NFP Funding for Disability Workshops
16 July 2013 at 1:16 pm
A Not for Profit Consortium between Carers Australia and the First Step Alliance has received funding to deliver 300 workshops over two years across the country as part of the Federal Government’s Better Start for Children with Disability initiative.
The Federal Government says it has invested $900,000 in the initiative.
“Our Better Start Early Days Workshops aim to provide parents and carers with practical information about eligibility for Better Start funding as well as advice about the assistance that is available to them to help them care for their child with disability,” the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Amanda Rishworth said.
“The workshops will be delivered by with each organisation delivering a minimum of 140 workshops throughout Australia.
“Around 30 per cent of these workshops will be delivered to families living outside major metropolitan areas.
“Under our Better Start for Children with Disability initiative, children under the age of seven who have been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X Syndrome, or moderate to severe vision or hearing impairments, are eligible for early intervention funding of up to $12,000.
“Carers Australia and the First Step Alliance are working together on the details of workshops including the timetable and locations,” Rishworth said.
The workshop information will be published at www.fahcsia.gov.au.
It seems likely that the power of positive-thinking, the benefit of government funding, and the commitment and foresight of those who care and understand the challenges that significant disability presents for young children, their families, and their communities will bring about much-needed change. Perhaps networks and partnerships are a not-so-secret ingredient when looking to lead, or facilitate, cultural change with the capacity to provide for a more inclusive and accepting society than currently exists?. Congratulations to all involved with this initiative!