Government launches national disability gateway

The federal government has officially launched a gateway and phone service to connect people with disability to local services.

The National Disability Gateway, including a website, phone line and Facebook page, has been undergoing testing and community consultation since going live last August.

During this time feedback was gained from people with lived experience of disability and the disability sector.

Accessible information

The website provides accessible information about income and finance, employment, aids and equipment, housing, transport, health and wellbeing, everyday living, education, leisure, and rights and legal support.

The phone line also provides free, fact-checked information and can transfer people to other support services if needed, such as counselling or advocacy.

Social services minister Anne Ruston says the Disability Gateway can assist with a range of support, from locating advocacy services, finding a sporting team or identifying local disability-related events.

“The disability community is very diverse and finding information about policies, programs and support available for individuals can be a challenge,” Senator Ruston said.

“We worked extensively with people with disability and the disability sector to build a fit-for-purpose source of information and hope it will help all Australian communities to easily access advice and referral services.”

The launch of the gateway is being accompanied by a national “I Can” advertising and social media campaign.

The Disability Gateway phone line is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEDT 1800 643 787.

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