Technology boost for disability sector service providers

Non-government organisations delivering services to Queenslanders with a disability have received a $2.6 million boost to improve their communications technology.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said 119 organisations through the state would share in the funds, which will allow them to maintain, upgrade or replace information technology and office equipment.

“Identified needs have included hardware and software upgrades, printers, faxes, databases and telephone systems as well as technology to allow for ease of reading such as Braille writing machines, projectors and image enhancers,” Mr Pitt said.

“In essence, technology that helps the organisations function better and deliver quality services to people with a disability.

“It’s amazing the difference these basic improvements can make to daily operations. By contributing these one-off funds, we also ease the pressure on organisations’ budgets.”

The needs were identified by a statewide technology survey of 395 Disability Services Queensland-funded service providers, conducted by Digital Business Systems.

The funding came from DSQ’s Strengthening Non-Government Organisations strategy.

“This strategy recognises the vital role that non-government agencies have in delivering a range of community support services,” Mr Pitt said.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280