ACCAN Grants Scheme : $250,000 for Community Projects
21 March 2011 at 4:56 pm
The 2011 round of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) Grants Scheme is now open, with $250,000 in funding available to support consumer research, representation or education projects related to communications in Australia.
ACCAN is the peak body in Australia representing consumers on communications issues, with the aim of working towards increased accessibility and affordability of communications services for all Australians.
ACCAN says eligible community organisations, research bodies and individuals looking to fund communications projects can apply for funding of up to $60,000.
The peak body says the aim of the scheme is to fund projects that help empower communities of consumers to act in their own interests; to enable consumers to navigate the challenges of the communications market; and to build on the sound body of evidence that supports ACCAN’s advocacy work.
The Guidelines, online application form and details of past projects that have received funding are available at http://www.accan.org.au/grants.php
ACCAN is encouraging interested parties to speak to its Grants team before submitting a completed application, via grants@accan.org.au or by phoning 02 9288 4000.
Applications for the 2011 Round of the Grants Scheme close Wednesday 20 April, 5pm AEST.
Pro Bono Australia News last week ran an article on an ACCAN report into Australia’s emergency services and warnings systems.
According to the report, the Queensland flood disaster demonstrated strengths and weaknesses of Australia’s emergency services and warnings systems, especially in terms of access for people with a disability.
The report explores an important dimension of Australia’s emergency management framework – access to emergency services and emergency information by people who have a disability, particularly those who are deaf or have a speech or hearing impairment.
ACCAN says while it was delighted to see Auslan/English interpreters working at Queensland Premier Anna Bligh’s emergency related media conferences, it was disappointed to learn that these interpreters were working as volunteers, coordinated pro bono by Deaf Services Queensland, itself a Not for Profit organisation severely affected by the floods.
ACCAN says this does not live up to the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Read the full article here: https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2011/03/qld-emergency-warning-systems-disadvantage-those-disabilities
