Launch of first TAFE computer training scheme for disabled people

11/9/96

Western Australia's first TAFE computer skills training program for people with disabilities was launched today by Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Moore said Rocky Bay Incorporated had instigated the computer course.

"Rocky Bay, in conjunction with TAFE, is leading the field in the delivery of flexible, open and accountable training courses for people with disabilities," he said.

"This course has been the result of three years' hard work bringing together State training institutions, funding bodies and disability organisations to develop an appropriate training for disabled people."

The course, which has been running for four months, is conducted by TAFE tutors at Rocky Bay's Getabout facility located off-site in the C Y O'Connor Building at Fremantle.

The program presently caters for 13 people who study six hours per week.

Mr Moore said the students would find employment through the supported employment agencies to which they were attached, or develop self-employed options when they finished the course.

In addition, it was predicted that Getabout would develop a small business co-operative in which skills learned in the course would become a saleable product.

"People with disabilities are over-represented among the unemployed and under-represented in the workforce," Mr Moore said.

"Many people with disabilities do have a number of barriers to face and we have to ensure that access to education and training is not one of these obstacles."

Mr Moore said that last year the Administration and Property Finance Industry Training Council developed a course, with input from the Central Metropolitan College of TAFE, that was tailored to the needs of this client group.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595