Disability ACT
Disability ACT works with people with disability, families, carers and friends to create good lives. We also work with business and community organisation to improve the ways that people with disability are part of our community. What we do is based on the vision that “all people with disability, achieve what they want to achieve, live how they choose to live, and are valued as full and equal members of our community".
More information about the Vision and Values
Disability ACT has a unique governance arrangement through its Strategic Governance Group. The SGG provides advice and strategic direction on the outcomes of government funded services and supports. This group oversees the implementation of the ACT Government’s key policy on disability: Future Directions: Towards Challenge 2014.
The information on our website is designed to be a starting point. If you have specific questions, contact the Disability Information Service at the Disability Information and Support Hub on (02) 6207 1086. We want to hear your views and experiences.
Our Compliments & Complaints will let you know how to send us comments, compliments, concerns and complaints.
Current News
Individualised Funding and Self Directed Services Conference 2012
Disability ACT offering sponsorship to attend a NZ conference on individualised funding
Disability ACT will sponsor one person with disability and one service provider to attend a conference in New Zealand. The Imagine Better “Individualised Funding and Self Directed Services Conference 2012: The Opportunities, Challenges and Cautions” will be held in Hamilton, New Zealand. Sponsorship will include registration fee, all meals, accommodation, flights and transfers for the duration of the conference.
The conference will be held from 27-29 June 2012 and will explore what has been learnt about the implementation and contribution of individualised funding. Individualised funding is a system that gives control of funds to the person with disability so they can purchase the services they require, sometimes with the assistance of another person or broker. The intention is that the person will determine the services needed and their needs will shape the service system, creating self-directed services. The conference will include exploration of individualised funding both internationally and within New Zealand. Individualised Funding and Self Directed Services Conference 2012: The Opportunities, Challenges and Cautions
Update on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Federal Budget 2012-13
On 8 May 2012, the Commonwealth Government committed $1 billion towards the first stage of an NDIS.
The federal funding will go towards
- Conducting assessments and funding support for up to 20,000 people with significant and permanent disability;
- Preparing the disability sector and employing Local Area Coordinators;
- Designing, implementing and evaluating the launch of the scheme;
- Establishing a National Disability Transition Agency;
- Building and operating an information technology system; and
- Undertaking research into early interventions.
More information on the Federal Budget 2012-13 
.
Launch of a National Disability Insurance Scheme
An NDIS is expected to be launched in mid-2013.
During 2013-14, the scheme is expected to provide support to 10,000 people entitled to reasonable and necessary care and support. The number of people eligible to receive support is expected to double to 20,000 in 2014-15.
The first stage of the scheme is expected to be launched in four sites across Australia. The exact locations have not yet been determined.
NDIS Expert Working Groups - Consultation
NDIS expert working groups were established in May 2012 to help the Australian Government design a scheme that meets the lifetime care and support needs of people with significant and permanent disability. The expert working groups will include people with disability, their carers, advocates, service providers and other sector experts.
The expert groups will work under the NDIS Advisory Group and advise on the design of key elements of the scheme including
- Eligibility and assessment;
- Quality safeguards and standards;
- A national approach to choice and control for people with disability; and
- Workforce and sector capacity .
More information is available on the NDIS website .
2012 open competitive funding round for National Disability Research and Development grants
National Disability Research and Development grants will be awarded to researchers for research that supports the National Disability Agreement, the National Disability Strategy, and future reforms such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
A total of $750,000 (ex GST) is available in 2012 for the open competitive funding round. A maximum amount of $100,000 per year will be available for each project (unless a compelling case is made to exceed this limit). Projects can run over more than one year. A proportion (approximately 20%) of the total funding can be approved for seed funding to prepare for grants applications through this funding or through other processes such as NHMRC and/or ARC Linkage grants.
Apply for Funding
Applicants must submit a Research Proposal and Research Response Schedule electronically to the email address provided. Applications must be received by 14:00, 29/06/2012 (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
The documents are available from the NSW eTendering website (Tender reference number, DPRWG.12.01)
Information is also available on the Disability Policy and Research Working Group (DPRWG) website
Disability E-News
Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme
Are you ready for digital TV?
For the vast majority of people, making the switch to digital TV will be a relatively straightforward and inexpensive exercise. However, the Australian Government understands that some people may need help to get ready for digital TV. If you, or someone you know, are having trouble converting to digital TV, the Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme can help.
What is the Household Assistance Scheme?
The Household Assistance Scheme is a program run by the Australian government. It provides assistance to older Australians, veterans and people with disabilities, or their carers.
If you are eligible, the scheme provides the following package free of charge:
- a high definition set-top box
- a demonstration of your new equipment and instructions on how to use it
- 12 months warranty, service and technical support.
For further information, please visit www.digitalready.gov.au/government-assistance/household-assistance-scheme.aspx
Disability Community Visitor Scheme
Invitation to information sessions
The Community Services Directorate is establishing a Community Visitors Scheme.
The Scheme will offer additional avenues for people with disability - and their families - to resolve their issues and personal concerns.
More information on Invitation to Information Sessions
2012 Quality of Life Grants
Disability ACT invites you to apply for a Quality of Life Grant. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for goods or services that will make a real difference to the lives of people with disability under 65 years of age and their families and carers who assist them.
Applications for the 2012 Quality of Life Grants are open from 10 April 2012 until 31 May 2012. More information on the Quality of Life Grants.
Community Services Update
On Wednesday 29 February Disability ACT hosted an information session at the DISH (Disability Information and Support Hub) to hear about a model of support called Citizen Advocacy (CA). In short, CA connects appropriate volunteers with people who have a disability, to ‘look out for them’ and provide support and advocate for them as required. Citizen Advocacy is not a quick-fix, but supports long term, enduring relationships. For some folk with a disAbility, it is the only meaningful relationship they have with anyone outside the family who is not paid to be with them.
Over 30 people braved the wet weather and filled the DISH to hear Bob Lee and Jenny Smith talk about their experiences as a coordinator and board member of interstate Citizen Advocacy programs. We were rewarded with delicious food from Cafe Ink (an unabashed plug for the social enterprise cafe, which employs people with a disAbility, located next to the Woden library).
CA operated in Canberra many years ago, and if there is sufficient community support for the model, there’s a chance it could be resurrected. If you’re interested in finding out more check out http://www.citizenadvocacysa.com.au ; or you can ring Maureen Howe on 6205 9365. If you’d like to be a part of further gatherings to explore CA as an option email Maureen at maureen.howe@act.gov.au
Disability Information Support Hub
Welcome to DISH @ Oatley - the new Disability Information Support Hub at 60 Oatley Court, Belconnen.
This exciting new venture is a co-location of services for people with disability that includes Belconnen Community Services, Woden Community Services, House with No Steps and Disability ACT.
The DISH brings together shared expertise, skills and knowledge and a consolidation of resources into one accessible space in Belconnen.
More information on Disability Information Support Hub at Oatley Court
