The ACT Government’s Respite and Recovery Grants has made over $100,000 funds available to support people with disabilities, their families and carers under the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy.
These Grants were given to help relieve some of the challenges people with disabilities are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Grants offer support such as meals, respite, cleaning and funding for hobbies or recreational activities.
Minister for Disability Emma Davidson says the Respite and Recovery Grants are part of the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy’s second phase. The Disability Strategy was developed by the Government in consultation with people with disability and sector stakeholders.
“Following a challenging year, where many Canberrans felt socially isolated, these Grants play an important role to not only support the wellbeing of people with disability and their families but also promote community inclusion,” Minister Davidson said.
Minister Davidson said the Grants not only reinforce the ACT Government’s commitment to ensuring people with disabilities are being provided with enough support to return to full participation in community life, but will also help in aiding the ACT’s disability sector towards recovery after the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have been listening to the community and actively seeking the views of people with disability, their families, carers and the sector to inform how we can best support the community through this strategy,” said Minister Davidson.
The ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy was launched on 18 May 2020. The Strategy guides the ACT Government’s actions in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disabilities along with their families and carers.
A simple application process has been designed to ensure that support to the people and families who need it most is provided in a quick and timely way.
Applications close when funding is exhausted and will be processed on a first-in, first-served basis.