Cairns forum focuses on future for people with a disability

Far north Queensland’s disability community members will come together tomorrow to share their vision for a better future for people with a disability at the Shared Visions regional forum in Cairns.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said about 150 service providers, government representatives and other stakeholders from all areas of the disability community – including people with a disability, their families and carers – were expected to attend the forum.

"Tomorrow’s forum follows the success of two Shared Visions state conferences that were held on the Gold Coast in 2005 and 2006," Mr Pitt said.

"This is the first year that a series of regional forums will be held across Queensland, enabling more people in more places to share their visions for the future.

"It's an opportunity for locals with an interest in the disability sector to share their experiences and work together for a better quality of life for people with a disability."

Mr Pitt said today’s presentations and discussions would be led by local representatives showcasing various initiatives – from building cultural competence to improving community integration.

"We want to identify strengths and opportunities for the local disability community, and build a better future for people with a disability," he said.

The Cairns event is one of 11 Shared Visions regional forums being held across Queensland between July and October. A summary from each regional forum will be posted on the Shared Visions website.

"At the end of the forums, a report on the outcomes and discussions will be published to help fine-tune the focus of the next state conference planned for 2008," Mr Pitt said.

"The visions that we share today will help us all to shape better communities for tomorrow."

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280