NSW Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, will today open the Queanbeyan IDEAS (Information on Disability & Education Awareness Services) Expo, where over the next three days more than 2,000 people will get the latest information on disability services and facilities.
While in Queanbeyan, Ms Keneally will also visit a new home being refurbished for five people who have a disability, as well as a family who has benefited from the Iemma Government’s Family Assistance Fund.
"People with disabilities, their families and their carers in Queanbeyan can get the latest information on mobility equipment, daily living aids, assistive technology, accessible holiday options, and available advocacy services at the IDEAS Expo," Ms Keneally said.
"Including over 40 exhibitions and 12 workshops, exhibitors have come from far and wide including the North Coast of NSW and interstate to participate in the three day event in the Queanbeyan CBD.
"The IDEAS expos are great source of information for rural and regional NSW – showcasing the latest innovations in disability services and helping people to live full and productive lives."
While in Queanbeyan, Ms Keneally will also be visiting local families who have benefited from the Iemma Government’s record investment in disability services.
"Like everyone else, people with disabilities have the right to live in and participate in the community, and a new Group Home in Queanbeyan will help further that aim of the Iemma Government –providing a great new service in the area," Ms Keneally said.
"The five bedroom house at White Avenue will be home to five people with an intellectual disability, with the first person to take up residence in July this year.
"Over the last year, the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) has been modifying the house so it meets the needs of future residents, and sourcing an organisation to provide support to the people who will live there. Valmar Support Services will provide services to residents and manage the house.
"Under the Iemma Government’s Stronger Together plan, we will provide nearly 1,000 new specialist support places for people with a disability over five years."
Ms Keneally said that she will also be visiting the home of the O’Flynn family of Queanbeyan, who have recently received money under the Iemma Government’s Family Assistance Fund to provide special play equipment for their four year old son, Angus, who has down syndrome.
“The Family Assistance Fund helps address unique or one-off needs before things get to crisis point – providing services or facilities that can not necessarily be met through the standard, wide range of services from DADHC,” Ms Keneally said.
“The O’Flynn’s are one of more than 2,750 families who this year of have received a grant of up to $2,000 from the fund. They used it to purchase play equipment for Angus (aged 4) as well as his sisters Emma (aged 9) and Mae (aged 2).
“Thanks to the grant, the O’Flynn’s were able to go into Toy World and purchase the biggest set of play equipment in the store - including swings, a slide, trapeze rings and a sandpit.
“This will help improve Angus’ imaginative play, his fine motor skills, his interaction with his sisters, and his upper body strength before he goes to school next year.
“There is more that can be done - and we are doing more. The Iemma Government will continue to deliver in Queanbeyan for people with disabilities, their families and carers.”