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Disability Services Queensland plays an important role in many Queenslanders' lives and in this issue we highlight the many ways the department's support makes a difference. As one example we look at the Local Area Coordination program which links people with a disability and their families into community support networks in rural and remote communities.
Accessibility is a hot issue being proactively addressed in two separate projects by this department in partnership with the Department of Housing and the Department of Public Works. In the Home Access Information trial, real estate agents now identify and promote homes for sale or rent that include access features for older people and people with a disability. And a team from government-business alliance, Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation, has written two booklets to help designers and developers make it easier and safer for people with a sensory impairment to find their way around buildings and public spaces.
This is also an edition of farewells and welcomes. Farewell to the retiring head of the Brain Injury Association, John Dickinson, who colleagues describe as a fantastic leader and who has been an important partner with the department in enhancing facilities for people with a brain injury. Also, I extend a warm welcome to our new Deputy Director-General Bruce Milligan. Bruce has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland for the past seven years and has worked for Blue Care and Queensland Health in the past. He brings significant leadership and management experience to the role and is well regarded in the disability service sector.
I also welcome the Disability Council of Queensland for its new term, and congratulate Chair Paul Larcombe who was endorsed for a second term. The council will continue to be an integral link between the community and the Minister.
Linda A Apelt
Director-General
Disability Services Queensland
Last updated February 2009