Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:31:10 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Minister announces respite care facilities for Joondalup and Rockingham http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132716 Content:

Two out-of-home respite care centres for people with disabilities will be erected in Joondalup and Rockingham.

 

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien said the new facilities were in the first stage of $12million funding towards building five care centres across the State.

 

“In Opposition, families from throughout Western Australia consistently told me they needed flexible respite options to give them a break from their caring roles,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“I gave a firm undertaking that, if elected, a Liberal government would immediately set about addressing this issue.

 

“Since assuming office, I have been working hard to ensure we deliver on that promise.

 

“I am pleased to announce that following considerable consultation with communities in the northern and southern suburbs, Joondalup and Rockingham have been chosen as the locations to set up two of the promised five out-of-home respite care facilities.

 

“Working with carers, service providers and other stakeholders, we have developed a much better idea of the specific types of services these facilities need to offer to suit the area’s local requirements.

 

“These facilities will provide a high level of care to people with a diverse range of disabilities and support their needs in a safe and welcoming environment.”

 

The Minister said the Joondalup and Rockingham facilities would be important in supporting people with disabilities and their families and carers living in Perth’s growth areas.

 

“Work on the two facilities will start once suitable land is sourced,” he said.

 

“I look forward to seeing this centre up and running as soon as possible.”

 

Mr O’Brien said another out-of-home respite facility would be located in Broome.

 

Further consultation will be held with metropolitan and country communities in the coming months to decide on the location of the remaining two facilities.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 2/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: South Western Suburbs;Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:31:47 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132716 New digital library revolutionises access for people with vision impairment http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132427 Content:

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien today promised more than $1.3million to the Association for the Blind of WA - Guide Dogs WA to fund the ambitious new digital audio library project, ‘Beyond Books, Beyond Barriers’.

 

In presenting a Lotterywest grant for $979,017, Mr O’Brien also announced that the State Government would provide an additional $360,000 to fund the library’s ongoing operating costs.

 

“Just because someone is blind or vision impaired does not mean that they don’t require the same access to literature and other traditional printed material, as non-vision impaired people,” he said.

 

“Without accessible information, people with vision impairment are denied the opportunity to fully and actively participate in society.”

 

The Minister said that the ‘Beyond Books, Beyond Barriers’ project allows users to access the association’s Braille and Talking Book Library via online web kiosks where they can view book catalogues and download digital books in any format to suit specialist or generic player devices.

 

“The project will build stocks of digital books, to be made available to users online or posted out to users in other digital formats,” he said.

 

“For many years, the association’s Braille and Talking Book Library used audio cassettes, but cassettes are now reaching the end of their useful life.

 

“They are being replaced by digital talking books - produced in a variety of audio formats, enabling them to be played on iPods and other MP3 players.”

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the Department of Culture and the Arts’ funding of $120,000 towards the project was an important contribution. He said the association’s Braille and Talking Book Library lends up to 800 talking books a day, making it one of the State’s best used libraries.

 

“Despite the strong demand for audio material, it is currently estimated that of all printed material published, only 10 per cent is available in an alternative format,” Mr Day said.

 

“New initiatives such as the one being undertaken by the association will assist in reversing the current situation.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 1/09/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:31:56 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132427 Equipment grants improve quality of life for people with disabilities http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132402 Content:

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien today presented Western Australia’s Independent Living Centre with a Lotterywest grant of $1.275million to assist them to fund their disability equipment grants program.

 

Mr O’Brien said this important scheme was designed to assist people with disabilities to access specialist equipment which improved their quality of life.

 

The Independent Living Centre made approximately 500 grants available to people with disabilities each year to purchase equipment such as:

 

·        modified driving controls

·        computer equipment for people with a communications impairment

·        hardware or software producing spoken information or information in a tactile format for people with a vision impairment .

 

“The right equipment and technology can make an enormous difference to the quality of life for a person with a disability,” the Minister said.

 

“Many of us take for granted our ability to speak and communicate, however, for some people with a disability, simply doing that is a daily challenge.

 

“The Disability Equipment Grants Program is important because it assists people with disabilities to obtain the technology they need to improve their day-to-day lives.”

 

This is the seventh year the Independent Living Centre of WA has run the Disability Equipment Grants Program. 

