The Western Australian Government has announced $2.5 million to find innovative ways to grow employment opportunities for people with disability.

The Innovation Fund will support projects that improve the economic and social wellbeing of people with disability in Western Australia. The focus will be on projects that creatively apply new knowledge, technologies or processes to improve the inclusion and independence of Western Australians with disability.

An Expression of Interest process is underway with a virtual briefing session to be held on Tuesday 5 October at 10.30am. To attend the virtual briefing session register via email to statedisabilitystrategy@communities.wa.gov.au. Tenders close on Friday 29 October 2021.

The Innovation Fund is a key part of implementing the State Government's 'A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030'. The initial round of funding will provide grants for projects over a maximum of 24 months. A further $2.5 million will be available for an additional round of two-year projects once the initial projects have concluded.

The Hon. Don Punch MLA, Minister for Disability Services who announced the Innovation Fund said, "Access to education and employment opportunities form an integral part of ensuring people with disability are engaged and empowered.

"The whole community benefits when everyone has the opportunity to be included. The Innovation Fund will promote and foster new and exciting ways to facilitate the inclusion and participation of people with disability in the community.

"Most importantly, the Fund will stimulate creative thinking and support projects that build the capacity of people with disability, their family and their community."

More information can be found on the Tenders WA website.