Capital grants for Australian Disability Enterprises

The Australian Government has awarded more than $500,000 to 27 organisations providing supported employment to people with disability to help strengthen their businesses.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas said that the Capital Fund for Australian Disability Enterprises would encourage broader skill development and wider career options for people with disability, and provide an opportunity for these businesses to expand into new business lines.

“Australian Disability Enterprises give people with disability the chance to participate in work, to experience the sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that employment offers, to meet new friends and to become more financially independent,” Senator McLucas said.

“We want every Australian, including people with disability, to achieve their best in life, to develop skills and gain experience, and to have the confidence to dream big and believe in themselves.

“These organisations provide the opportunity for people with disability to do just that.”

The Capital Fund delivered a strong outcome for Australian Disability Enterprises in regional and remote Australia employing fewer than 100 people.

Successful organisations will use the funding for machinery for green waste disposal, commercial laundry and kitchen equipment, specialist food processing technology and other items.

Australian Disability Enterprises employ about 20,000 people with moderate to severe disability throughout Australia. They provide products and services across a wide variety of industries, including design, printing and packaging, manufacturing, laundry and landscaping.

For more information go to www.fahcsia.gov.au

A list of recipients is below.