My son, a cheerful young spirit, lives with level 3 autism, ADHD, a severe intellectual disability, and anxiety. His world hinges on routine, familiarity, and care provided at a children’s respite he is comfortable with. We, his family, have witnessed his blossoming into a happier, more confident young man under such nurturing guidance.

The government and health institutions' inability to provide an exclusive facility for children living with disabilities is a disheartening reality. These children need safe, specialized environments where they can learn, grow and benefit from routine and familiarity, just like my son.

According to a study by the University of New Hampshire, parents of children with disabilities experience greater stress than parents of typical children (A.P.H. Turnbull et al., 2006). Respite care services are crucial for these families, providing temporary relief that improves family functionality and overall wellbeing. However, facilities specializing in disability child care are severely lacking.

Our call is not for sympathy but understanding and compassionate action. We call upon health and governmental institutions to establish and fund a children’s respite facility specifically catered for children with disabilities. This facility would serve to alleviate parental stress while simultaneously building a secure and comfortable foundation for these special children.

I would call on the NDIS Minister Bill Shorten to help all these children and their families

Lend your voice to our cause. Make the world better, not just for my son, but for all children living with disabilities. Please sign this petition.