Premier Colin Barnett and Disability Services Minister Simon O'Brien today unveiled the Liberal-National Government's vision for assisting and supporting Western Australians living with a disability.
Speaking on the International Day of People with Disability, Mr Barnett said 'Count Me In - Disability Future Directions' was a 15-year strategy to tackle the challenges and barriers facing the more than 400,000 Western Australians living with a disability.
"By 2025, one in four people in WA will have a disability. 'Disability Future Directions' will guide the way we work towards delivering a better future for people with disabilities as well as assisting their families and carers," Mr Barnett said.
The Premier said the plan had identified the main priority areas through extensive community consultations.
"We are targeting three key areas - economic security, encouraging participation for people with disabilities in all aspects of life, and specialist support services for people with severe and profound disabilities and their families," he said.
"These are the areas that people with disabilities tell us most impact their lives.
"Like everyone, people with disabilities need homes and communities that are well-planned and accessible, they need jobs, education and training and access to health services.
"Most importantly though, they need to know that they are valued members of the community. On this front, only actions will speak louder than words"
Mr O'Brien said the State Government had provided more than $383million recurrent funding for disability services this financial year, an increase of nearly $30million.
"Over the four years to 2011-12, there will be additional State funding totalling $95.5million," the Minister said.
"This funding will provide additional support, over and above previous commitments, for carers, new school holiday activity programs for children with disabilities, an expansion of accommodation options for an estimated 200 people, increased support for up to 800 young adults with disabilities who are unable to work or study full time as well as providing funding for five new respite centres to be built across the State.
"This strategy provides us with an excellent platform to build a more inclusive welcoming community. More though, it gives us a solid foundation for achieving our goals."
'Count Me In - Disability Future Directions' was developed by the State Government in partnership with people with a disability, their families and carers and the wider Western Australian disability sector.
Copies of 'Count Me In - Disability Future Directions' are available from http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/countmein.html or phone 9426 9328.
Premier's office: 9222 9475
Disability Services Minister's office: 9213 6400
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