Page 4692 - Week 14 - Thursday, 24 November 2005
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(2) What links, if any, have been made with the business community to assist in the delivery of future innovation projects to assist people with a disability.
Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The five projects that commenced in 2003/04 have been completed.
(2) Disability ACT convened a ACT BLITS (Business Leaders - Innovation, Thoughts, Solutions) Roundtable, including the Canberra business community in September 2005 to:
• Identify potential new concepts which enhance quality of life for people with disabilities;
• Identify strategies to enhance perceptions of people with disability; and
• Explore the business benefits of various forms of involvement of people with disabilities.
Twenty-one business leaders from small to large businesses, met in a facilitated forum (roundtable). This group discussed and identified ways in which people with a disability could increase their presence and participation, as customers and employers of businesses in the ACT.
The roundtable identified a number of ideas and concepts that could be further developed. The Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services will continue to engage with the business community to further develop these ideas.
Disabled persons—stepping stone project
(Question No 704)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice, on 18 October 2005:
(1) How is the pilot project “Stepping Stones”, funded by Disability ACT, progressing the assistance of Mature Carer families of people with a disability;
(2) How (a) long will the pilot run, (b) many families are involved and (c) much funding has been awarded to the Stepping Stones pilot project.
Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The Stepping Stones project has engaged a coordinator who is supporting nine families to identify the future independent living goals for their family member with a disability, and the supports that will assist them to work towards these goals. These supports may include family, community, and specialist disability services. The supports are coordinated and governed by the Stepping Stones Focus Families.
(2) a) The Stepping Stones pilot will run for two years, from July 2005 until 30 June 2007.
b) Nine families are involved in the project.
c) Disability ACT has provided $50,000 a year for two years to fund the coordinator position.
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