Released 20/09/2017
Applications open today for a new grants program to enable community organisations, volunteer-run groups and small businesses to better include and engage people with a disability.
The Disability Inclusion Grants program delivers on the Government’s election commitment of $200,000 over four years to promote the inclusion of people with a disability by removing hurdles to social participation.
Through these grants, organisations will be able to make practical improvements to their service delivery or facilities. Examples of initiatives or activities that may be funded include disability awareness training, infrastructure modifications or the purchase of assistive technologies such as hearing loops.
I encourage non-government organisations, community groups and small business owners who want to better engage people with a disability to use this opportunity to improve access for Canberrans with a disability.
In particular, I encourage potential applicants to engage with people with a disability to identify barriers and consider the best way of addressing them.
I also encourage Canberrans with a disability who want to get involved in a social group or club but are unable to do so due to access or communication barriers, or may have experienced challenges at their local shops, to let these groups or businesses know about the Disability Inclusion Grants.
The guidelines for the Disability Inclusion Grants have been informed by feedback from the Disability Reference Group and I thank them for their thoughtful consideration of how this program will complement existing grants.
Applications for these grants are now open and close Monday 30 October 2017. Applications can be made via: https://dhcs.smartygrants.com.au/2017-18DIG
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases