The grants aim to assist conference organisers to maximise the inclusion and participation of people with disability at nationally-focused, disability-related conferences in Australia.

They directly support people with disability and their carers to attend these conferences which might otherwise be inaccessible to them.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to organisations to help people with disability participate in conferences from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

It is vital the voices of people with disability and their carers are included and heard at a national, state and local level.

The National Disability Conference Initiative promotes inclusive and accessible communities as part of the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020.

Organisations could use the grants in a number of ways to support people with disability attend conferences.

The National Disability Conference Initiative grants can assist people with disability and their carers with the costs of attending conferences, for example with conference fees, accommodation and travel costs.

The grants can also be used to facilitate access so people with disability can participate in conferences, such as funding accessible materials, AUSLAN interpreters, assistive computer devices or software, aids or appliances or other costs relating to venue accessibility.

As an example of how grant funding has made a difference, 26 people on the autism spectrum received sponsorship to pay for their registration to attend and present at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in September 2017.

Applications close at 2pm, (AEDT) on February 20, 2019.

To apply for a grant or to obtain more information on the NDCI grant round, visit the Australian Government Community Grants Hub at communitygrants.gov.au or Grant Connect at grants.gov.au.