 

The Independent Living Centre of WA is a not-for-profit organisation staffed by health professionals who provide people with disabilities; and mobility and accessibility problems, assistance to find the best solution for their needs.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 26/08/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:27:38 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132402 Residents get their chance to have their say about respite centres http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132389 Content:

The State Government is delivering on its $12million election commitment to provide five respite care homes in Western Australia.

 

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien said people with disabilities, their families and carers are invited to have their say on the location of the two new respite centres; one in Perth’s northern suburbs and the other in the south-west metropolitan corridor.

 

“Delivering on the promise to build an additional five out-of-home respite facilities across WA was a core promise made by me at the last election. I am pleased to be fulfilling it,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“Families have told us that they need flexible respite options beyond their family home. We have responded with a significant funding commitment to address this issue.

 

“As well as giving families a break from their caring roles, these facilities offer much-needed services to people with disabilities and provide them with care and support in a safe and welcoming environment.

 

“But it is crucial that we provide facilities that meet local needs so we are encouraging people to take part in community consultations to explore aspects such as respite needs, service models and specific local issues to help inform the development of the new centres.”

 

Northern suburbs forums will be held:

       

Disability Services Commission (DSC) Office Conference Room, 8 Davidson Terrace, Joondalup:

7-8.30pm, Tuesday  September 22

9.30-11am, Thursday  September 24

 

Southern suburbs forums will be held:

 

7-8.30pm, Warnbro Community and Family Centre, Corner Morton Crescent and Bristol Street, Warnbro, Tuesday September 8

 

9.30-11am, Secret Harbour Community Centre, Oasis Drive Secret Harbour, Friday  September 18

 

People unable to attend the forums can give their feedback by calling 1800 996 214 between September 14 to 18 or emailing respiteconsultations@dsc.wa.gov.au

 

More information about the consultation process is available from Teressa Andrews at the DSC on 9426 9623.

 

Minister's office -  9213 6400
Date: 24/08/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;South Eastern Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:02:26 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132389 State Budget 2009-10: People with disabilities receive Budget boost http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131859 Content:

A significant increase in community support for up to 800 young adults with disabilities, who are unable to work or study full-time, is a key initiative in the 2009-10 State Budget.

 

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien said a total of $57.3million would be spent over five years to significantly expand the Alternatives to Employment (ATE) program.

 

“The ATE program was a key election promise that helps young Western Australians with a disability maintain their connections with their local community and develop skills to increase their independence,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“In addition to almost 800 young adults who will directly benefit from the program over the next four years, ATE options will be provided to 135 school leavers with disabilities in 2010.”

 

The Minister said the ATE initiative was just one of several disability services initiatives in the 2009-10 State Budget, which had risen to $383.4million (recurrent funding) - an increase of $29.9million or 8.5 per cent on last year. 

 

“This Budget fulfils an election commitment to provide additional State funding totalling $142million over the five years from 2008-09,” he said.

 

“These additional funds will provide for increased accommodation support, respite, disability professional services and alternatives to employment.”

 

Mr O’Brien said the Budget contained substantial extra funding for increased demand for accommodation support.

 

“A total of $11.8million in 2009-10 will help provide accommodation options for a record number of people with disabilities - some 230 people - to live as independently as possible within their local communities,” he said.

 

The Minister said the Budget also delivered on another election promise - $11.75million over four years for five out-of-home respite facilities across WA.

 

“Work will begin on the first centre in Broome later this year,” he said.

 

“These centres will be of enormous benefit to people with disabilities, their families and carers who have told us they need more overnight options beyond their family home.

 

“Facilities such as this offer much-needed services to both adults and children with disabilities and provide them with care and support in a welcoming environment.

 

“In addition, consistent with the Government’s commitment to establish a $3.75million fund for School Holiday Respite, additional funding will be made available for an expanded range of school holiday activities to support families.

 

“As well, in line with another election commitment, funding of $980,000 per annum will be made available for early childhood intervention services, in addition to $1.5 million per annum for four years for more professional services to benefit school age children and adults.

 

“Our pre-election policy made it clear the provision of disability services will be a high priority under a Liberal-National Government.

 

“This Government recognises much needs to be done to improve the lives of people with disabilities, their families and carers, and we welcome the opportunity to put this policy into practice.

 

“Despite the tough economic conditions, the Liberal-National Government is determined to support Western Australian families and communities.”

 

WA Budget statements are available at http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 14/05/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 14 May 2009 08:11:23 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131859 Western Australians at forefront of disability sector innovation http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131520 Content:

Knowledge of the latest trends in modified vehicles technology and policy will be brought to Western Australia as a result of the inaugural ‘Count Us In’ scholarships announced today.

