Applications open for National Disability Conference Funding

$320,000 will improve conference access for people with disability, through the Australian Government’s National Disability Conference Funding program.

The , Bill Shorten, said funding will help empower people with disability by enabling them, their families and carers to attend and be involved in disability conferences held within Australia.

“Australians with disability face a prejudice which is entrenched, systemic and subtle, though still at times overt and openly abhorrent.”

“They face it every day, and it shapes their experiences and responses and how they travel through the world and life.”

“It is crucial that the voices of people with disability to be heard.”

Past funding has been used to provide access to Auslan interpreters, note takers and materials in alternate formats.

Funding can also be used to assist with the costs of transport to and from the conference, conference fees and accommodation during the conference.

Applications are now open to organisers of disability conferences, to be held between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010. Applications close on 5 May 2009.

More information is available at FaHCSIA website (www.fahcsia.gov.au) , via email Disability (disability@fahcsia.gov.au) or phone 1800 672 682.