DISABILITY support groups in Warrnambool have welcomed the announced rollout of the life-changing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The healthcare program will be introduced over three years from July, reaching the south-west in October 2017.
Southern Way chief executive officer Paul Lougheed said the two years of preparation would allow Warrnambool-based services enough time to adapt for the change without being rushed.
“Now there's a date set it will give lot of relief to a lot of people,” he said.
“There was a sense of urgency to get things happening but now can we make sure we have the systems well and truly in place.
”It enables us to prepare well for the NDIS and take a considered approach to making sure our organisation is ready.”
Mr Lougheed said there was a “huge need” for the NDIS in the region.
”You can't underestimate the scale of this reform and its impact on people's lives,” he said.
“Some families out there are in urgent need of support.
“Now we just need to ensure we can respond to those needs and get them thinking about what the future might look like under NDIS.”
Mpower president David Beggs said there was a trade-off between having time to prepare and the desire to provide better services.
“It would be lovely to have everything instantaneously but it will give us time to prepare properly,” he said.
“Mpower needs to get a little bigger to have the economies of scale required under the new system. We’re in the process of raising money now for a new building across the road.
”Warrnambool has a thriving not-for-profit sector providing excellent services at the moment. NDIS will allow us to provide even more excellent services to more people.”
Karingal chief operating officer Brandon Howard said it would expand its south-west service for the NDIS.
“It will empower people with a disability to ultimately lead a more fulfilling life, providing independence, opportunity and a greater inclusion within their community,” he said.
“The experience we have gained from being a service provider in the Barwon trial site is invaluable.
“We will be scheduling information sessions in Warrnambool and surrounding areas to pass on our knowledge and experience.”
