Function
Physical and sensory disability services
VF 250
undated
Function description
Funding of non-government agencies providing for people with physical, sensory and multiple disabilities and/or with acquired brain-damage including
"cripples"
"physical weaklings"
"spastics"
"deaf and dumb"
blind
Services for people with physical, sensory and multiple disabilities and/or with acquired brain-damage such as
accommodation
respite care
mechanical aids and equipment
training
advocacy
therapy
home modifications
Education programmes in state schools for the deaf (including speech therapy) and specialist schools (e.g. Victorian School for Deaf Children).
Background
In June 1981 the Disabled Persons Information Bureau replaced the Handicapped Persons Information Bureau. The new name reflected contemporary attitudes toward disabled people. The Bureau was responsible for disseminating information to supporters of disabled people, advocacy for disabled people, assistance with policy formation and liaison with government departments. (Health Commission of Victoria, Annual Report, 1980/81).
Responsibility for services to people with physical and sensory disabilities was transferred to the Department of Community Services on 1 October 1985. The rationale behind this transfer was the belief that people with disabilities are not ill but require extra community support. The functions transferred included program development, administration of funding to non-government organisations, provision of an information service and policy advice. The Department of Community Services also staffed the Victorian Consultative Council on Rehabilitation, which had been established in 1981. The Council provided advice to the Minister on disability and rehabilitation issues. (Community Services Victoria, Annual Report, 1985/86).
In June 1981 the Disabled Persons Information Bureau replaced the Handicapped Persons Information Bureau. The new name reflected contemporary attitudes toward disabled people. The Bureau was responsible for disseminating information to supporters of disabled people, advocacy for disabled people, assistance with policy formation and liaison with government departments. (Health Commission of Victoria, Annual Report, 1980/81).
Responsibility for services to people with physical and sensory disabilities was transferred to the Department of Community Services on 1 October 1985. The rationale behind this transfer was the belief that people with disabilities are not ill but require extra community support. The functions transferred included program development, administration of funding to non-government organisations, provision of an information service and policy advice. The Department of Community Services also staffed the Victorian Consultative Council on Rehabilitation, which had been established in 1981. The Council provided advice to the Minister on disability and rehabilitation issues. (Community Services Victoria, Annual Report, 1985/86).
