Seven local community organisations and individuals were announced today as recipients of funding under the 2019 I-Day grants program to help celebrate International Day of People with Disability (I-Day) in the ACT later this year.

This year’s grant recipients will share in $25,000 to deliver initiatives for I-Day celebrations in the ACT.

I-Day is held each year on 3 December to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions, skills and achievement of people with disability.

These celebrations help to raise awareness and understanding of disability issues and encourage support for the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disability.

Minister for Disability, Suzanne Orr MLA thanked all the applicants who submitted their ideas for programs and events for I-Day.

“I was impressed by the ideas submitted for the I-Day grants and commitment shown by the applicants to contributing to a more inclusive community.

“I believe every person has the right to live a happy and fulfilling life and these grants reaffirm this right by celebrating the expression and experience of people with disability.

“I congratulate the seven grants recipients and look forward to seeing their projects in action ahead of I-Day on 3 December,” Minister Orr said.

Local performance artist, Hanna Cormick, today expressed her thanks to be awarded an I-Day grant for a virtual exhibition featuring performance art character, The Mermaid.  

“I’m excited for the opportunity to bring this artistic collaboration to life and bring awareness of disability rights, and to celebrate disabled lives this I-Day,” Ms Cormick said.

The Capital Health Network Chief executive, Adj Professor Gaylene Coulton said their I-Day grant will deliver a project aimed to improve communication and pathways in healthcare for people with disability. 

“Through a series of focus groups, we will hear from the primary health sector, community organisations and consumers about the most effective communication strategies in health care for people with disability, and the most appropriate support services and resources to assist healthcare professionals,” Ms Coulton said.

Successful recipients of the I-Day grants are:

• Belconnen Arts Centre Inc. - Bounce Back Exhibition and Workshops showcasing the achievements of artists with disability;
• Capital Health Network Ltd - project to support effective communication and improve health pathways for people with disability;
  
  
• Hanna Cormick – ‘The Mermaid’ I-Day virtual exhibition, a collaboration between artist with disability, Hanna Cormick and photographer, Shelly Higgs.
  
  
• People with Disabilities ACT - 2019 International Day of People with Disability Canberra Times Supplement;
  
  
• The Disability Trust - Score Raiders 'Game Day' - an opportunity for people with disability to participate in an inclusive rugby league team and promote disability awareness through sport
  
  
• Ruth O’Brien - Meeting Place Musicians Showcase - creating equal opportunities in the arts for people with disability
  
  
• Women with Disabilities ACT Inc. - Celebrating Women* with Disabilities in Business - networking event with panel discussion.
  *women includes women, non- binary or feminine identifying people.

For more information please visit: www.communityservices.act.gov.au 

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