Australian aid helps disability outreach

9 November 2011

Five disability support organisations today received funding worth FJ$235000 under Australian aid infrastructure and capital grants to increase their outreach.

Organisations which are benefitting from the Australian funding include the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Counterstroke Fiji, the United Blind Persons of Fiji, the Psychiatric Survivors Association of Fiji and the Spinal Injury Association of Fiji.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, Ms Judith Robinson handed over vehicles, office equipment and medical equipment to the successful recipients of the AusAID grant.

She noted the challenges civil society organisations in Fiji faced in delivering their services to the communities they serve.

“Most of you face logistical difficulties with visiting, working and communicating with your stakeholders in rural and remote areas. We’re pleased that through this funding, you can now reach people with disabilities in the more remote communities around Fiji.

“It is exciting to hear about the mobile wheelchair workshop that the Spinal Injury Association will be implementing using their new vehicle and trailer,” Ms Robinson said.

“The Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, I’m told, is now able to better access remote areas of the Rewa delta and it is also encouraging to note that with this funding, the Psychiatric Survivors Association will be able to increase its work with women living with mental challenges.”

Ms Robinson says the Australian Government is committed to responding to people with disability through its strategy, Development for All: Towards a disability inclusive aid program and that all Australian aid initiatives must include people with disability.

The Australian Government continues to be a major donor in Fiji with close to F$70 million in funding assistance each year.

“Through our aid program, we are currently working to establish new, long term programs in education, health, and market and community development,” Ms Robinson said. “We are also focusing our efforts on improving the quality of life for people with disability by strengthening capacity and leadership skills.”
**ENDS**