Media release

22 November 2011

ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch today sent her best wishes to Technical Aid for the Disabled ACT (TADACT) ahead of tonight's National Disability Awards.

TADACT is a finalist for the Social Inclusion category in the National Disability Awards. It recognises schools, universities, employment and training providers, and advocacy services that have enabled equal participation of people with disability in a range of areas in life.

"For more than 30 years TADACT has been helping people with a disability in the ACT overcome obstacles in their lives by developing a range of low-cost, specialised equipment," Ms Burch said.

"Their nomination for a National Disability Award is a great achievement in itself and due recognition of the important work the charity and its staff have carried out over the years."

Since it was established in 1979, TADACT has provided more than 7,100 pieces of equipment to people with disability.

Among its products are the Kinetic Stander which was created and made by TADACT volunteers and allows children with cerebral palsy to stand up by bearing the weight of their body on their hips. It won the 2010 Australian Institute of Project Management Award in the Not-for-Profit category within the ACT.

Another TADACT product is a customised bicycle which provides a new level of independence to children with a disability by making it easier for them to ride. Modifications can include postural supports, belts, foot cups, towbars, modified handlebars and stabiliser wheels.

"I am proud that the ACT Government has been able to support the valuable work of TADACT through ongoing funding.

"I wish both TADACT, the only ACT representative at the awards, and all the other finalists the best of luck at tonight's awards."