DISABILITY advocates have asked Brimbank council to pick up the tab after the state government axed an important support program.
Autism Angels co-founder Despina Havelas fears hundreds of residents with disabilities will be disconnected from sporting and recreation groups when funding for the Access for All Abilities (AAA) program ends on June 30.
“It’s devastating. Council should support it anyway,” she said. “Part of the struggle of having a disability is inclusion and connectedness.”
The council received $66,976 last financial year to employ an AAA officer, who works with 10 sporting clubs, delivers 14 weekly sports programs, produces a newsletter for more than 450 people and co-ordinates a festival of sport.
The program has helped Brimbank residents with disabilities make connections with local clubs and groups for more than 15 years.
Brimbank Disability Network Group chairman Michael Dalli said axeing the program would make life harder for hundreds of residents.
“It will leave many people at a dead end,” he said. “Where will they go for help?”
Administrator Jane Nathan said the government’s decision was disappointing and the council would urge the government to reinstate the funding. “It was . . . a good, beneficial and successful program,” she said
Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty did not respond to requests for a comment.
