Internet Boost for Victorian DeafBlind Community
Internet Boost for Victorian Deafblind Community |
| Media release - 24 January 2006 |
 Two grants totalling $17,500 has helped hearing and visually impaired Victorians to get online, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said today. Ms Thomson said The Deafblind Association had been awarded the grants as part of the My Connected Community and Public Internet Access programs - two Bracks Government initiatives designed to help Victorians access and use the Internet. "This funding will allow The Deafblind Association to not only provide free Internet access to its members, but also develop websites for hearing and visually impaired communities," Ms Thomson said. "The Bracks Government is committed to giving disadvantaged Victorians the skills, resources and purpose to get online and access all the benefits the Internet has to offer." The Deafblind Association was awarded $10,000 as part of the My Connected Community program to establish online groups for the hearing and visually impaired. These online groups allow the association's members to closely interact with others to share information and alleviate possible feelings of isolation. "A further $7500 was awarded as part of the Public Internet Access Program (PIAP) to assist with the purchase of specialised equipment which allows people with visual and hearing impairments to easily access and use the Internet," Ms Thomson said. "The Bracks Government is extremely proud of its community Internet access programs and looks forward to their continued success through The Deafblind Association. "We are committed to providing all Victorians, no matter their circumstances, the opportunity to access the Internet. "Since the My Connected Community program was set up in 2001, $2.65 million has been provided to 96 organisations, creating more than 3400 online groups and around 47,000 registered users. "We have also committed $3.5 million to PIAP, as part of A Fairer Victoria, to provide free or affordable public Internet access for all Victorians. "Through the Bracks Government's A Fairer Victoria, more Victorians have the opportunity to share in and participate in their communities." |
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