Extra $1 million to support Brisbane people with a disabilitiy

People with a disability who live in private residential services in the Brisbane area will benefit from extra funding of more than $1 million under Disability Services Queensland’s Resident Support Program.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said the successful program was being expanded in the greater Brisbane region due to the high number of private residential services.

“People with a disability have much to offer and contribute to their communities but sometimes lack the opportunities or support to do so,” he said.

“The Resident Support Program offers people with a disability who live in private residential services, such as hostels and boarding houses, improved quality of life by supporting them to take part in social, educational, recreational and vocational activities.

“It also helps with practical activities such as personal hygiene and grooming.”

The expanded program in Brisbane will be coordinated by Lifeline Community Care Queensland and Centacare Community Support Services.

In the 2006–07 financial year, the amount allocated by Disability Services Queensland for the Resident Support Program across Queensland will reach $3.8 million.

On top of the $1,143,836 a year to deliver the expanded services, Lifeline Community Care Queensland and Centacare Community Support Services will also share almost $50,000 in additional funds from the department to set up the services.

An evaluation of the Resident Support Program has found that there were significant improvements in the quality of life for individuals such as enhanced health and wellbeing, improved satisfaction with accommodation and increased social and economic participation.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280