Club offers much-needed service for kids, carers

By Alison Noonan
A CRANBOURNE North mother says disabled children are being left out of extracurricular activities due to a lack of government services.
Amanda Stapledon has called for the State Government to extend its out-of-school programs for disabled and special needs children in a bid to bridge the isolation gap endured by sufferers and their carers.
Ms Stapledon, a single mother of 13-year-old Peter, who suffers from multiple disabilities including autism, said she struggled to juggle employment with finding respite for her son.
She said she was only able to access one hour per evening four days a week of council care and had to fork out $28 an hour during school holidays for agency staff.
“Things are becoming so difficult it would be easier for me not to work,” Ms Stapledon said.
“This is unfortunately the mentality within the disability field – it’s all too hard.
“It is already acknowledged that ‘caring is a health hazard’, and our carers are amongst the poorest in our community.
“All carers ask for is a leg up, not a hand out.”
Ms Stapledon said there was a “black hole” for children with special needs for dedicated before and after-school holiday programs, placing an added burden on working parents and isolating these kids from the outside world.
“I am referring to a child returning home from school with no playmates to visit, no birthday party invitations, no visitors during the school holidays and often relying on their parents to entertain them,” she said.
“It breaks my heart that my son does not fit into the community and that people do not understand.
“He isn’t given the opportunities that other kids are.
“The long-term effects of the absence of this service are that the child can become isolated, depressed and lose their social skills.
“At the same time the family suffers from stress, fatigue, anxiety and health issues.”
Ms Stapledon said she was seeking Casey Council and State Government support in the establishment of an after-school activities program, Casey Kids Club.
She said the pilot program, which started this week, was designed for special needs children 12 years and over to allow them to socialise with friends and be involved in fun out-of-school activities.
“No such program currently exists and it is hoped that this will be a model for the future,” Ms Stapledon said.
“It will also allow time for parents to finish their work commitments, meetings, studies and to attend to other needs.
“Essentially the goal is to give parents more flexibility, choice and less stress.
“The Disability Inclusion Network, in partnership with Bunurong Community Care and Wresacare, has put together a model for a pilot program and Dandenong Valley School in Narre Warren has generously offered to accommodate the service.
“However, we would ask that council give serious consideration to assist in the long-term continuation of this program, including school holidays and overnight respite.”
Ms Stapledon said Casey Kids Club would run during term two from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Casey councillor Steve Beardon said he was confident the council would proceed with Ms Stapledon’s proposal to establish extended services for disabled children.
“Amanda has presented to council a wonderful opportunity to assist and help promote her vision to assist both children and parents with specific needs to enjoy life to its optimum,” he said.
For more information about Casey Kids Club or future programs contact Kellie Hammerstein on 8792 2354.