Yesterday at Moomba Park, in a meeting with parents and school staff, MP Bernie Finn announced that Moomba Park Primary School is to receive funding for an Autism Inclusion Program/Coordinator, the specific use of which was left to the discretion of Principal Tony Kelly. Mr Kelly has decided that this funding would be best used to continue the IDEA Program in 2012.
It is not perfect. The $120,000 announced falls short of the required $150,000, and it is unclear as to whether this funding will continue beyond 2012. But it is a start, it means that the families of the IDEA Program, who have for months been unclear of the future can now enjoy their summer break knowing that their children have a program to return to in 2012.
On behalf of the supporters of the IDEA Program we wish to extend our gratitude to all of those who have offered support to the families of the program during this time.
We wish to thank Bernie Finn for taking the time to understand the IDEA Program and it’s impact of families and children, for truly believing in the potential of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for the support he has offered to families and for his ongoing commitment to the issue.
We would also like to thank those members of Parliament and their staff, who have brought this to the attention Parliament and Minister Dixon, and who have also offered support to the families of the IDEA Program; Rob Hulls, Colleen Hartland, Jenny Mikakos, Andrew Elsbury, Greg Barber, Christine Campbell, Bronwyn Halfpenny and Shaun Leane.
Finally, we wish to thank Minster Martin Dixon and his staff, without whom, this would of course not have been possible.
To the families of the IDEA Program, and to all families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder — you are not alone in this, we believe in you and your kids.
