July 2005

People with disabilities given access to local help

A $2.7 million State Government program aims to make services more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities across the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Launching the MetroAccess Program Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt said the three-year program was a partnership with local government and worked with local service providers and community groups to strengthen access for people with a disability.

Under the program, each metropolitan council will receive around $85,000 annually to employ a qualified community worker.

‘This worker will liaise with local community groups and service providers to build a more inclusive and disability-friendly community,’ Ms Garbutt said.

‘Through the program, workers will offer advice and expertise so both sectors are more aware of the challenges facing people with disabilities and how they can do things better.’

The program is already operating in 18 metropolitan council areas and will now be rolled out to the remaining 13 councils.

MetroAccess builds on the successful RuralAccess program established in 2000.

‘RuralAccess has proved very effective in overcoming hurdles for people with disabilities accessing services and events in country Victoria,’ Ms Garbutt said.

‘It has allowed people with disabilities to enjoy a better quality of life in their local community and we are hoping for an equally successful outcome in Melbourne.’

Some of the work already underway through MetroAccess includes a disability awareness project in primary schools, a recharge battery scheme for scooter users and production of a Communicating with People with Disabilities booklet.

MetroAccess reflects the goals of the Victorian State Disability Plan, which outlines the Victorian Government’s 10-year vision to support the rights and individual aspirations of people with disabilities in the community.

‘This initiative recognises that building a better community for people with a disability is everybody’s business,’ Ms Garbutt said.