Hi everyone,
I work at SCIA as the policy and information manager.

I'm looking at getting together a submission to the federal government's recently released discussion paper—Developing a National Disability Strategy for Australia— This asks for people with disabilities, their families, their carers, disability organisations and anyone who could have an interest in informing them of issues to write a submission.

This paper is available at http://www.facsia.gov.au/disability/cds

I invite you to be a part of our submission to this paper. Please send me your thoughts on the questions below.

This is a great chance to help inform and create the first Australian national disability strategy.
Its also a great opportunity to say anything you want about what effects you in your day to day lives.

Questions:

1. What do you think should be included in the National Disability Strategy?

What are the greatest barriers that people with disability face to participating fully within the community and what specific local or national actions could be taken to overcome these barriers?
What areas of research do you think should be a priority to better inform the National Disability Strategy?
2. What are your personal experiences?

Tell us in your own words about any time that you, or someone you care for or support, experienced barriers to participating in a community, social or work event.
What local action has made a positive difference to your life or other people with disability, their families and carers?
What local action has made a positive difference to the life of someone you care for or support?
3. What other comments, thoughts or ideas do you have about the National Disability Strategy?

Can you please send your comments by responding to this email by the 14th of November 2008 at the latest to slomas@scia.org.au or respond to this posting.

Any questions please just give me a call on 02 8347 3008.

Take care

Sean