A big part of this year’s expo is giving people with a disability and their families/carers an insight into what the National Disability Insurance Scheme can do for them and what role NDIS providers play. One of the key initiatives the NDIA has taken on is working with local communities to improve the quality of life of people with a disability and build awareness. The NDIS does this by providing information and referrals, support to access community services and personal plans/supports over a lifetime.
If you are a person with a disability and you meet the access requirements you can become a participant in the scheme. If you do not meet the access requirements, and you live in a launch site, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) may be able to provide you with information about other supports that could be of benefit to you and assist in referral to these.
The NDIA will also keep you up to date with the latest news in regards to Government Initiative’s, new services in your state and consumer resources and awareness. To press this issue of late the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released new resources for consumers of disability related products and services. The package includes a collection of online information, scam alerts and an educational video. This is designed to help disability consumers be aware of potential scams and understand the ability to exercise their consumer rights.
Due to a recent scam targeting NDIS participants please be aware the NDIS will never ask you for personal information, bank account or credit card details over the phone or in an email. You should only provide this information to the NDIA using the Bank Account Details Form and sending it to your local NDIA office.
The other major part of the NDIS is supporting families and carers who are a vital part of a disabled persons life. Almost 2.7 million Australians care for someone with a disability, medical condition or mental illness. To support this sector of the community the NDIA in conjunction with the Government is developing something called the Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services (the Plan) to better recognise, support and sustain the vital work of unpaid carers.
The first stage of the Plan was establishment in December 2015 called the Carer Gateway, a new national website and phone service to help carers access information and support. To view a current list of programs, services and payments available for carers and families please visit the Department of Social Services.
This years Nepean Disability Expo will be vital in helping you speak with service providers who have joined the NDIA to find out more information about how they can help you. The Expo will not only give you exposure to a variety of service providers, support groups and charities but also quality disability products. These providers can show you how their services and products will benefit you personally as a disabled person or carer. The Expo will run from the 16th – 17th September 2016 at Penrith Panthers Marquee. Stay tuned to the NDE news and Facebook site for updates and more information. Call us on 02 9025 9388 if you are interested in Exhibiting or Sponsoring at the event.