Local specialist school receives TAC funding

A LOCAL specialist school has received more than $45,000 from the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Small Grants Program to help keep students healthy.

Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Danny Pearson attended Barwon Valley School in Belmont last week to announce the school as one of five recipients around Victoria.

The school will use the funds to purchase new smart technology devices to help increase physical activity among the cohort regardless of a student’s physical, cognitive, or sensory needs and abilities.

“This grant will ensure all students at Barwon Valley School have access to the equipment they need to maintain and advance their health and wellbeing,” Mr Pearson said.

“By supporting the TAC’s Small Grants Program, we’re ensuring the school can meet the unique needs of every student, improving their lives and independence.”

The school will partner with occupational therapy students from Monash University, who will collect and analyse participation and physical activity data, to quantify the effectiveness of the new technology.

The Small Grants Program offers grants up to $50,000 to all-abilities institution to support innovative, community-led projects which improve the lives of people with life-altering injuries ranging from acquired brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, blindness and amputations.

The total grants pool totalled more than $240,000 with Care Companions (Monash) receiving $49,950, EnAccess Maps receiving $47,653, Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability receiving $50,000, and Inclusion Melbourne INC also receiving $49,875.

“Everyone deserves to be included in physical activity regardless of their needs and abilities – this grant will make a big difference for students at Barwon Valley School,” Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said.

For more on the TAC’s available grants, head to tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants