2021-07-26
The ACT Government has announced a total of $125,000 to improve access and opportunities for Canberrans through the Disability Inclusion Grants and International Day of People with Disability (I-Day) initiatives as nominations for the 2021 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards open today.
The Disability Inclusion Grants support community groups, individuals, and organisations to improve access to inclusion and participation. A total $100,000 in funding will increase opportunities for people with disability to engage with communities and social groups across the ACT. In addition, $25,000 is provided to support initiatives to celebrate I-Day, which is held each year on 3 December.
Minister for Disability Emma Davidson said that these opportunities will help create a more connected and inclusive Canberra by removing some of the barriers people with disability experience.
“To create a more inclusive and accessible Canberra, we need to ensure all people in our community have the opportunity to explore their interests and passions. The great thing about Canberra is that we support the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of people with disability. We have an amazing community who are passionate about positive social change and inclusivity,” Minister Davidson said.
“Through the Disability Inclusion Grants and I-Day funding, the community will be supported to implement initiatives that create a more inclusive and accessible Canberra.”
The Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards align each year with I-Day and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations who are committed to supporting people with disability across our workplaces, businesses and community.
Nominations for the awards are now open and Canberrans are encouraged to put forward people, organisations or businesses who have helped make our city more inclusive and accessible.
Ruth O’Brien, a Canberra artist with disability, received a 2020 I-Day grant to form an Arts Disability Advisory Group. She was also a finalist for the Achievement in Inclusion award at the 2019 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards.
“The funding was a fantastic opportunity to increase accessibility in the arts in the ACT, improving communication between people with disability and arts organisations. I want this group to be the start of something very much valued by the Canberra community, where people with disability are provided with equal opportunities within our cultural and artistic landscape,” Ms O’Brien said.
“I encourage everyone to consider how they can be more inclusive. By removing barriers to access, many things can be done better, more effectively and efficiently, which is a benefit to everybody, not just people with disability.”
More information and details on how to make a submission can be found on the Community Services Directorate website: communityservices.act.gov.au/disability_act/recipients