Enhanced program helps veterans get back to sport
Published Wed 19 Apr 2017
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the Government was helping amputee veterans play sport and lead a more active life.
On 24 April, Mr Tehan announced that prosthetic recreational sports aids had been added to the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP), which provides veterans with equipment to participate in activities.
“The RAP helps support everyday living, enhances quality of life and maximises independence for veterans, war widows and widowers,” Mr Tehan said.
“Adding a prosthetic recreational sports aids category will allow eligible veterans to access items to help get them back playing sport and being active.
“Playing sport and regular exercise is good for physical and mental health and it’s a fun, social activity, so helping veterans get active has many positive benefits.
“Promoting positive mental health and providing the necessary care, rehabilitation and support to current and former Australian Defence Force personnel who are wounded, injured or ill is critically important.”
The RAP includes aids and appliances for: continence; diabetes; oxygen and continuous positive airways pressure; mobility and functional support; cognitive, dementia and memory assistive technology; personal response systems; falls prevention; low vision; prosthesis; footwear; hearing appliances and speech pathology.
Information about the RAP program can be found on the DVA website or by calling 133 254 (metro) or 1800 555 254 (country).
Image: LSIS Jayson Tufrey, The Invictus Games 2017 (IG17) selection trials were conducted at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, from 9 - 12 January 2017.