Review Oops Funding Cuts

Dear Councillor Cornelius,
Re: Oakleigh Opportunities for Play (Oops)

We write regarding the play scheme for the children of Oakleigh Special School and Acorn Assessment Centre.

Our children have life limiting conditions, severe and multiple learning difficulties or are on the autistic spectrum. The cuts in short break funding have affected those families who do not have funding from the DCT. Our children range in age from 2yrs to 13yrs, the service provided by Oops is vital to our families. Oops offers respite which enables families to cope throughout the winter, spring and summer breaks. It allows families to have much needed time with their other children, or simply to 'charge their batteries' in order to cope with very severely disabled children for the rest of the time.

You have reversed the decision to cut short breaks funding for the children of Mapledown School, which happens to be the school our children will attend once they reach the appropriate age. I am writing to ask you to do the same for the children of Oakleigh and Acorn who are no less deserving, simply a little younger. A decision to continue with the cuts can only be seen as discrimination. We eagerly await your reply.