Media release (Queensland):
Centrelink supports people with disability
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Toowoomba Centrelink Call Centre staff will join local community groups in hosting a morning tea to celebrate International Day of People with Disability, which will be marked across the nation on Friday, 3 December.
In addition to the morning tea, a number of awareness sessions are being held this week promoting understanding of issues that people with a disability face.
This year’s Human Services Portfolio theme for International Day of People with Disability is “recognising the achievements and contributions of people with disability”.
Human Services Portfolio staff – representing Centrelink, Medicare Australia, Australia Hearing and the Department of Human Services – will host community events nationwide to raise awareness of the valuable role people with disability play.
Call Centre manager Bruce Russell said International Day of People with Disability is the perfect time to recognise the valuable contribution of Portfolio staff affected by disability and to remind Australians with disabilities about the range of support available from Centrelink.
“With almost one in 6 Australians affected by disability, it’s important that people with disability in our community are supported,” Bruce said.
“Centrelink provides support, information and referral to those living with disability and helps job seekers with disability to find employment, training and rehabilitation.
“We provide specialised services for people with disability including alternative formats for our publications and letters.
“Centrelink has recently launched a community e-newsletter specifically developed to provide information on services for customers receiving the Disability Support Pension.
“The e-newsletter, ‘Pulse – news, views, and things to do for DSP customers’, uses an online community where customers can share their thoughts on important issues affecting people with disability and take part in online opinion polls,” Bruce said.
To find out more about the range of payments and services to assist people who are ill, injured or have a disability, refer to Illness or disability, call 13 2717 or visit your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre. Or if you would like to start receiving the Pulse e-newsletter, register at Pulse website.
Media opportunity
- What: Centrelink Call Centre, Toowoomba, celebrates International Day of People with Disability
- When: Friday, 3 December 2010, starting at 10:30 am
- Where: 12 Bell Street, Toowoomba (ask at Customer Service Centre inquiries desk to be escorted to Call Centre)
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.