ACT charity wins national disability award

Pioneering charity Technical Aid to the Disabled ACT (TADACT) last night won a National Disability Award.

"This is great news for TADACT and a fantastic testament to the work both the charity and its staff have been doing for more than 30 years," Ms Burch said.

TADACT was named winner of the Social Inclusion category in the National Disability Awards. It recognises schools, universities, employment and training providers, and advocacy services that have enabled equal participation of people with disability in a range of areas in life.

Since it was established in 1979, TADACT has been helping people with a disability in the ACT overcome obstacles in their lives by developing a range of low-cost, specialised equipment.

During that time it has provided more than 7,100 pieces of equipment to people with a disability.

Among its products are the Kinetic Stander which was created and made by TADACT volunteers and allows children with cerebral palsy to stand up by bearing the weight of their body on their hips. It won the 2010 Australian Institute of Project Management Award in the Not-for-Profit category within the ACT.

Another TADACT product is a customised bicycle which provides a new level of independence to children with a disability by making it easier for them to ride. Modifications can include postural supports, belts, foot cups, towbars, modified handlebars and stabiliser wheels.

Ms Burch said the ACT Government had helped TADACT serve its community through ongoing funding.

"This is a great Canberra success story of which everyone involved with can be proud."