 

A second project would explore new evidence-based ways of providing early childhood intervention services to children with disabilities.

 

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien said the biennial ‘Count Us In’ scholarship scheme offered up to $25,000 each to two WA people to travel overseas and investigate world-best practice in their field of disability services, and to communicate their findings to colleagues throughout the State.

 

At a special ceremony today, Mr O’Brien announced the inaugural ‘Count Us In’ scholars were Nicola Longmire and Denise Luscombe.

 

The two recipients took the opportunity to present a brief overview of their projects to leaders in the WA disability field.

 

Occupational therapist and Independent Living Centre project manager Nicola Longmire would travel to the United Kingdom in May-June to attend the ‘Mobility Road Show’ - the biggest event of its kind in the world, showcasing products and services to aid independent mobility.

 

She would then visit vehicle modifications suppliers, research and development agencies and policy-makers in the UK and Sweden, to gain hands-on experience of the latest innovations in thinking and practice.

 

Disability Services Commission physiotherapist Denise Luscombe would travel to the USA and the UK in October-November to observe early childhood intervention services that have successfully managed to focus on interaction between parent and child, goals of the family, strengths and interests of the child and family, and normal everyday activities - a focus research has shown to have the best outcomes. 

 

Ms Luscombe would use this experience to help determine how WA early childhood intervention professionals can convert the theory into practice here.

 

The Minister said the scholarship program would keep WA at the forefront of disability services in Australia.

 

“WA’s disability sector has long been the leader in cutting-edge disability policy and practice in Australia, and already enjoys the esteem and envy of its interstate counterparts,” he said.

 

“The ‘Count Us In’ scholarships will enable us to keep pace with the world and in so doing, to continue to lead the way for people with disabilities in Australia.”

 

As well as communicating their findings to their established networks, the scholarship recipients will present their findings at a sector-wide ‘Count Us In’ forum next year.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 17/03/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:27:02 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131520 Disability Services Commission here to stay http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131369 Content:

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien said the State Government had absolutely no intention of abolishing the Disability Services Commission.

 

Mr O’Brien was responding to a call by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) to cut government costs by reviewing the public service. CCI chief executive James Pearson said some of the work of the commission could be outsourced to the private sector.

 

The Minister said the comments about the commission were inaccurate.

 

“The commission is not in competition with the non-government sector nor does it fund its services to the detriment of the non-government service providers,” he said.

 

“Mr Pearson’s comments show a considerable lack of understanding of the essential role the Disability Services Commission plays in enhancing the quality of life of Western Australians with disabilities.”

 

Mr O’Brien said a recent comprehensive review of the commission chaired by Mr Barry MacKinnon showed that it was an efficient, well-run Government department that delivered good value to the Western Australian community.

 

“The commission ensures that taxpayers’ money is used in the most effective and efficient way; it works to link people with disabilities directly to their local communities; it advocates on their behalf over issues such as access and inclusion and it monitors trends to ensure we are providing optimum services to this section of our community,” the Minister said.

 

“The Disability Services Commission has my total support.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6400
Date: 22/02/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:07:50 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131369 Disability support workers honoured http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131362 Content:

People who provide life-enhancing professional care and support to Western Australians with disabilities have been recognised and honoured at the inaugural Disability Support Worker Awards.

 

About 500 people attended last night’s awards ceremony at Burswood Entertainment Complex which was organised by the National Disability Services (WA) in conjunction with the Disability Services Commission.

 

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien paid tribute to those workers who were dedicated to improving the lives of others.

 

“Disability support workers are the unsung heroes of our community,” Mr O’Brien said

 

“They have a positive and profound impact on the lives of the people they care for and their families but their endeavours often go unacknowledged.

 

“They frequently go above and beyond their official role, forming lifelong friendships and providing a strong voice for people who cannot always speak up for themselves.

 

“This is a challenging and rewarding area of human services but without the dedication and care provided by disability support workers, the lives of thousands of Western Australians would be substantially diminished.

 

“We thank them for their hard work and commitment.”

