THE heart-wrenching question of “who will take care of my children when I'm gone?” is one that some parents ponder for far too long.

Parents of children with disabilities often spend much of their lives fearful of where their children will end up when they're gone and the pressure can be increased by a lack of local resources.

But the Warwick Disability group is striving to ease the minds of these parents and has invested in a study to identify the needs in the area as a step towards providing better access to services.

Parents Peter and Christine Stacy and Dawn Scrymgeour say they have serious concern over what will happen to their disabled children when they are no longer able to take care of them.

They are fearful a sudden illness of accident could leave them unable to fulfil their round-the-clock duties in taking care of their children and have a devastating effect on those they love most.

“Without a proper transition it would be devastating to them,” Mr Stacy said.

“When someone dies there is always going to be suffering but we should be trying to minimise that and a good transition reduces the shock and prepares them better.

“They might not like it and they may wish things were different but at least they won't be devastated.”

After working tirelessly for funding for the past four years the group has now invested $30,000 in a study that will help identify the needs of local disabled people and their carers.

The group believes a learning and lifestyle centre would also be an invaluable asset to the disabled community, especially to those who aren't suitable or are unable to attain employment.

Mrs Scrymgeour – whose two daughters are employed at the Endeavour Centre – said the installation of a learning and lifestyle centre would provide people with disabilities the chance to socialise and learn while also providing carers and parents with the down time they deserve.

Now disabled people and their families are being given to make a real difference in not only their lives, but also the lives of others with just a few minutes.

The group is on a strict timeline and is urging people to get in quick and complete the survey.

Once compiled, the results will create a tool that will be used to gain funding to improve the lives of all local disabled people and their carers.

Help make a difference

Pick up the disability needs questionnaire at:

Caltex Service Station (Wallace St)

Warwick Library and Mobile Library

Lawrence Springborg’s office (King St)

Department of Communities office (King St)

Condamine Medical Centre

Allora Pharmacy

St Vinnie’s Killarney

For more information call Peter on 0408 674 634.