MEDIA RELEASE FROM CCS DISABILITYACTION
5 March 2008

Change to funding for young disabled students enables choice and independence

CCS Disability Action welcomes the Government’s changes to funding criteria that enables young disabled students with very high needs to leave school at 16.

Previously, students with very high needs could not access funding for vocational support services until they were 21, leaving them isolated in a school environment whilst their friends of the same age were able to move on with their lives.

The very high needs funding supports young disabled people in their vocational activities once they leave school.

"CCS Disability Action along with many other disability sector organisations have been working towards this goal with young disabled students, their families and Government for a long time,” says National Policy and Strategy Manager Paul Gibson.

CCS Disability Action is one of the largest providers of disability services in New Zealand and works to ensure the rights of disabled people are acknowledged and included in all aspects of life.

Schools and training organisations will now have the freedom to work with students to make successful transitions and choices at an important stage of their lives.

“This change will enable students to make their own choices about their career or study paths at the same time as their brothers, sisters and friends in mainstream education,” he continues.

"This is a massive step towards giving very high needs students true independence. The next step should be a review of the funding, which for many students and families is still insufficient,” adds Paul Gibson.

ENDS

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