CCS Disability Action holds off from celebrating

MEDIA RELEASE FROM CCS DISABILITY ACTION

Wednesday 5 November 2008

CCS Disability Action holds off from celebrating funding boost

The Minister of Health David Cunliffe’s announcement of a $91.375 million funding package over five years to improve wages and conditions for disability support and increase access to services was met with a lukewarm welcome by CCS Disability Action.

Viv Maidaborn, CEO of CCS Disability Action, finds the increased funding positive but is not getting swept away by celebrations while uncertainty surrounds the destination of the money.

“It is not clear whether any of this funding will find its way to those that need it most. The announcement leaves us with more questions than answers,” says Viv.

For many years CCS Disability Action, formerly the New Zealand Crippled Children Society and CCS, has delivered regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities, making them one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand.

CCS Disability Action has been working to raise awareness of the lack of funding for vital services to disabled people and their families.

After nine years of shortfalls in government funding, services for disabled people in rural areas still remains a concern for CCS Disability Action.

There are many other areas that Viv Maidaborn considers a must for investment too.

“There is still no nationally consistent early support system in place for families with disabled children. There is also a large gap in the funding available to enabe disabled people to live independently,” says Viv.

CCS Disability Action is interested in the detail of the funding package announced.

ENDS

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