People living with disability in areas of the Avon Valley will soon have access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as a result of Western Australia’s decision to join the national scheme.
The scheme was trialed in different areas of the Wheatbelt from January 1, 2017, that included Chittering, Toodyay, Northam and York.
Earlier this year, Avivo community services coordinator for disabilities Slade White-Dunn said there was a general confusion about the scheme and what it can offer clients.
"It is a bit daunting at first but the people I have spoke to have had more access to funding, therapy and support,” he said.
Mr White-Dunn said the Wheatbelt would benefit from more mental health assistance, which he said was offered through the scheme.
“If people have a formal diagnosis, they can access the scheme and get some plans put together,” he said.
“They can also get funding for therapy which can be quite costly so I think that is a real bonus for people up here.”
Pearce Federal Member and Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, said existing NDIS participants in Chittering, Northam, Toodyay and York would transfer to the national scheme between April and December 2018.
"The NDIS will continue to roll out on a geographic basis and will be fully rolled out across Western Australia by July 2020,” he said.
Mr Porter said that the expected 2902 NDIS participants in Pearce can be assured of appropriate safeguards.
“The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will play a crucial role on behalf of NDIS participants as an overseer of the quality and safety of services and supports they are accessing through the NDIS,” Mr Porter said.
Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson said a State-operated NDIS could not match the capacity and resourcing that can be achieved by being part of the national scheme.
"Western Australians with disability need and deserve that certainty," Mr Dawson said.
“I also believe that Western Australia would be better placed to influence the future direction of the NDIS as part of a national approach, rather than as an outsider.
"We will work alongside unions and employer groups to ensure that the workforce is ready for this transition.”
Visit www.ndis.gov.au for more information on local service providers in the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt.
