It’s two months until the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out across the Illawarra, and one service provider has extended its services in readiness for the change.
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Northcott has opened a new centre in Wollongong, in Kenny Street, and will continue to run its established programs like Transition to Work as well as new services such as recreation and social events.
Northcott’s Illawarra Shoalhaven area manager Mark Borg said the premises would give the region’s clients better access to services.
‘’The NDIS is all about change, about providing the customer with choice,’’ he said. ‘’Northcott has long had a presence in the region, and our new office will give us a steady footing to launch into the NDIS.
‘’It also enables us to create programs such as a centre-based life skills and a social events program.
‘’Because it’s not just about providing mainstream programs from 9-to-5 Monday to Friday; it’s about giving customers the chance to enjoy a night out with their peers.’’
At the official launch of the centre on Friday, former Northcott customer Cameron Ryan shared his story.
Having Asperger’s caused him to be relentlessly bullied ruthlessly at school, but Northcott’s Transition to Work program helped rebuild his confidence.
The 23-year-old Shellharbour man now holds down two jobs – he works at a local supermarket and has been employed by Northcott as a support worker.
‘’My school years were very difficult … but over the past five years Northcott has helped me to grow in confidence and strength,’’ Mr Ryan said. ‘’The Transition to Work program allows young adults to grow skills in a safe, mature and non-judgmental environment.’’
Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said it was an ‘’exciting time’’ to be involved in the disability sector.
‘’It’s just 65 days until the NDIS comes online in this region,’’ he said. ‘’This is a major reform in the way that services are delivered to support people with disability, and has required service providers to be forward thinking so that they are ready for the changes ahead.’’
Cunningham MP Sharon Bird and Whitlam MP Stephen Jones said they hoped for a smooth transition to the NDIS in the region.
‘’It’s taken 10 years of campaigning for a national insurance scheme for people with a disability that was focused on putting the power in their hands,’’ Ms Bird said.
‘’…It is a big change and if there are any roll-out issues – if people feel services they’ve traditionally relied on aren’t operating the way they need, we’re keen to know.’’
The Labor MPs called on the Federal government to include ‘’long-term secure funding’’ for the sector in its upcoming budget.