How Disabled Does a Child Need to Be? Approve Abby’s Companion Card
Hi everyone, I’m Abby’s mum and I’m sharing this because her story was published by Nine today and has become its most-viewed NSW article.
Abby is nearly two and has severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She cannot sit, move, feed or participate independently and needs constant hands-on support whenever we leave home.
Despite reports from her doctors and therapists, her NSW Companion Card application was denied twice. We were told that because she is under two, they cannot yet confirm the level of lifelong attendant care she will require—even though the NSW program has no minimum age and its own guidance recognises severe cerebral palsy.
We have requested a panel review, but have been told the wait is three to four months.
I’d genuinely be interested to hear whether other NSW families have faced age being used this way when applying for disability supports.
Nine article:
https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/nsw/toddler-with-cerebral-palsy-denied-nsw-companion-card-20260721-p60h6d.html
Petition for those who would like to support Abby:
https://www.change.org/CampanionCareForAbby