MORE than $4 million in grants have been awarded to Canberrans with disabilities as part of the ACT roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Minister for Disability Joy Burch says the first round of the Enhanced Service Offer grants would see more than 800 people with disabilities receive funds that will enable them to “enjoy activities, supports and opportunities that most of us take for granted.”

“These grants are going to see people with disabilities do things that really will make a huge difference to their lives,” Ms Burch said.

“One person has funding for water-proof hearing aids so that they can swim and hear; another person is using their grant to visit family interstate, someone else to take part in a sporting competition and yet more people to make changes to bathrooms and cars.

“This grants process has helped people realise what can be achieved by the NDIS and how it really can provide people with disabilities with greater choice and control in their lives.”

The first round of the Enhanced Service Offer will see 804 people will receive funding in the first round of the Enhanced Service Offer. This number includes 64 school leavers with high and complex needs who are transitioning to adult life, says Ms Burch.

“These young people have received additional resources to support their engagement in meaningful day time vocational, recreational, social activities.”

In total, funding worth more than $4.3 million has been awarded to the first-round recipients.

Applications for round 2 of the Enhanced Service Offer close on 8 November 2013. For more information visit http://www.act.gov.au/ndis