Monkami is a not for profit service provider based in Croydon, which cares for people with an intellectual disability. Over its 50 years of existence Monkami has had an emphasis on community inclusion to ensure that people with disabilities are provided with opportunities.

Today’s annual general meeting included a presentation from Monkami’s community inclusion officer, a position which receives no source of government funding and is financed by the centre itself. The position was created in response to the Government’s Disability Plan, which has an emphasis on community inclusion for people with disabilities.

Monkami is involved in a number of community projects, including the highly successful Monkami Drama Group, which has performed two seasons of its Titanic Resunk production, as well as partnerships with Croydon Secondary College and Arts Out East, which includes an exhibition from a number of community groups at the end of November.

Monkmai has developed an office administration course, which includes customer service, administrative and computer skills. Through this course Monkami is exploring the possibility of work placements for these students at organisations such as Maroondah City Council to demonstrate the possibilities for people with disabilities.

Organisations such as Monkami help ensure that people with disabilities are included within society and I offer my support to the organisation so that we can achieve an accessible and inclusive community.