Challenging times: Parents of special needs children are taking their own steps to deal with funding shortfalls. Picture: Lisa McMahon
A YEAR after it was established, a support network for parents of children with a disability has flourished.
But despite the state government's recent "state record" budget boost for overall education and training, the group is not convinced it will make a huge difference to them.
Money in those sectors will be increased by $383 million to $13.83 billion.
A sum of $48 million will go to national partnership funds spent across three years, to provide enhanced learning and support for students with a disability.
Endeavour High School, Caringbah, launched Special Kids With A Disability (SKWAD) last year.
The unit, which now has about 40 members, raises money for the children who need extra help.
The school's teacher of special education, Brenda Pyett, said funding would remain a challenge.
"It will still be difficult — we always need to top up the small amount that we get," she said.
"The government has done a lot of juggling; they have taken autistic outreach teachers out of schools."
She said the group had become a strong community.
"It's going great, the parents all know each other now through the social events, and we are focusing on families this year."
Group president Pat Feeney said that the latest funding would add only about $28 to each child's education needs.
"That doesn't even pay for stationery," he said.
Another parent, Paul Hickey, whose child is in year 10, said there was a general lack of services in the area.