Sporting groups, medical services and a choir were among the community organisations, not-for-profits and small businesses awarded a total of $125,000 in grants by the ACT Government today, International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD or I-Day).
In keeping with the theme of the event, ACT Minister for Disability Emma Davidson said the funds were to be directed towards activities that will โhelp remove attitudinal, communication and physical barriersโ in the local community.
โA more inclusive community has never been more important, with so many people experiencing isolation over the past year,โ she said.
โThese grants will help Canberrans create greater awareness and more opportunities for people with disability, ensuring they are supported to participate fully in the life of this city.
โThe 2020 International Day of People with Disability celebrates people with disability and the contributions they make to the diversity and richness of our community.โ
The grants were broken down into two categories, I-Day grants and Disability Inclusion Grants.
A list of seven I-Day grant recipients included: Epilepsy ACT, to fund online seated yoga classes; Torrens Primary School P&C Association, to host a Para Sports Day; and Ruth OโBrien, who will form the Arts Disability Advisory Group 2020-2021.
Fourteen Canberran organisations received a share of $100,000 in Disability Inclusion Grants.
In sport and recreation, Warehouse Circus will undertake training to deliver classes to young people on the Autism Spectrum; the ACT Table Tennis Association will develop a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan; and Rowing ACT will expand its Para Indoor Rowing Program.
In arts and entertainment, the Canberra Railway Museum will undergo renovations to provide wheelchair access; PhotoAccess Inc will embark on a project to honour the Late Sue Salthouse and promote leadership of women with disability; the Austrian Choir of Canberra will improve the ability of its members to perform; and Woden Community Services will build a sensory garden for children with disabilities.
Another recurring theme was technology, with a variety of community organisations intending to use the grant money to upgrade IT equipment, make websites more accessible, or purchase new technology.
Ms Davidson said each applicant told a story about local people who care about their fellow Canberrans.
โI would like to thank all of the community groups, individuals and organisations that submitted grant applications, and extend my congratulations to this yearโs successful recipients.โ
โI look forward to seeing the impact that these events and projects will have on promoting a more inclusive Canberra.โ
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