Sturt resident Kate Swaffer honoured in National Disability Awards

Local disability champion, Kate Swaffer was among the 14 individuals and organisations recognised for their outstanding work at the 2015 National Disability Awards ceremony at Parliament House last night.

“I’d like to congratulate all the winners for their efforts to improve the lives of people with disability and in particular Kate Swaffer who won the Emerging Leader in Disability Awareness Award” said Minister Pyne.

“Ms Swaffer is the Chair and co-founder of Dementia Alliance International. Since her own diagnosis with younger onset dementia she has advocated for the rights of people with dementia in Australia and around the world”.

“The calibre of entries was very impressive and is testimony to the dedication of so many people working in the disability sector.

“I would like to thank Ms Swaffer for the work she does to promote the rights and dignity of people with disability,” Minister Pyne said.

Assistant Minister for Social Services, Alan Tudge presented the awards which recognise people and organisations for their commitment to achieving greater inclusion and accessibility for people with disability.

“The winners’ achievements include improving community access and inclusion, developing technology to unlock education and communication, and advocacy for disability reform,” Mr Tudge said.

The National Disability Awards recognise the achievements of people and organisations that have improved the lives of people with disability. The Awards are a major part of the Commonwealth Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability.

The 2015 National Disability Award winners are listed on the following page. Further details of their achievements are available at www.idpwd.com.au