Candidates – Autism Tasmania at Risk Due to Dangerous Lag in Funding

An urgent call from Autism Tasmania. Autism Tasmania is calling for all candidates for the upcoming state election to pledge their commitment to Autism and to fund Autism Tasmania. View the Candidate Pledge in Full “The new Tasmanian Government needs the help of Autism Tasmania” said CEO, Donna Blanchard, “But please, help us continue to help the community too. A dangerous lag in funding puts the delivery of vital services and connections for autistic Tasmanians at risk.” Due to the array of major national reforms, the new Tasmanian government is now responsible for leading the design, integration, and delivery of […]

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Launch of National Assistance Card – Autism trial in Tasmania

This new card makes it much easier for autistic people to communicate their strengths and challenges; and critically – the type of understanding and assistance they may need in everyday community life situations. Autistic people are invited to design their own card  and to use it when and how they choose.  The card can include information about a person’s unique strengths and challenges. The types of information can be shared with others as written on their card or accessed by QR code, such as video-stories or other documents.  It is also about feeling safer in the community too, with options to include a contact person. The options are wide. Autistic Tasmania is […]

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Seeking Feedback – draft National Guidelines for Supporting Autistic Children

This is a big milestone for Australia and your feedback is important! Public consultation closes 29 August 2022. You can view the National Guideline here You can choose to provide your feedback directly by email, ceo@autismtas.org.au to contribute to Autism Tasmania’s submission. A new draft of the National Guidelines for supporting the learning, participation and wellbeing of autistic children is being developed in consultation with parents/carers, autistic people, service providers and the autistic community. The Guideline Development Group has reviewed research evidence and consultation findings to impart this information into a set of draft Recommendations and Good Practice points. […]

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New Australian Disability Strategy

Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031

Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 which replaces and builds on the previous National Disability Strategy 2010-2020, is Australia’s national disability policy framework. It sets out a plan for governments and stakeholders across Australia to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over the next ten years. For the first time, the strategy’s implementation and monitoring will be overseen by a government-appointed council comprising people with disability from the community and disability sector. The strategy has been welcomed by a range of disability representative organisations for the new features it contains to drive action and change over the coming decade. […]

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Autism Assistance Dog Funded by NDIS

After three years of battling with NDIS, the Bugg family have finally secured funding for an autism assistance dog (AAD) for their autistic son Lucas. Relying on human touch to sleep at night, six-year-old Lucas found sleeping in his own bed impossible. However, just four weeks after getting his AAD his parents said “The benefits have been immeasurable. They’re just that massive.” Lucas’ dog Vinnie is one of just a few assistance dogs funded through the NDIS. Funding is vital as it costs around $50,000 to train an AAD which is then provided to the family for free. Read the […]

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Advocacy

Autism Tasmania works to ensure that the voice of the Tasmanian Autistic community is heard – loud and clear! We work to shape the programs and policies at local, state, and national levels. This includes submissions to influence the range of reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Your views are valued. To share them please contact our CEO: E: ceo@autismtas.org.au The details of our current advocacy activities are set out under the below sections. State Election 2021 Senate Selection Committee on Autism Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability NDIS submissions National Disability […]

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Autism Terminology is important

The Autism Tasmania Board has endorsed a Terminology Policy that recognises the dual importance of: consistent use of terms that match the collective preferences expressed by the Autism community, and working in parallel to always follow individual preferences expressed by each person. Autism Tasmania will adopt this terminology in all communications and will work to encourage other organisations and the media to join us. View the Terminology Policy here.     […]

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