Grants to provide services for people with disabilities

13/6/95

More than $200,000 in individual grants have been allocated by the Disability Services Commission under a scheme to provide help for people with disabilities in critical need, Disability Services Minister Kevin Minson said today.

Mr Minson said the grants would provide urgently needed care, therapy, respite, training and other support for 78 people with disabilities in metropolitan and country areas throughout the State.

"These grants provide much-needed support in times of crisis to individuals, their families and carers and are part of the Government's overall commitment to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities," Mr Minson said.

"The grants range up to $5,000 and have been allocated as a priority to families at risk of breakdown, single supporting parents, ageing parents and families caring for more than one person with a disability.

"Although the amount of money in each grant is relatively small, it can make a significant difference to the quality of life for people with disabilities and their carers.

"This type of funding, based on the demonstration of need, also gives community organisations a significant amount of flexibility in arranging or providing the support needed."

Applications for the grants were called in April and more than 300 were received from community organisations on behalf of people with disabilities and their families by the Disability Services Commission.

"One of the hardest tasks in the administration of disability services is deciding who gets a share of the limited funding available," Mr Minson said.

"The aim is to ensure the money goes where it is most needed and where it can have the most positive effect on quality of life for the individual."

"It is also important we make support available across the entire range of disabilities, rather than focusing on select groups."

The Minister said priority for funding was given to people in critical need. Factors considered in assessing applications included financial problems, inappropriate accommodation and issues relating to quality of life and safety.

Funds for the grants were made available through the joint Commonwealth State Disability Agreement which spells out State and Federal funding and service responsibilities and provides for the transfer of funds for a five year period to meet service costs.

Media contacts: Caroline Lacy  222 9595

Andrew Cribb, Disability Services Commission 426 9200