Disability conference: grants now open
More people with disability and their carers are expected to be able to attend the national disability conferences thanks to a new government grants initiative.
The grants, of up to $10,000, are available to organisations to help people with disability participate in conferences from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 in an effort Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice says will make it easier for people with disability to participate in the nationally focused, disability-related conferences held in Australia.
Minister Prentice adds that the National Disability Conference Initiative promotes inclusive and accessible communities as part of the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020.
“The grants are designed to assist organisations to support people with disability including accompanying family members or carers, with costs associated with attending a conference,” she explains.
“The grant can contribute to costs such as registration fees, travel and accommodation.”
She adds that conference organisers can also use the grants to ensure people with disability can better participate in conferences, by developing accessible materials, employing Auslan interpreters, or offering assistive computed devices, software, aids and appliances.
“This is an important initiative because it provides more people with disability the opportunity to engage in the conversations that affect them, which ultimately helps to shift attitudes in Australia and improve the lives of people with disability,” Minister Prentice says.
Applications for the grants are open now until 2pm (AEDT) on 20 March 2018.