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Cairns to Host Major Disability Conference - Queensland Disability News
Information provided by Queensland Disability News - Published: 2010-08-27
Cairns will host one of the biggest events on Queensland's disability calendar when the Shared Visions Disability Conference hits town next year.
Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Cairns Mayor Val Schier said the biennial conference would be held at the Cairns Convention Centre in September 2011.
“The Shared Visions Disability Conference is the most important event on Queensland’s disability calendar,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It brings together some of the best minds in the State to explore new ways to strengthen disability services.
“The conference is all about giving Queenslanders with a disability a voice.
“It’s about listening to their families and carers, and to service providers, to find practical ways to improve people’s quality of life.”
Ms Palaszczuk said some of Far North Queensland’s major tourist attractions, including Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway, were renowned for their disability access.
“Additionally, work is currently underway to make Mossman Gorge more accessible.
“I’ve seen first-hand the difference this can make to people with a disability,” she said.
“The Bligh Government is also delivering two new All Abilities Playgrounds in Mossman and Edmonton where children with and without disabilities can play alongside each other.”
Cr Schier said Cairns Regional Council was leading the way when it came to improving disability access and promoting social inclusion.
“We’ve developed an Access and Equity Action Plan to help people with a disability access the services and facilities they need,” Cr Schier said.
“We’re also working with local tourist operators to ensure people with a disability can enjoy Cairns’ world class beaches, natural environment and tourist attractions.
“Council has compiled an Access for All directory that lists all the accessible accommodation and tourist facilities in Cairns, the northern beaches and Port Douglas and Mossman areas. The directory is extremely helpful for people with a disability when planning a holiday in the region.”
“Council launched See the real me, a community awareness program that includes action portraits of people with a disability on the sides of buses. The program’s message – to see the abilities, not the inability of people - are travelling the city streets for the next six months.”
State Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said Cairns is the perfect place to hold the 2011 Shared Visions Disability Conference.
“Cairns is a world class city that’s well placed to hold major events like the Shared Visions Disability Conference,” Ms Boyle said.
“It’s an important event on Queensland’s disability calendar and it will also deliver a boost to the local economy and help to support jobs.”
- This web page is from the Disabled World Queensland section which provides: Disability news articles stories including recent medical and health updates from Queensland Australia.
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