 November).
Ms Palaszczuk said there was extra funding for community housing, home modifications, personal care and support, as well as additional resources for an education campaign targeting young people.
She said the funding, which includes $3.2 million from the 2010-11 State Budget, would go towards:
* The Spinal Cord Injuries Response initiative, a partnership between Queensland Health and the Department of Communities ( $2 million );
* Home modifications for people with spinal cord injuries, through the Department of Communities ( Housing ) ( $1.7 million ); and
* Individualised funding for people with spinal cord injuries ( $500,000 ).
“The Spinal Cord Injuries Response helps people with spinal cord injuries get care and support in familiar environments and helps to avoid hospital readmissions,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It gives them access to the specialist equipment and rehabilitation services they need to get their lives back on track.
“Returning home can be a challenging experience for people with a spinal cord injury - many will be permanently paralysed and need help with basic tasks such as eating and bathing.
“We need to ensure we’re doing all we can to support Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries to make life easier for them and their families.”
Ms Palaszczuk also announced an extra $270,000 over three years from 2011-12 for the Spinal Injuries Association to continue an education program which gives vital advice on avoiding life-changing spinal injuries.
She said the Spinal Education and Awareness Team ( SEAT ) program would be delivered to an extra 10,000 students in the next year, reaching a record 120,000 Queensland students.
“The Spinal Injuries Association is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2010 and I want to congratulate its staff for their tremendous work with people who have spinal injuries,” she said.
“About 90 Queenslanders are affected by spinal injuries each year. Serious spinal injury is permanent and the only cure is prevention.
“The SEAT program covers topics including lifestyle challenges, the anatomy and physiology of the spine to deliver important safety messages.
“All presenters are people who use wheelchairs for mobility, so they give young people a genuine perspective on the effects of paraplegia or quadriplegia.
Ms Palaszczuk said the State Government had committed over $50 million to the Spinal Cord Injury Response initiative since it began in 2006.
“This extra funding will increase the number of people receiving personal care and support in their home from 85 to more than 110,” she said.
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