Brisbane residents urged to have their say on future for people with a disability
Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk is urging the north Brisbane community to have its say on the draft 10 Year Plan for Supporting Queenslanders with a Disability at a Shared Visions regional forum at Milton later this month.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk is urging the north Brisbane community to have its say on the draft 10 Year Plan for Supporting Queenslanders with a Disability at a Shared Visions regional forum at Milton later this month.
Ms Palaszczuk said the plan aimed to create a truly inclusive Queensland where people living with a disability enjoyed the same opportunities and benefits as the rest of the community.
“The 10 year plan proposes 10 priorities and strategies to improve access to transport, education, health care, housing, employment, social, arts, sports and recreational pursuits.
“The draft plan has been released for consultation and I encourage all sectors of the community to provide feedback.
“There will be Shared Visions regional forums held throughout the state in order to give Queenslanders an opportunity to have their say.”
Consultations on the draft 10 Year Plan for Supporting Queenslanders with a Disability will be held from July at 20 locations across major cities and regional and rural centres including Brisbane, Townsville, Longreach, Thursday Island and Maryborough.
The Brisbane North Shared Visions Forum will be held on Tuesday, July 27 at Suncorp Stadium, Milton. Participants can register online at www.disability.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 461 602 ( TTY 1800 010 222 ).
In addition, Queenslanders can have their say on-line or by sending in a submission.
Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace said the forum gave local residents a chance to contribute to a plan which aimed to create a more inclusive community.
“We need to work together to achieve this vision – people with a disability are valued members of the community and we need to ensure they are able to fully participate and contribute to society,” she said.
“The Bligh government is committed to improving the quality of life of people living with a disability. Funding announced in the state budget will result in better care and support for Queenslanders and their families.
“We’re investing $1.61 billion in disability and community care services in 2010-11, up from $1.4 billion last financial year.’’
This year’s State Budget includes:
·$1.054 billion for Disability Services
·$528.7 million for Home and Community Care ( HACC )
·$28.6 million for Community Mental Health Services
The budget for disability services will deliver an extra $72.5 million in funding over the next four years, including an extra $12.5 million in 2010-11.
The extra $12.5 million in 2010-11 will provide an extra:
·$4.4 million to support young people with a disability leaving school;
·$3.2 million to support people with spinal cord injuries;
·$2.9 million for early intervention and support services for the families of children with a disability;
·$1 million for the Community Living Initiative, to help people with a disability to live independently in the community;
·$1 million to create new autism early intervention centres in Bundaberg and Mackay.
Minister Palaszczuk’s office 3237 1944 or 3227 6164
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