It is with disappointment that Indigo advises the Disability Equipment Grant (DEG) program will end on 30 June 2020.

This program which has focused on supporting vulnerable groups within our community has been running for 17 years. 

Lotterywest has made this late decision based on a Premier’s directive to enable the funds to be spent on a COVID-19 Relief Fund to respond to the hardship being experienced by the Western Australian community as a result the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whilst we understand the huge impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the community and support some funds being directed to this crisis and emergency relief effort, the termination of the DEG program will leave over 1,000 vulnerable Western Australians without financial support for essential equipment or occupational therapy driver assessment services to support their independence.

Specifically, the grant assists eligible Western Australians with permanent disabilities to obtain items of equipment or subsidies unavailable through other funding avenues, such as the Community Aids and Equipment Program, National Disability Insurance Scheme and Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

This program aims to help people who would not otherwise be able to afford the equipment or services they require to remain as independent as possible.

As part of the grant program, VisAbility and MSWA administer a block grant to provide assistance to people with vision impairment and multiple sclerosis for much needed assistive technology.

Through Indigo, items considered for funding include vehicle modifications, specialised assistive technology for people with sensory, communication or physical impairments, air conditioners and other essential independence equipment.  

The program also supports people to undertake occupational therapy driver assessments.

Funding for this grants program is still available until 30 June 2020.

To ensure the application process for individuals can be complete prior to this date, Indigo is encouraging anyone who would like to apply for a DEG to submit their application as soon as possible.

If you are considering submitting an application please contact our Grants Team on (08) 6202 4700 or grants@ilaustralia.org.au

Following 30 June 2020, people with disability who require financial support for equipment may like to explore the following options:

• Equipment for Living - email grants@ilaustralia.org.au or phone (08) 6202 4700
• NDIS Home Equipment and Support - email enquiries@ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110  
• Department of Veterans Affairs - phone 1800 550 457
• My Aged Care - phone 1800 200 422

Assistance with understanding the various options can be accessed by contacting Indigo – email help@indigosolutions.org.au or phone (08) 9381 0600

Indigo has resubmitted a grant application in line with the Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund and we are currently awaiting the outcome of this application. If successful, we will communicate new eligibility and funding guidelines.

Indigo would like to thank Lotterywest for their support of the Disability Grants Program for the past 17 years, which has positively impacted the lives of so many people.

We hope that funding for this essential program is reconsidered in the near future and that we can continue to work together with Lotterywest to continue to promote an inclusive and accessible community.