Friday, 6 April 2018
$26M TO SUPPORT DISABILITY ADVOCACY SERVICES GOOD NEWS FOR REGION
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today welcomed news that up to $26 million will be available from the NSW Government for disability advocacy services over the next two years, ensuring that local providers can continue to operate as the NDIS is rolled out.
Mr Marshall said the funding would ensure people with disability would have good representation and support, helping them understand their options in social and legal situations and receive advice on discrimination, education, and health.
“When fully rolled out, the NDIS will be offer a life-changing variety of services to people with disability and this funding will help that transition go as smoothly as possible and ensure people are support throughout the transition,” Mr Marshall said.
“Prior to this important extension of support, funding was due to expire on June 30, potentially leaving hundreds of people with disability without access to advocacy services.
“I have spoken and met with several local advocacy services and people with disability, who were concerned about this essential service being cut off from this vital funding.
“The NDIS is a once in a lifetime change in the way disability services are funded, accessed and provided, but it is a big change and one which is challenging for some people to deal with, which these advocacy services are so important.”
Mr Marshall said the extension to support for advocacy services would particularly benefit people in regional and rural communities.
“Regional people with disability may have to travel longer distances or have lesser choice when picking service providers,” Mr Marshall said.
“This makes it all the more essential that regional people can work with NDIS advocacy services that help them access the full range of services available to them.”
A key focus of NSW funding will be to build activities that support inclusion of people with disability in their communities.
More than 84,000 people with disability in NSW are currently accessing the NDIS in NSW.