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Illustration of Frank Hilton CEO calls for more than just funding to drive support

Fiji’s Growing Need: A Call for Change in Disability Support

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The Frank Hilton Organisation has reported a notable increase in the number of children seeking support, with annual cases rising by 25 percent. CEO Sureni Perera highlighted that many of these cases are identified during awareness months, which stress the importance of early intervention and support.

Operating in Fiji, the Frank Hilton Organisation is vital for assisting children with disabilities and developmental challenges. Perera noted that the trend of increasing cases is especially pronounced around awareness months, such as Cerebral Palsy Month, when referrals to their services surge.

A particularly encouraging development is the earlier arrival of children under six to the organization. Perera observed a positive shift, with more children seeking support between ages zero and two, compared to previous years when children often arrived much later, sometimes as old as 18. This is seen as a reflection of heightened awareness around the importance of early detection and intervention.

In response to the rising demand, the government has allocated $900,000 to the Frank Hilton Foundation this year. While Perera expressed gratitude for this funding, she emphasized the need for additional resources to adequately meet the growing demand for services. She acknowledged the competing priorities faced by the government but stressed the importance of addressing inclusion and changing societal mindsets regarding disabilities.

The Frank Hilton Organisation remains committed to advocating for increased awareness and resources to better serve children with disabilities and developmental challenges throughout Fiji.

This article highlights not only the increasing recognition of the needs of young children with disabilities but also the importance of early intervention, which can lead to better outcomes for these children. Moving forward, a continued focus on awareness and resource allocation could foster significant positive change in the community.


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