Can the NDIS help you?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide more support and choices for people with disabilities.

In the past, services for people with disabilities were funded by organisations receiving money directly from the government, then offering their services directly to the clients free of charge or at a discounted rate.

In contrast, the NDIS allocates money directly to the person with a disability and allows them to choose their service providers.

This opens more opportunities for the service user and service providers alike, placing the power of choice in the hands of the service user.

The NDIS is open to a wide variety of people. There are two categories: early intervention and people with disabilities.

A child may be eligible for funding under the early intervention category if they have an impairment or condition that is likely to be permanent and will substantially reduce their abilities to function, either now or into the future.

A person with a disability may be eligible for funding if they have an impairment or condition that is permanent and ongoing which substantially reduces their ability to independently participate effectively in a variety of activities.

Once you become an NDIS participant, you create a plan of how you want the NDIS to support you and what your goals and aspirations are for your future.

You can plan for a range of different types of support including informal support from friends and family, community support from people and groups in your area, mainstream supports from people such as doctors or teachers, and funded supports for specialised services such as speech pathology services.

Gippsland has many resources for people with disabilities available on the NDIS.

Within Warragul alone we have access to Speech Pathologists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Disability Support Workers to name just a few.

Participants from the Inner Gippsland region can register for the NDIS from 1st April 2017. This region covers Bass Coast Shire, Baw Baw Shire, Latrobe City and South Gippsland Shire. The NDIS officially begins in this region on 1st October and when funding becomes available.

Bellfield Speech Pathology has recently employed Danielle Watkins who has been working in the disability field for the past 5 years and has a particular interest in working with children and adults with disabilities.

Danielle is working with the Bellfield team to ensure the practice is ready for the introduction of the NDIS later this year and is excited to include Bellfield Speech Pathology on the list of local resources available for people with disabilities.

Danielle Watkins is happy to speak to any NDIS participants and prospective participants about their speech pathology needs and how the Bellfield team can be of assistance.

Please contact Danielle or any of the friendly team at Bellfield Speech Pathology on 5622 1055, or visit their website at www.bellfieldsp.com.au

You can also find more info on the National Disability Insurance Scheme at www.ndis.gov.au or by calling their hotline on 1800 800 110.