Long, long wait for a home ... Grant Lee, 19 / Pic: Melvyn Knipe Source: The Daily Telegraph
THE teenager left in a hospital rehabilitation unit because there is no government disability accommodation available was denied funding for community activities until his situation was publicised.
The Daily Telegraph yesterday revealed Grant Lee - who suffered extensive brain injury when he was hit by a car three years ago - was on a long waiting list for Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care accommodation.
His hospital carers also applied to ADHC in June this year for Grant, 19, to be able to access the Community Participation program, which allocates funding so that he is able to go out into the community on day trips for recreation.
Instead he was granted Transition to Work program funding, which his carers appealed on October 31 because it did not suit his condition, as he is wheelchair-bound and needs help with mobility and day-to-day issues.
After The Daily Telegraph contacted the Disability Services Minister Andrew Constance's office on Thursday, Grant's Community Participation funding for $42,225 a year was approved that day.
He can now choose a provider to assist in these activities in and out of hospital, with the funding covering about 30 hours a week of support. The Disability Services department is still looking for a supported accommodation placement for Grant.
Brain Injury Association of NSW advocacy program manger Michael Hampton said they had received a number of calls offering help: "I'm glad they (ADHC) haven't just rushed him into an inappropriate residential spot but keep looking a bit harder."
He said the association hoped to find Grant accommodation as soon as possible.
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