Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

For any student, the path after year 12 is not always clear. For students with significant cognitive disabilities, the path can be even more challenging. I met Tracey and her daughter Asha last year at Asha's graduation from Castlereagh School, in my electorate of Tangney. Asha and her classmates all have complex communication and learning needs. Asha has both physical and intellectual disability. Tracey approached me over the summer break as she looked for post-school options for Asha. Tracey would like Asha to continue her formal education with her peers and friends. While Asha's learning might look different, she should still have the opportunity to continue her education. Post-school options are not always easy to find, and what works best for Asha may not yet exist.

Tracey is one of several constituents who have approached me to discuss their concern for their adult children with disabilities. One parent said to me that it sometimes felt like the only option available for adult children with disability was to go out and walk around a shopping centre with a support worker. The NDIS has been life changing for so many people in our Tangney community, and I believe that many people with disability in Tangney have truly benefited from the NDIS. But I also hear from constituents who feel that people with intellectual disability are invisible in our communities. They tell me that, in addition to the NDIS, we also need local community solutions.

I want to raise awareness for people with intellectual disability. Together, as a community, we should find a way to better include people whose lives are deeply impacted by cognitive disability. This includes education but also sports and gatherings among friends. Let's work to ensure that, after the secondary school doors close, opportunity and dignity remain open for every person with intellectual disability.

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