THE full-scale roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is less than 12 months away and yesterday Tamworth people had the chance to learn more about just what it will all mean.
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The NDIS has been described as the biggest social reform package in Australia since the introduction of Medicare in 1975 and “revolutionary” in terms of the provision of disability support services.
In Tamworth yesterday, two information sessions were held at the community centre in Darling St, hosted by disability provider Challenge Community Services.
Stephen Doley, Challenge’s executive manager operations, said the aim of the day was to educate locals on the NDIS and give them a sense of what they could be doing now to prepare for the scheme’s arrival in the region.
The NDIS commenced in July 2013 in a number of trial sites around the nation, one of which was in the Hunter region.
Challenge has been part of the NDIS trial in the Hunter, operating three sites, with 40 participants and their families successfully transitioned to the scheme to date.
Under the NDIS, eligible people with a permanent and significant disability, as well as their families and carers, create funding packages tailored specifically to their needs.
Mr Doley says this is the biggest change under the new scheme.
“You choose and control the support you get. You say ‘this is what I want’ and we fit with that,” he said.
Those at yesterday’s forums were also keen to know if the scheme was flexible enough to adjust to changes in a disabled person’s situation throughout their lifetime.
Challenge CEO Barry Murphy was quick to reassure people that it was designed to cater to changing needs, even at short notice.
Mr Doley said it was important to be getting out into communities and providing information, conceding the further you got away from a trial site, the level of understanding about the NDIS fell.
“I’m really pleased with today’s turnout. The community’s interested in the topic and it shows people are thinking about the scheme and how it will affect them.”
Bob Scherf, of Tamworth, was in the audience and keen to know more about the scheme that will ensure daughter Suzanne’s future.
Suzanne suffered brain damage at just four months of age and has always been cared for at home by her parents.
Mr Scherf, who is 86, said it was important for his family to know that when the time comes, Suzanne will be cared for in an accommodation facility.
