Childcare placement denied following autism disclosure

Magda’s* daughter Silvana* has Autism. Magda made an online application for Silvana to be enrolled in a long day care centre. Magda completed the application and received confirmation of what she believed was an offer of placement. 

Magda contacted the centre a few days later to enquire about the placement. She said that when she contacted the centre, the centre director told her that there were no places available following her disclosure that Silvana has Autism.

Madga lodged a disability discrimination complaint with ADNSW.

When ADNSW investigated the matter, the centre director disagreed that Silvana’s Autism was the reason no places were available. The centre director said the email Magda received was a generic system generated acknowledgement of application and not an offer of placement. The centre director said if places had been available, a follow up email would have been sent requesting payment of a deposit. The centre director said that the centre had been very busy and were already catering to numerous other children with special needs.

ADNSW held a conciliation conference which allowed Magda and the centre director to discuss the events. At the conciliation conference, Magda accepted the centre director’s explanation and regret for any confusion caused. Magda said she considered her complaint resolved.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.