Media Release by The Hon Jane Prentice MP

Grants to support participation of people with disability at conferences

The Australian Government is offering grants of up to $10,000 to assist people with disability to participate in nationally-focused, disability-related conferences held in Australia.  

The Hon Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, said the the National Disability Conference Initiative will ensure people with disability have the opportunity to participate in conferences about issues affecting their lives.

“These grants will help people with disability to participate in events which may have otherwise been inaccessible to them,” she said.

“Conference organisers can use these grants to ensure people with disability can better participate by developing accessible materials, employing Auslan interpreters or offering assistive computer devices or software, aids or appliances.

“The funds can also be used for expenses such as conference fees, travel and accommodation for people with disability.”

The National Disability Conference Initiative aims to promote inclusive and accessible communities, consistent with the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020.

Grants are available for nationally-focused, disability-related conferences held in Australia between 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

Applications close at 2pm AEDT on 14 March 2017.  

More information about how to apply for a National Disability Conference Initiative Grant can be found at www.communitygrants.gov.au.