$300,000 grants scheme for disabled people and their carers

2/11/95

Disability Services Minister Kevin Minson today announced a $300,000 Government grants scheme for people with disabilities living in the community and their families or carers.

Under the scheme, the Disability Services Commission will make available to individuals one-off grants of up to $5,000.

"Even a relatively small amount of money can make an enormous difference to a person's quality of life if it is spent in the right way," Mr Minson said.

"Families and friends overwhelmingly shoulder the burden of care for people with disabilities in our community, providing 74 per cent of all the assistance needed.

"Often they receive little recognition and little help.

"Families who support and care for a child or parent with a disability often need additional equipment and modifications to their homes and vehicles.

"They may also need to purchase support services, so family members can have an occasional break."

The Minister said the importance of families and carers in the community could not be underestimated.

"Individual grant schemes such as this help provide some of the assistance people need and give families considerable choice about what will best suit their own needs," he said.

"The Individual, Family and Carers Support Scheme is open to people who acquired a disability under the age of 60 and to their families and carers.

"The commission is particularly concerned about people with a disability living in the community without support.

"They include carers who may be elderly, ill or who are caring for more than one person with a disability and families who may be experiencing financial hardship.

"These people will be given priority when grants are allocated."

People who wish to apply for a grant under the scheme should contact the Disability Service Commission's Community Funding Branch on (09) 426 9367.

Country callers can ring freecall 1800 998 214.

Applications for grants under the scheme close at 4 pm on Monday, December 18, 1995.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 222 9595 or 481 2133