3 December 2004
International Day of People With a Disability
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Marion Scrymgour MLA
Minister for Family and Community Services
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Family and Community Services Minister Marion Scrymgour has acknowledged International Day of People with a Disability by highlighting a unique initiative aimed at helping Territory police communicate with people who have disabilities.
Nine Territory police recruits have learned new ways to communicate and understand the environmental barriers and society attitudes people with disabilities face thanks to the Post School Options Program.
“All Territorians have the right to opportunity and fulfilment, and the NT Government is proud to support International Day of People with a Disability,” Ms Scrymgour said.
“The Post School Options is an important service which helps young adults with disabilities to reach their potential by providing further education and training, skill development and employment opportunities.
“It also contributes to providing support in a stressful transition period between school and adult life for families.”
The Northern Territory Government funds the Post School Options services in Darwin , Palmerston and Alice Springs $340 000 a year.
This latest program is aimed at increasing new Police recruits’ awareness of a range of communication problems that their clients may present with.
It provides strategies and techniques when interviewing children with disabilities and also aims to familiarise the staff to a range of alternative modes of communication such as signing and electronic devices.
“I commend the work of everyone involved in the Post School Options service – this latest initiative is a good example of helping those living with disabilities to also lead fulfilling lives.
“I am particularly pleased to hear that the PSO clients will attend the Police Cadet Graduation later this month.”