Exercise & Sports Science Australia wants government to fund exercise physiology services for children.
Under the ‘Better Start Early Intervention Service’ parents and carers of children with a disability were paying for these treatments out of their own pockets, said ESSA spokesperson and Paralympian Damien Bowen. “This places unnecessary financial strain on families who were already under a lot of pressure.”
Bowen said while the new Federal Government has considered young carers in its ‘Policy for Disability and Carers’, it has failed to include new policies specifically for young people living with a disability.
Research has shown that intensive exercise interventions can have a positive impact on the physical development of children with disabilities. Accredited exercise physiologists are already recognised by Medicare, the Department of Veteran Affairs, workers compensation authorities, third party insurers and most private health funds.