NDIS set for Hunter roll-out

Maitland residents were among the 150 people who attended a community forum on the NDIS in Newcastle yesterday.

The Mai-Wel Group has a particular interest in the NDIS after it was announced in August that the NSW trial of the scheme would be launched in the Hunter.

The group, along with other disability services in the region, will be responsible for the rollout of the scheme to about 10,000 Hunter people with significant and profound disabilities.

Yesterday’s forum was an opportunity for interested people to hear about the work that was under way in preparation for the launch of the first stage of the NDIS in mid-2013.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Senator Jan McLucas said the forum was the most well attended to date.

She said that people in the Hunter with significant and permanent disabilities in the Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas would:

* Work with local people to identify their plans and goals for the future.

*  Be assessed to receive NDIS individualised care and support packages.

*  Be able to make decisions about their care and support, including choice of service provider.

*  Receive help from local co-ordinators to manage and deliver support.

*  Access a simple system to link them to mainstream, disability and community services. 

Another forum will be held today in the Mulubinba Room at the Newcastle City Hall in King Street from 10.30am to 3pm - lunch provided.

Phone Ngila Bevan on 9370 3100 to register. For more information visit www.disabilitycareralliance.org.au