Australian Government delivers $271 000 to disability conferences

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, today announced the Australian Government would deliver $271 000 in funding to 39 conferences focusing on people with a disability.

Mr Cobb said the funding, under the National Disability Conference Funding Program, would help with the costs associated with special technology and equipment to assist people with disabilities’ participation, travel and registration.

‘The funding will help more people with disability, their families and carers, become better informed and share knowledge on current research, issues and trends,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘For example Pathways8 Organising Committee will hold its national conference, Towards 2020 – What we do now will make the difference, in November 2006, aimed at improving the education and career outcomes for students with a disability.

‘Funding will also be delivered to the Australian Mental Health Consumer Network’s Perspectives 2006: Peer Support and Innovative Practices in Recovery conference, in October 2006, providing mental health consumers with ideas and options for a recovery focused lifestyle.

‘The National Disability Conference Funding Program aims to assist organisers to maximise the participation of people with disability, their families and carers, at disability focussed conferences.

‘National conferences will receive up to $10 000 in funding, while international conferences, being held in Australia, will receive up to $20 000 in funding.

‘Not only will this funding support the attendance of people with a disability, it will also raise awareness in the community about people with disabilities, their families and carers,’ Mr Cobb said.