TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
DISABILITY SUPPORT:
As a country Australia and Australians are very well off, in work and work conditions, in pension schemes for those not able to work and the elderly, in the availability of good food, good water, and in so many other ways.
But the most vulnerable among us are often overlooked. Those born with a physical or mental disability, or who are injured, and most particularly the carers who care of these people are not given the help, consideration and assistance they need. It is not only a pension that suffices. It is access to support — physically, mentally, emotionally for both the disabled person and the carers. 
If the ‘carer’ is family of the person needing so much support, it seems it is ‘presumed’ they will cope, and that takes care of the problem. The financial strain alone is huge in many cases, where special furniture, plumbing, wheelchairs are needed. In the case of a child, chairs must be changed as the child grows and each time the cost is enormous as they are often made specifically to individual specifications.
I feel there could and should be more programmes aired to make most of us aware of the difficulties some people have to overcome and live with, to better understand and appreciate where ordinary people can give assistance.
In families where there is a child with a serious disability the whole family is affected, and perhaps especially other children in that family.
Support could and should be more readily available to our most vulnerable citizens.
Thank you.
Signed
Jacqueline Sprogoe