New skills, more freedom for people with a disability

A new Queensland Government day services initiative will help people with a disability to access extra services and learn skills to improve their quality of life.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said more than $4.1 million had been allocated to 23 organisations across the state to provide day services such as literacy and numeracy training, computer courses, life-skills training, craft sessions, and sports and leisure outings.

He said a needs analysis had found that community access and recreational activities played an important role in maintaining and improving the general wellbeing of people with a disability.

“The analysis identified that access to meaningful and purposeful day activities is valued by people with a disability and that community members play an ongoing role in their personal development,” Mr Pitt said.

“Activities such as skills development, adult education, pre-vocation, recreation and leisure increase community integration and independence.”

Mr Pitt announced the funding initiative today to coincide with International Day of People with a Disability.

He said Disability Services Queensland had allocated the $4.18 million in funding throughout the state under the Strengthening Non-Government Organisations (SNGO) strategy.

“A total of $30 million in recurrent funding has been targeted to strengthen the capacity of non-government organisations to provide high-quality disability services,” Mr Pitt said.

“Non-government organisations overcome challenges through their understanding of local needs, and their ability to harness local resources and opportunities.”

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280