 

The 2009 Disability Support Worker Award winners, who each receive $2,000, are:

 

Individual Accommodation Support: Bernadette Williams of Mullaloo works with The Centre for Cerebral Palsy and is acknowledged for her warmth, professionalism and commitment and for assisting a young man to achieve a good life and supporting his family to come to terms with his disability

 

Accommodation Support:  The Disability Services Commission’s Richard Simm from Koondoola has been a driving force behind many initiatives that have actively involved group home residents, changing some passive observers into active participants and providing them with great pride and joy in their achievements

 

Community Support:  Jodie Coles from Bunbury is acknowledged for her work with the community organisation Advocacy South West where she is known for her commitment, attention to detail and dogged persistence to ensure the best possible outcomes for local people with disabilities and their families

 

Emerging Leader:  Sarah Kennedy of Balcatta works at The Centre for Cerebral Palsy where she is known for her strong commitment to ensuring the rights of people with disabilities are respected and supported and that they can make informed choices about their lives

 

Minister's office   - 9213 6400
Date: 20/02/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:39:53 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131362 New respite facility for Broome http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131033 Content:

Broome has been chosen as the first site for a number of new out-of-home respite centres for people with disabilities.

 

Announcing the decision in Broome today, Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien said the new facility would be the first of five to be built across Western Australia, at a cost of almost $12million over four years.

 

“We gave an election commitment to the WA community that we would build these facilities and identify the location of the first of these in our first 100 days in office,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“The State Government has met that commitment. These centres will be of enormous benefit to people with disabilities, their families and carers.

 

“Families have told us they need more overnight options beyond their family home and having an accessible place to use can make a difference.”

 

The Minister said after investigations by the Disability Services Commission, it was decided that a facility in the West Kimberley would benefit a significant number of families with limited access to such services.

 

“This facility will offer much-needed services to both adults and children with disabilities and provide them with care and support in a welcoming and culturally appropriate environment,” he said.

 

Construction is expected to begin on the facility in mid-2009 and it will be run by an as-yet undetermined local non-government organisation.

 

Mr O’Brien said work was continuing on the locations of the other respite facilities and the south-east metropolitan corridor was being considered for the next centre.

 

Minister's office  9213 6400

Date: 10/12/2008
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Kimberley
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:41:37 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131033 Shire of Carnarvon shows the way on disability issues http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130955 Content:
A rural local government has won the prestigious Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for its efforts to improve access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

 

The Shire of Carnarvon today received the award for Excellence, part of the Disability Services Commission’s (DSC) annual Count Us In awards, for its initiatives to ensure information, services and facilities throughout the shire are accessible to people with disabilities.

 

The award is named in honour of the late Dr Alessandri, a renowned scientist and advocate on behalf of people with disabilities.

 

Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien said the shire’s ‘Opening Doors’ campaign to encourage businesses and agencies to meet community expectations of fair access for all was particularly effective.

 

“Access and inclusion for people with disabilities is a right, not a privilege, and Carnarvon has shown that a small local authority can make big changes if it has the commitment,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“Today’s winners have clearly demonstrated that meeting the needs of people with disabilities does not have to be costly or onerous but can be achieved through diligence, imagination and dedication.”

 

The Count Us In awards, organised by the commission and the advocacy organisation People With Disabilities, showcase access and inclusion initiatives throughout Western Australia. This year saw a record-breaking number of entries, almost 100 across all categories.

 

A new category to acknowledge businesses that made changes to accommodate staff with disabilities was introduced this year and named in honour of the commission’s long-serving board chair, Barry MacKinnon.

 

The 2008 Count Us In winners are:

Individual

Richard Hill of Alfred Cove for his dedication and tireless advocacy and education on the importance of access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

State Government

Swan TAFE (Thornlie Campus) for its collaborative ‘Foot in the Door’ project that helps to link students with disabilities with local businesses for important work experience opportunities.

Local Government

Shire of Carnarvon for making every effort to include people with disabilities, particularly through its ‘Opening Doors’ campaign with local businesses.

Schools

Primary School -

Creaney Education Support Centre, Kingsley for its work in integrating its students with disabilities with mainstream primary students and educating all about the needs of others.

Secondary School -

Eastern Hills Senior High School, Mount Helena for its project that links students with disabilities to seniors in a mutually supportive environment.

Business

Loose Goose Chalets, Nannup for its well-considered modifications that have created a welcoming and accessible environment for visitors with disabilities.

Barry MacKinnon Award for Employment

Stems Floral Design, Bullcreek for the efforts staff made to welcome and accommodate the needs of a colleague who is deaf.

Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence

Shire of Carnarvon.

 

Minister's office: 9213 6400

Date: 26/11/2008
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Disability Services
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:28:30 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=130955