Lotterywest support independence for people with disabilities

A centre improving independence for people with disability or mobility restrictions today received a $425,442 Lotterywest grant from Disability Services Minister Helen Morton.

The grant to the Independent Living Centre (ILC) in Nedlands will fund the upgrade of its communications and information technology systems to support more than 33,000 people who use the service.

The not-for-profit centre showcases a range of equipment while occupational therapists provide advice and information to help people move around and independently manage daily tasks.

Mrs Morton said the State Government Lotterywest funding would enable ILC to continue offering these services to people with disability by strengthening its administration supports.

"The ILC is certainly a worthy recipient of a Lotterywest grant because of the high level of professional guidance and support it provides to West Australians with mobility and access difficulties," she said.

"The work of the centre also provides benefits to families and carers because of the independence gained and maintained by those using the service and equipment."

The Minister said WA was the only State in Australia where profits from lottery games were returned directly back to the community as grants.

"In 2009-10, Lotterywest gave nearly $235million to the WA community.  Of this, $113million went to more than 1,000 community groups and local governments to support innovative projects that benefit the community," she said.

Mrs Morton said the aspirations of the ILC reflected the aims of the State Government's Count Me In: Disability Future Directions Strategy.

"The Count Me In vision is about people living in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone," she said.