NSW Minister for Disability Services Kristina Keneally officially opened the Australian Foundation for Disability’s (AFFORD) Campbelltown day program facility today.
“I am delighted to be here today to open AFFORD’s new day program facility, which will assist people living in the Greater Western Sydney Area,” Ms Keneally said.
“AFFORD plays a vital role in helping people with a disability to actively participate in their local community.
“This facility will encourage greater social interaction among participants and facilitate staff work in assisting multiple participants at the same time.”
AFFORD provides a broad range of services to more than 1,000 people with a disability including:
• Employment;
• Accommodation;
• Training;
• Community support; and
• Sensory centres.
Ms Keneally said the Iemma Government supports AFFORD in the operation of these services with $3 million in recurrent funding, including $690,000 towards its Community Participation programs.
“This is their tenth Community Participation site which will also cater to individuals who are already supported under the Transition to Work and Post School Options programs.
Member for Campbelltown Graham West joined Minister Keneally at the opening and said this new site will better meet the needs of people with a disability, their families and carers in our local community.
“AFFORD has become one of the main providers of community participation programs in NSW and
is recognised for its commitment in delivering programs to achieve positive outcomes for people with a disability,” Mr West said.
“This new Community Participation site will continue to improve vocational education and training for people with a disability in the Campbelltown area.
“This new facility will allow people with a disability living in Campbelltown to become more active members of our community.”
Ms Keneally said community participation programs had been substantially enhanced through the Iemma Government’s Stronger Together 10 year plan for disability services, which is supported by an additional $1.3 billion over its first five years.
“Stronger Together confirms this Government’s ongoing commitment to improving specialist services for people with a disability, their families and carers,” Ms Keneally said.