Scholarship supports students with disability at Flinders University

Sharing a common passion for creating pathways for students with disabilities, Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. is proud to partner with Flinders University to announce the third CBS Inc. Scholarship, following its launch in 2022. The scholarship is open to students in any discipline who demonstrate how their studies align with a career focused on community engagement.

This partnership builds on a four-year collaboration between CBS Inc. and Flinders that has successfully assisted students with disabilities across all disciplines in securing graduate employment opportunities through the University Specialist Employment Partnership (USEP). USEP is funded through the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS,) Disability Employment Service (DES).

The CBS Inc. Scholarship offers recipients $3,500, to use in support of their studies, whether on campus or online. The scholarship aims to remove additional barriers that students with disabilities may face while studying, encouraging a community-minded approach to their careers and a brighter future.

At a special event held on November 21 at the Skydeck, 147 Pirie Street, Adelaide, the 2024 scholarship was awarded to Helen Carr, for her outstanding application and engagement in Disability & Developmental Education.

Helen Carr shared her journey with guests, “Growing up in Adelaide with lived experience of disability, and with a desire to be heard and drive change, I was inspired to pursue a Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education. The biggest challenge for me has been balancing my studies with the responsibilities of parenting. This scholarship has provided me the freedom to focus on my education without the pressure of part-time work, allowing me to delve deeply into my studies.

“Being able to support my family while studying has greatly reduced my stress, positively impacting all areas of my life. The scholarship has covered essential expenses, such as ink and paper, groceries, internet costs, and, to be honest, a few much-needed double-shot coffees during assessment periods!

“I am incredibly thankful and humbled by this generosity. Your support of education and academic endeavours is deeply meaningful. My studies have not only expanded my knowledge of disability but also taught me about advocacy and leadership rooted in a human rights framework. As I continue to find my path, I am particularly interested in pursuing advocacy and research focused on ADHD in women—an under-researched area that requires greater understanding and visibility.”

Freddie Brincat OAM, Founder and Executive Director of CBS Inc. said “Disability can impact anyone at any time, but if we focus on each person’s strengths, interests and passions then disability adds to the diverse ways we approach challenges and the future. A key barrier is each person’s economic position and this scholarships is a key to helping to achieve gaols. I would love to be partnering with a South Australian Corporate to build on our initiative so more people can benefit.”

Flinders University Associate Professor Michelle Bellon, Course Coordinator of the Bachelor of Disability & Developmental Education said, “Flinders University has a proud history of supporting diversity and inclusion. We deeply value our partnership with CBS and the positive impact this scholarship brings in supporting our students to achieve their educational goals.”

CBS Inc. is committed to funding this scholarship into the future and looks forward to continuing to positively impact the lives of students with disabilities at Flinders University. Applications for the 2025 CBS Inc. Scholarship will open in early 2025.

Images are available upon request.

Media Contact:
Freddie Brincat OAM,
Founder and Executive Director, CBS Inc.
📞 0417 882 405 | 08 8224 2903