Disability grants support access and inclusion

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the State Government’s commitment of $1.5 million to fund projects that support people with disability to participate more fully in community life.

Applications for grants of up to $50,000 are now open for the Community Inclusion Grant and the Community Infrastructure Grant, through the Disability Services Commission.

“Beach wheelchairs, automatic doors at community facilities, sport programs and pool hoists at swimming pools had been funded previously through the grants,” Mr Blayney said.

The Community Inclusion Grants, run in partnership with VisAbility, support initiatives to improve community programs and services.

Community Infrastructure Grants, managed in partnership with the Western Australian Local Government Association, will be offered to improve community access, equipment, facilities and spaces for people with disability. 

“The grants programs continue the State Government’s work under the Count Me In strategy, to make communities more welcoming for people with disability, their families and carers and to increase opportunities for community participation,” Mr Blayney said.

“There are many communities across the State that want to include people with disability but need funds to make necessary improvements.

“These grants will help those communities provide more services and facilities so that people with disability can participate in more of the activities their friends and neighbours enjoy.”

Applications for the grants open today and close on July 10, 2015.  An information session will be held at the commission’s office in West Perth, 1-2pm on May 26