March 1, 2015 Julia May

Federal government delays a 40 per cent funding cut to the disability sector amid allegations it was in breach of United Nations convention.

The federal government has made a partial backflip on its cuts to disability groups, granting a temporary reprieve to eight bodies whose funding was due to run out on Saturday.

A LONG-running legal battle between the Education Department and a former student who blames it for his illiteracy could be resolved as early as tomorrow.

Twenty-one-year-old Beau Abela wants $300,000 from the department, claiming they failed to teach him properly and that he should have never been able to progress from primary school.

Mr Abela launched the action in 2007 when he was just 14, but failed and is now appealing to the full bench of the Federal Court.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; which now includes former diagnostic labels such as Autistic Disorder and Asperger syndrome) is a life-long neuro-developmental disorder. It first shows itself early in life, emerging across toddlerhood and into the preschool years.

It’s what’s on the outside that counts

There is no genetic or blood test for ASD; diagnosis is based on behaviour.

MARKY Roberts cannot speak but he has a growing voice in his Victor Harbor community, which is speaking out to protect him.

The 38-year-old, who has severe Down syndrome, is at the centre of a battle affecting hundreds of South Australia’s intellectually disabled adults who face being chemically or physically restrained for even the most basic medical care.

ASA 3rd National Conference for

people on the Autism Spectrum

Conference Dinner 18 February ( International Asperger Day)

19 to 21 February 2015

A scheme to increase the number of people with disability hired by the Australian Public Service (APS) has come into effect across the Service.

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THE DANGERS OF BEING DISABLED

The report notes the Australian Human Rights Commission found last April that Australians with disabilities have inadequate safeguards and poor access to services.

Forty-five per cent also live below the poverty line and are at an increased risk or violence or prison.