Page 2187 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 4 August 2015
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National disability insurance scheme—implementation report
Ministerial statement
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for Disability, Minister for Racing and Gaming and Minister for the Arts) (11.02): I am very pleased today to provide a progress report on the implementation of the national disability insurance scheme. On 7 May and 4 June 2014, in separate resolutions, the Assembly called for regular reports on the implementation of disability reform in the ACT. I am pleased to be able to provide another update today. It is very timely as on 1 July we marked a significant milestone with the first anniversary of the NDIS trial here in Canberra.
Our main areas of focus are to provide reassurance to people with a disability and their families during the transition and to advise affected staff on the opportunities that the NDIS presents. The NDIA has published ACT participant numbers for each of the first three quarters of the trial. The ACT is performing well with 91 per cent of participants in the third quarter having an approved plan. This compares with 85 per cent nationally. Disability ACT is working with its residents to build their capability to exercise choice and control.
We know that the transition to the NDIS and the transformation of support for people with a disability represent a big change. This is why Disability ACT is working alongside its residents and families to prepare for the NDIS and support their transition to non-government accommodation providers. Disability ACT has developed a model transition pathway so that residents and their families can clearly see their way into the NDIS.
We are providing one-on-one support to residents and their families to prepare an individual plan that outlines residents’ goals and visions, secures tenancy arrangements and discusses transport options. Assistance is also provided to identify the residents’ preferred non-government provider and to prepare and implement a transition plan to a new provider. Residents and families have had the opportunity to attend NDIS information sessions and learn firsthand from people that have been through the planning process. Disability ACT has facilitated two meet-the-provider expos to allow families to explore non-government providers and to ask questions directly of the providers.
A key part of the process is supporting people with a disability to make their own choices. The government has engaged the ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service to deliver workshops to build the capability of residents to make good choices, to plan effectively to achieve their goals and aspirations and to negotiate with service providers and the NDIA. We are also working with Advocacy for Inclusion to offer up to 15 households the opportunity to participate in a self-advocacy program to enable residents to maximise the opportunities of the NDIS.
Consistent with the phasing schedule, 21 residents from 10 households have phased in to the NDIS. Two households have transitioned to non-government organisations and another two are expected before the end of August this year and another 16 households have selected a preferred provider.
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