Northcott Dubbo has celebrated the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme with staff and clients looking forward to the positive change it will have for people who are living with disability.
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Western NSW and the Far West were two of the areas where the NDIS rolled out on July 1, along with a large chunk of NSW.
They were the last of the regions to move onto the new system and eligible recipients of the NDIS will work with the National Disability Insurance Agency over the coming months to ensure users are given an individualised plan to meet their needs.
Northcott volunteer and disability inclusion advocate Cody Jones said he was optimistic about the impact the NDIS would make for people in the region.
“We started on Saturday and now we are technically in rollout mode and that will see some of our clients being interviewed and having plans,” he said.
“There will be some clients who will see a real change. Our goals will no longer be dictated to us, we can say this is where we want to be in 10 years.
“I think the individualisation is excellent. It's not just about the needs but also the goals and aspirations. It's a lot more open to hearing the person and the family and what their needs are.”
Northcott Area Manager for Western NSW, Luke Cameron said the organisation in Dubbo and the Western Area of NSW “has been part of the community for many years. We look forward to continued high quality customer engagement and support as we start the new journey with the NDIS rollout in Western NSW”.
The NDIS would help many children by assessing their needs early and helping them prepare for the future, Northcott CEO Kerry Stubbs said.
“We were involved in the campaign [for the NDIS] because we believed and still believe it was the right direction for people with disability,” she said. “I look at the many children we see and think the NDIS could give them the opportunity to grow into wherever their skills and abilities take them, with a bit of help.”
“I expect to see many more of our young customers studying, working and travelling in the future, and living like 20 and 30 year olds.”
“I hope to see more families feeling comforted that their children with disabilities are settled in the community and they have no fear for their futures.
“All of this is possible under the investment model of the NDIS – not immediately, but if we remain true to its principles. It will be a significant gain both for people with disability and for all of the community.”
