- Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers
Disability organisations across Victoria are tackling discrimination, connecting communities and helping people with disability assert their rights, thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced more than $3.1 million in funding for 25 new initiatives through the Victorian Disability Advocacy Futures grants program.
Seven of the newly funded initiatives will focus on advocacy for diverse groups, including Aboriginal Victorians, people identifying as LBGTI, older women, parents with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
There is also a strong emphasis on disability advocacy in regional and rural areas, with 19 of the 25 initiatives including a focus on regional and rural Victoria.
Funded initiatives also include a systemic advocacy campaign for more accessible and inclusive public transport, assistance to people with disability who have contact with the criminal justice system, and connecting those who are isolated through technology.
Advocacy is a critical safeguard to prevent the abuse and neglect of people with disability, and these grants are an important part of the Labor Government’s zero-tolerance approach to abuse in the disability sector.
Further information about recipients is available at: https://providers.dhhs.vic.gov.au/disability-advocacy-and-self-help
As noted by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“We are proud to fund these fantastic projects that will assist people with disability in our cities, regions and rural areas to connect, assert their rights and have their voices heard.”
“Advocacy is vital for people with disability, to safeguard their rights and ensure they have choice and control over the services they receive, especially as the NDIS rolls out across the state.”
“The Labor Government is delivering a more inclusive Victoria in which everyone’s rights are protected and everyone can reach their full potential – these grants are helping to make that happen.”
