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People with disabilities and their families in the Geraldton region will benefit from the State Government’s new five-year business plan, which for the first time directs funding according to the number of people with disabilities in country areas.
At a local launch of the plan in Geraldton today, Disability Services Minister Paul Omodei said the Disability Services Commission was directing 26 per cent of its funding to country regions where 26 per cent of Western Australians with disabilities lived.
“Under the Commission’s new five-year business plan, Making a Difference, the State Government had provided an additional $34.5 million to 2005 to increase existing services and develop new ones to benefit people with disabilities and their families,” Mr Omodei said.
“The Making a Difference business plan is about helping people reach their full potential.
“People with disabilities and their families and carers will benefit from increased services in the areas of accommodation, respite and family care, options for school leavers and adults with disabilities, professional and therapy services, and aids and equipment.”
Mr Omodei said a key component to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities was increasing community access and participation.
“Country communities are renowned for their strength and innovation and for supporting their fellow citizens,” he said.
“We aim to help strengthening families and communities to better support people with disabilities to enjoy the same choices and opportunities as the rest of the community.”
Mr Omodei said disability impacted on the lives of one-in-three Western Australians, either directly or as a family member or carer of a person with a disability.
“WA leads the nation in providing for people with disabilities and their families, through innovative and responsive services, an unmatched pool of knowledge and expertise and a strong funding commitment from the State Government,” the Minister said.
“Making a Difference is not just a name - it is a reality.”
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810
