The 2019-20 State Budget includes more funding to support people with disability in the state’s discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
During a visit to Doomadgee today (25 June), Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke said the Specialist Disability Services Assessment and Outreach Team would receive $10.8 million over four years to continue providing specialist clinical services, particularly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“We know Indigenous people living in remote parts of the state can face significant challenges transitioning to the NDIS, and we remain committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability to enter the scheme,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“For more than 10 years, this team has provided assessment and diagnosis for people with complex disability by using expertise across psychiatry, nursing and health.
“The team has played a significant role in assisting vulnerable children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Most recently, they have been working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability to support them to gain access and entry into the NDIS.
“Over the next 12 months, the team will have a significant focus on assisting people in discrete Indigenous communities, including Doomadgee.”
During the Specialist Disability Services Assessment and Outreach Team’s last visit to Doomadgee in August 2018, clinicians identified up to 50 students with an intellectual impairment who would need NDIS supports.
“Many people with disability in these communities have already successfully applied to join the scheme, including some who have never before received disability services, but we want to make sure that no-one is left behind in the transition,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“All eligible people with disability should be able to access the support they need over their lifetime through the NDIS.”
