AEIOU News

Minister of Disabilities visits children with autism in Bray Park

Tue, 7 Dec 10

Media release

For immediate release

December 2010

Minister of Disabilities visits children with autism in Bray Park

On Monday 6 December 2010 the Queensland Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs Annastacia Palaszczuk made a special visit to the AEIOU Foundation’s Bray Park centre.

The Minister toured the centre to learn about the program which helps children with autism reach their full potential and gain independence. While there, the Minister met with AEIOU children and staff.

AEIOU Bray Park Centre Manager, Katrina Langtry said it was an honour to welcome the Minister as a guest at AEIOU, explaining the Minister engaged with the children, their parents and staff members while participating in a play and educational activity.

The visit coincided with the International Day of People with a Disability. As many as one in 160 Australian children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and many family carers face countless challenges, including isolation and lack of support.

Anastacia Palaszczuck, recently announced additional funding support to help reduce parent fees at AEIOU centres.

AEIOU Foundation CEO, Alan Smith said the funding comes to a total of $370,820 per annum and will affect all families who are enrolled full-time across centres including the Gold Coast, Nambour, Bray Park, Moorooka, Toowoomba, Townsville and Park Ridge as it .

“The funding came into effect from 15 November 2010 and is great news for our families and we are delighted with the State’s support for families at AEIOU” Mr Smith said.

AEIOU provides full time support and services for each individual family living with autism to achieve highest quality of life for the children and their family unit.

AEIOU Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides best practice early intervention learning for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

For media enquiries contact:

Laura Daley, Communications Coordinator, p: 07 3320 7555, e: laura.daley@aeiou.org.au