By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A NARRE Warren North mother has questioned the efficiency of the State Government’s disability equipment program, following her son’s two-year wait for a new wheelchair.
Naomi Taylor has called on the government to review its State Wide Equipment Program following the two-year wait endured by her son, Nicholas.
Ms Taylor and Nicholas, who suffers from multiple disabilities including tuberous sclerosis and epilepsy, only received the new wheelchair in May this year, after applying in 2012.
Her concerns were aired earlier this month, before Disability Services and Reform Minister Mary Wooldridge on Monday announced a $4 million funding boost to the aids and equipment program.
“It was getting more and more difficult for Nicholas and he needed a new chair. Because Nicholas has sclerosis in the back, he leans to one side,” Ms Taylor said.
“Our physio was the one chasing the equipment, and even though it had urgent status put on it, it still took two years.
“For Nicholas it’s essentially uncomfortable – his old chair wasn’t comfortable any more and it wasn’t supporting him physically.
“It was hard to push, and was causing pain for me. It generally made life difficult.”
Ms Taylor said her son’s wheelchair was long overdue for an update by the time it arrived in May.
“If he doesn’t have a wheelchair, he’s completely cut off from everything,” she said.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan joined the chorus calling for a review of the SWEP.
“Less people in Casey are able to access SWEP assistance now than in 2010, yet our population continues to grow and people with a disability need more support,” he said.
“Our communities need a better system that works for the disabled and the frail elderly.
“There are spare walkers and other equipment in the community, but the people who need them can’t currently access them, and SWEP is underfunded and overloaded.”
Ms Wooldridge said about 32,000 people across Victoria this year would receive funding to purchase aids and equipment, following Monday’s announcement.
But she would not comment specifically on Ms Taylor’s two-year wait.
“Since coming to office the Napthine Government has invested an additional $12 million in the aids and equipment program, which provides subsidies for aids and equipment, home and vehicle modifications, and re-issues aids and equipment to people with a long-term disability,” she said.
