3/12/07
A business that provided substantial backing for an employment project for young people with disabilities is one of the winners of the 2007 Count Us In Awards.
Disability Services Minister Sheila McHale said an organisation providing much-needed services to a remote Pilbara community was also recognised.
Congratulating today’s winners, Ms McHale said the awards celebrated Western Australian initiatives which improved the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“Our ultimate goal is full inclusion in everyday life for all people, and as the awards demonstrate, this is an area where we can make a difference,” she said.
“Much has been achieved to improve levels of access across WA, but barriers to full community participation still exist for many people.
“These awards offer the opportunity to showcase some of the initiatives that break down barriers and encourage others to create a more welcoming and inclusive community.”
The awards were organised by the Disability Services Commission and the advocacy organisation People With Disabilities (WA) Inc.
The 2007 Count Us In Awards winners were:
Individual - Rosalie Leaney of Boya for her work in raising community awareness of the critical need for access for people with disabilities.
Schools (Primary)
Commendation - Orange Grove Primary for its work to create an inclusive school environment.
Winner - Collie Valley Coalition of Primary Schools (Allanson, Amaroo, Fairview and Wilson Park) for working together to assist a significant number of students with disabilities and learning difficulties.
Schools (Secondary)
Winner - Ballajura Community College for its Inclusive Learning Team and the Kids in Inclusive Classrooms - or KICS - program to create an inclusive classroom in which the needs of each student are met.
Local Government
Commendation - City of Mandurah for its Access Mandurah project to create a more socially inclusive place to visit and stay.
Winner - City of Melville for its Sensory Play Park for children with disabilities and the Activelink program for people who experience difficulties accessing recreation and leisure activities.
State Government
Commendation - Western Australian Electoral Commission for its e-Voting Trial and other strategies for people with disabilities.
Winner - University of Western Australia for its Workforce Diversity Strategy to help people with disabilities secure employment and the School of Dentistry for ensuring students are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.
Community Organisation
Winner - Newman YMCA for a range of initiatives to support children with disabilities and their families in a remote Pilbara community.
Private Sector
Commendation - Skywest as the first airline in Australia to sign up to the Companion Card program.
Winner - Stefanelli Group of Companies for its support for the Friendship Cafe in Midland which provides work readiness, training and employment for young people with disabilities.
The Stefanelli Group of Companies won the prestigious Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence, named in honour of disability advocate, the late Dr Louisa Alessandri.
Minister's office - 9213 6900
