ABC TV 7:30 REPORT, 27 APRIL 2010

Disabled Australians in Victoria will soon receive funding from the government in a recent policy shift addressing the way disabled people are treated in Australia. A flexible and individualised funding package approach will see disabled Australians and their families spend their government entitlements however they choose.
KERRY O'BRIEN, PRESENTER: With the Federal Government claiming a historic victory in its battle with the states over healthcare funding, there's still uncertainty about how the compromise deal will work in practice. But one agreement that is in place, at least in principle, is for a fundamental policy shift in the way the disabled are treated. Apart from severe cases, there's a move away from institutions in favour of more flexible care services and individualised funding packages so the disabled and their families can spend government entitlements however they see fit. Victoria is about to give direct funding access to thousands of the disabled and their families after a successful trial the Commonwealth hopes will be adopted by all states. Heather Ewart reports....