National Disability Insurance Scheme

The concept of a National Disability Insurance Scheme is gaining momentum with the Weekend Australian editorialising in its favour. Heading its editorial ‘An Admirable Idea’, the national newspaper says: “it is clear that Australia’s fractured, under-resourced disability support systems need an overhaul”. It quotes Bill Shorten from his National Press Club speech in April: “Recently, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services Bill Shorten proposed a feasibility study for a national disability insurance scheme as one of the ‘big ideas’ proposed at the 2020 summit. Mr Shorten praised the concept as simple, visionary and exciting. In the interests of 1.1 million Australians with profound or serious disabilities, and their families, the study should proceed.”  A National Disability Insurance Scheme would entitle people with profound or severe disability to the long-term care and support they need. It would guarantee the provision of therapy and equipment; accommodation support; community participation services; and support to prepare for and maintain employment.

National Disability Services are meeting with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and Carers Australia and then with FaHCSIA Minister Jenny Macklin to urge the Government to proceed with a feasibility study into a national disability entitlement scheme.

My Plan, My Choice: Individualised (Packaged) Support

DADHC is in the process of engaging a consultant to undertake my plan, my choice: Individualised (Packaged) Support, A New South Wales Participatory Action Research Strategy. This innovative three year Strategy’s primary focus is to generate evidence from all stakeholders as to the requirements, impact, and outcomes of Individualised (Packaged) Support. DADHC has initially identified four program areas with corresponding demographic client groups to voluntarily participate in pilot projects:

• My Plan, My Choice : EarlyStart (young children);
• Extended Family Support (children);
• Life Choices and Active Ageing: Self Managed (adults);
• My Plan, My Choice:  Older Carers (older carers).

Each pilot will be lead by one of the DADHC regional offices. As the Strategy progresses, it is likely more program areas will be included in the research.

IDEAS Online Travel Directory

IDEAS, a NSW disability information service, launched its online travel directory on 31 March 2009. The directory is very easy to use and includes a wide range of information e.g. camps for people with disabilities, accommodation and specialist travel operators.

View the directory online at: http://www.ideas.org.au/travel/

For further information on any of these news items please view the NSW NDS website at: http://www.nds.org.au/nsw/index.html

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