Andrew Leigh

Three ACT-based organisations have received funding from the Gillard Government to help people with disability, as well as their carers and families, adjust to the options available under an NDIS. Providing support for the sector to adjust to the changes is an important step in a transition to an NDIS.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Andrew Leigh MP
Member for Fraser

Gai Brodtmann MP
Member for Canberra

Local organisations to help Australia get ready for NDIS

Three ACT-based organisations, National Rural Health Alliance, Disability Advocacy Network of Australia and ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy will receive close to $300 000 in funding from the Gillard Government to get ready for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, today announced that these organisations will receive the funding as part of the Gillard Government’s $10 million Practical Design Fund, which identifies and supports innovative projects that will help people with disability, their families and carers and the disability sector transition to an NDIS.

“A National Disability Insurance Scheme will fundamentally change the way we deliver care and support for people with disability here in Canberra and across the country,” Ms Brodtmann said.

“An essential part of getting this change right is developing practical ways to make sure an NDIS works how it’s supposed to for people with disability. That is exactly what each of these organisations will help us do.

“With the National Disability Insurance Scheme launching in the ACT next year, it’s really important that we’re doing all we can to help our disability sector identify the very best ways of supporting people with disability,” said Ms Brodtmann.

The National Rural Health Alliance will receive $77 000 to consult with people with disability, as well as their carers and families, regarding delivery of disability services in rural and remote communities.

The Disability Advocacy Network of Australia will receive $123 480 to develop an online tool about advocacy and the NDIS.

ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy will receive $90 200 to develop tools for supported decision-making, helping people with disability make decisions about their day-to-day life.

Dr Andrew Leigh said the first stage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme will start in the ACT from July 2013, delivering individualised care and support for thousands of people with disability, their families and carers.

“We’re investing $1 billion for the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and we’re working to introduce the first stage of the scheme.

“To be chosen to deliver this national project is a fantastic achievement and it shows us that some of the best work being delivered by Australia’s disability sector is happening right here in the ACT.

“The Gillard Government is supporting the work that our local organisations and national organisations based here in Canberra are doing to make sure the National Disability Insurance Scheme becomes a reality for people with disability, their families and carers in the ACT,” Dr Leigh said.