Townsville’s Weir preschool site to help children with a disability

Disability Services Queensland has bought the former Weir preschool to provide Townsville children with more support and to establish early intervention services.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said the centre would be refurbished and leased to Autism Early Intervention Outcomes Unit (AEIOU) and the Cerebral Palsy League, which would provide various early intervention services.

Mr Pitt said the new centre, due to open in early 2008, would complement existing services in the region and provide new services for children with autism and other disabilities and their families.

“Many families who have a child with autism or other disabilities have difficulty coping and urgently need support, so I am delighted to announce the establishment of these new support services,” Mr Pitt said.

“AEIOU will provide children with autism who are aged from two-and-a-half to six years with the skills needed to enjoy a better quality of life.

“Research shows that early intervention initiatives can produce significant improvement in the health, social and cognitive development of children.

“Early intervention services are a key priority for the Queensland Government because they help young children with a disability reach their potential, as well as helping families to improve their capacity to care and reducing long-term care and support costs for families.”

The new centre will be the third in a statewide network of AEIOU centres that provide speech, occupational and physiotherapy services, outreach programs for families, and support for when children with autism enter mainstream child care or preschool.

“The new centre will give many north Queensland children with autism their first chance to attend an intensive two-year program, with working families able to receive extra support hours.”

“The Cerebral Palsy League will also operate a specialised early intervention program for families and children under eight years who have a physical disability and high support needs.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280