Dear Parliament. Babies have special needs too

I've been thinking lately that I don't have enough things to do or worry about. So, I've decided to embark upon a little bit of disability reform. Just a wee bit of trying to change some legislation, in my spare time.

*apologies for the sarcasm

My first appeal with Centrelink has failed. We are not eligible to receive carers payment for Max. Even though I've now submitted 3 bonus reports from our OT, PT and Neuro-Developmental Therapist.

Centrelink now knows damn well that Max has needs far greater than the 'average' baby. None of that matters because all babies need full time care.

It doesn't matter that Max needs an intense daily therapy routine. The onslaught of medical appointments we need to attend doesn't get taken into consideration either. It isn't important that I can't work more shifts, and who cares about the additional costs of private therapies and therapy equipment? Not the Australian Government.

Why? Because Max is a baby and babies don't have special needs. All babies need full care.

The words 'has shown improvement' indicates that Max mightn't have a permanent impairment. Even if those words are followed by 'however' or 'only because of'. Apparently permanent brain damage mightn't be permanent if you show some improvement. No-sir-ee. Because all babies require full time care.

It's actually become a matter of principal now. Our story is not an isolated case, there are plenty of other families waiting for their babies to exhibit significant massive delays before our Government will help.

The optimum time for rehabilitation following a brain injury is between the ages of 0-3. The optimum time for stroke rehabilitation is in the first 12 months. But all babies require full time care, regardless if almost half their brain is irreversibly damaged.



Just your average, run-of-the mill, baby in a coma pic



There are people all around Australia sitting on their plump rear ends, drinking VB, paid for by the Australian Government. It's easier to get financial assistance for a drug addiction than for a baby with special needs.

I'm not giving up this fight, because the current system is a god damn joke. Onwards to Parliament I'll march (ok, I'll drive but march sounded more dramatic) to try and make a difference in the lives of families of babies with special needs.

My first step is to raise awareness. Can you help me share this post? Facebook, Twitter, Bebo, email & whatever else is out there. If you have any ideas or suggestions that might help this campaign then please drop me an email (faithyv@hotmail.com).

The Australian Government doesn't recognize babies with special needs. But mark my words, they will.





I love you Max xxx