1,600 Queensland children to benefit from expanded Baby Bridges program
More than 1,600 Queensland children will benefit from an expansion of the Baby Bridges early intervention program, Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
(PressZoom) - More than 1,600 Queensland children will benefit from an expansion of the Baby Bridges early intervention program, Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
Ms Palaszczuk announced an extra $960,000 in State Government funding over three years to expand the program to an additional 14 locations across Queensland.
“Providing early intervention programs to children with a disability is one of my top priorities,” she said.
“The Baby Bridges program offers children aged zero-to-five with specialised play sessions to maximise sensory situation and learning capacity.
“It’s designed to give children with a disability the best start in life, and I’ve seen first-hand the way the program is changing the lives of Queensland children.
“The State Government has provided the Horizon Foundation with $30,000 to help run its Baby Bridges program on Brisbane’s Bayside.
“It’s been such a success that we want to expand the program to other parts of Queensland.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the Bligh Government would provide an extra $320,000 a year over three years to roll out the program to an extra 14 locations around Queensland.
“This includes Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Ipswich, Logan, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and Brisbane,” she said.
Ms Palaszczuk said accredited non-government organisations with a track record of delivering disability services to children could apply for a share of the funding.
“The expansion of Baby Bridges is great news for Queensland children with a disability and it means that an extra 1,680 Queensland families will benefit,” she said.
“Baby Bridges enables parents to take part in respite group activities which provide them with up-to-date information and advice on therapy services.
“It also provides them with opportunities to establish support networks with other parents.
“Parents have reported the program has helped them better understand their child’s disability and support needs – but even more importantly it’s a huge benefit to the children themselves.”
Minister’soffice 3237 1944
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