All-terrain wheelchairs will soon be available at more locations across Western Australia thanks to a State Government grant program.
Disability Services Minister Don Punch was at Floreat Surf Life Saving Club today to announce the 12 organisations across the State receiving funding totalling $100,000 to purchase all-terrain wheelchairs for public use at locations including beaches, national parks and wilderness trails.
All-terrain wheelchairs are purpose-built and designed for outdoor environments including sand, gravel and water.
They assist people with mobility impairments to access areas in which a traditional wheelchair cannot operate.
The new all-terrain wheelchairs will augment or update the 47 that that are currently available through local government authorities and surf life saving clubs.
In addition to funding the purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair, grants can also be used to cover storage for the wheelchair, signage, promotion and accompanying accessibility products such as matting.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Don Punch:
"Improving the availability of all-terrain wheelchairs at National Parks and beautiful beaches such as Floreat across WA will support people with disability to connect to their community and increase participation in recreation activities in the natural environment.
"The diversity of grant recipients shows that all-terrain wheelchairs can be a great asset to a community - with grants provided to both regional centres and in metropolitan Perth to enable people with disability access to bush trails, tourist attractions and junior surf lifesaving programs.
"Having access to the outdoor environment and the activities that go with it is a key part of an inclusive community, and I am pleased WA communities will be more accessible and inclusive thanks to the delivery of this election commitment."
As stated by Churchlands MLA Christine Tonkin:
"The Floreat Surf Life Saving Club has a proud record of implementing inclusive programs; it runs a Starfish Nippers program (aimed at children 6 years and older with disabilities), and a Silver Salties program (aimed at those aged over 65). In addition, the club shares its facilities with a Valetudo gym facility, a registered NDIS provider of exercise physiology services. The presence of these programs and services bring people with disabilities of all ages into contact with the club.
"All-terrain wheelchairs will make access to the beach so much easier and more enjoyable for people with mobility limitations."
