Young South Australians with cognitive disability, including acquired brain injury (ABI), are the big winners of a one million dollar Federal Government grant awarded to Brain Injury SA in March to help connect youth with employment.
The Department of Employment’s Empowering YOUth Initiative grant will enable the new Support SA Youth Initiative Transition program (SSAYit) to be delivered to 100 South Australians, aged between 15 and 24, with cognitive disability, including ABI.
SSAYiT will be developed by Brain Injury SA and focus on educational and employment outcomes – helping young South Australians to connect into employment and their community.
SSAYiT will be delivered in six 10-week programs during the next two years, by a multidisciplinary team including a vocational consultant and a registered psychologist. The first 10-week program will commence in July.
Brain Injury SA CEO Nahtanha Davey said the grant was a huge win for people living with cognitive disability and ABI.
“One of the key issues facing people with acquired brain injury is engagement with employment providers – and we will bring in employment providers to actively participate in the program.”
“Thanks to this funding, we will help a further 100 young people living with cognitive disability and ABI overcome issues affecting their employment opportunities and open up training pathways for them.”
“SSAYiT will provide an understanding of how an ABI and cognitive disability will affect their employment and everyday lives, and it will give them the tools they need to connect with employment and their wider community.”
“It is a devastating reality that there are many young people acquiring brain injury through coward punches, sporting and motor vehicle accidents – this funding will help them live complete, fulfilled lives within the community.”
