A NEW $107,000 program is available for children with special needs in Inverell, Gilgai, Bundarra, Tingha and Delungra.

Inverell Disability Services has been successful with a submission to run after school hours care and holiday programs starting in September.

The program is funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs until June 30 and only 31 other organisations in Australia were given the funding.

It will run five afternoons a week during school term and 10 weeks of school holidays.

Service manager Tania Fox put in the submission and said it was very exciting to have it accepted.

“This new program is going to be a nice add on to the existing Teenage Leisure Program we have running, which is also one of a few that was funded by the State Government.

“The need is there for the out of school hours care and we are pleased this was identified through the submission.”

Mrs Fox said based on extensive consultation with families and service providers, the program model would be for small groups of up to six children.

“These groups will be compatible by looking at interests, their age and specific needs,” she said.

“Indoor and outdoor activities as well as swimming and other sports will be available to them and we are looking forward to being able to offer this program.”

Mrs Fox said the staffing for the children in the program would be dependent on individual needs.

“Our staff are experience and qualified in disability studies, child care and community services,” she said.

“They are very energetic and committed to providing a fun, supportive environment.

“Staff also have first aid qualifications and police screening prior to employment.”

Another benefit of the new program means that parents and carers of children with special needs can participate or increase their opportunities in the paid workforce.

“It also means they can have respite and it will really help them out,” Mrs Fox said.

© 2008 Inverell Times

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