On 28 February the Productivity Commission submitted its report to the government in relation to disability support in Australia. The report stated that the current system for disability is “underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient” and proposed an entirely new model with two separate schemes.

One of those schemes will be the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which will provide support to 360,000 people whose disability has a significant impact on their daily life.

NDIS is proposed to operate on a three tiered system.
Tier 1 would promote opportunities for people with a disability; create awareness of the issues affecting people with a disability and draw on data and research to engage with other agencies to improve public health and safety.

Tier 2 would include information and referral services about the most effective care and support options for anyone with or affected by a disability.

Tier 3 would be funded support for those whose conditions include significant limitations in communication, mobility or self care, an intellectual disability, who are in an early intervention group or ‘have large identifiable benefits from support that would otherwise not be realized’

NDIS appointed assessors would conduct the assessments in order to develop personal plans and support packages for people with disabilities. Supports available include:
•    Aids, equipment, home and vehicle modifications    
•    Personal care
•    Community access – to support community inclusion
•    Respite
•    Specialist accommodation support
•    Domestic assistance
•    Transport assistance
•    Therapies
•    Guide and assistance dogs
•    Case management and coordination
•    Specialist employment services
•    Crisis/emergency support

As a part of the personalised plans and packages, the NDIS aims to allow people with disabilities to:
•    Choose their own service providers and/or choose mainstream services.
•    Request an intermediary to assemble the best package on their behalf.
•    Cash out the funding allocation and direct it to their priority areas.

The rollout of this is to set to start in 2014.

Sylvanvale Foundation is a proud supporter of NDIS. The scheme will help support people with a disability, their families and carers by transforming the way services are funded and delivered.

Visit the NDIS website at http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/ and show your support by signing the petition and joining the campaign on Facebook and following it on Twitter.

Read also: Make Every Australian Count

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