New promise of support
NDIS disability advocate helps people who are lost in system
PEOPLE with disabilities struggling to access the NDIS are the majority of clients who receive help from an advocacy service in Warwick.
When Queensland Social Justice Centre manager TerriAnn Dwyer read about the difficulties Warwick resident Greg Hutchinson faced, it was a situation she recognised all too well.
Like many TASC clients, Mr Hutchinson had been rejected from the NDIS but said he could not understand why.
Having suffered a brain injury at a young age, Mr Hutchinson has received the disability support pension most of his life.
Mrs Dwyer said it was common for people with disabilities who didn’t have a friend or family member to help them fill out paperwork, make phone calls and attend appointments to feel “lost” in the system.
A state-funded mental health and disability advocacy service, TASC attempts to support people like Mr Hutchinson.
Mrs Dwyer said one of the biggest issues with NDIS accessibility was being able to communicate a person’s individual situation and needs.
“We find some are rejected from the NDIS simply because their medical practitioner doesn’t know how to fill in the service access forms, which is the document that the NDIA uses to make a determination about eligibility,” she said.
“People tend to see a number of different GPs who don’t understand our journey. Things like how we can’t get out of bed in the morning or find it difficult to make a cup of tea.
“That is so vital for the NDIA to maximise their support and their safety in the home.”
Mrs Dwyer said an advocate could help create that full picture for NDIA assessors by attending appointments, helping fill out paperwork and speaking with NDIS staff on their behalf.
She said nine out of 10 clients were successful in applying for the NDIS with the help of TASC.
“Anyone with a disability or mental illness who feels like they are not being heard or something is not quite right should get in touch with us,” she said.
“To be with someone through the lengthy period and can help stop people from getting worried and anxious and see it as productive time.
“We have a lot of experience with these systems and we work in this area day in and day out.”
WE HAVE A LOT OF EXPERIENCE WITH THESE SYSTEMS. TERRI-ANN DWYER