Yesterday [25th November] was something of a landmark in that a bill was passed in the Senate which appears to have a profound effect on the future viability of supported employment operations ( known as Australian Disability enterprises or ADE’s).
This is a complex situation, but really seems to demonstrate how one noble quest for equality can conflict with an equally noble quest to provide support in meaningful disabled employment. No middle ground appears to have been considered and there is every possibility that hardship and exploitation will accompany the otherwise laudable but perhaps narrow objective of workplace equality.
I am attaching two documents.
One is a copy of a newsletter from the organisation "People with a Disability (PWD)" which announces and applauds the bill, which they initially proposed and promoted. Click here...
One is a copy of a newsletter from the organisation "People with a Disability (PWD)" which announces and applauds the bill, which they initially proposed and promoted. Click here...
The other is below... which outlines the position as it now affects the Sunnyfield's supported employment service, and other ADE’s. This contains an explanation of the situation [from a Family/Member point of view],
...and a link to a web page which has a petition in the form of an email.
Please go to http://www.ade.org.au/ to automatically send an email to the Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator The Honourable Mitch Fifield.
The petition is asking the Minister to take urgent action to allow ADE’s to continue in operation and remain financially viable. You will appreciate that almost all ADE’s are ‘not for profit organisations’ and have limited resources.
This is a crisis.
Will you please read both the case for and against then form your opinion. Sunnyfield families believe there is a compelling case to at least support the petition and we urge you to add your name.
No comments:
Post a Comment