Disability equipment program boosted

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

• ​Independent Living Centre WA receives $2,369,652 Lotterywest grant
• Funding supports the centre's Disability Equipment Grants program

The Independent Living Centre WA has received a $2,369,652 Lotterywest grant for its Disability Equipment Grants program, to help the organisation continue to assist West Australians with disability to obtain equipment that improves their lives.

Disability Services Minister Donna Faragher presented the grant at the centre this morning and said it would support the purchase of equipment that people with disability could otherwise not afford.

"For more than 35 years, the centre has provided services to people with disability, older people, carers, service providers, health professionals and educators," Mrs Faragher said.

"The experienced, professional team support people to choose and access equipment, technology and services for independence and wellbeing.

"The centre has administered the Disability Equipment Grants program since 2003, and over that period it has helped thousands of people with disability to obtain vehicle modifications, specialised assistive technology and other essential independence equipment."

In 2015-16, 712 West Australians with disability obtained equipment through the program.

"Some people with disability need a range of supportive equipment to maintain their independence so these grants have a significant impact on the quality of people's lives," the Minister said.

"The Independent Living Centre is a centre of excellence for information, advice and expertise about the best assistive technology and equipment available for people with disability in WA."

Fact File

• The Independent Living Centre was founded in 1977 as an information and advisory service on assistive equipment and technology and has grown into an organisation which also provides assessment, training, funding and hire services
• WA is the only State where money raised from lottery products is distributed directly back to the community to support not-for-profit organisations. For more information, visit http://www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/grants
• For more information on the Independent Living Centre, visit http://www.ilc.com.au