Page 596 - Week 02 - Thursday, 18 February 2016
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Disability ACT continues to work one on one to build the capability of residents to exercise choice and control over the services they want. Disability ACT is supporting our residents to prepare for the NDIS by working with them and their guardians to develop an NDIS individual pre-plan that documents their vision and goals for the future.
Residents and guardians continue to be supported to connect with non-government providers through information sessions and expos. Families have also had the opportunity to hear from people who have been through the NDIS phasing and transition process. Residents and guardians are learning from others and taking advantage of the NDIS opportunities. Over 80 per cent of Disability ACT households have chosen their non-government provider and about one-third have transitioned to their new provider.
Disability ACT is continuing to implement strategies to strengthen its supports during its transition. Disability ACT, in partnership with its staffing agencies, is supporting staff to understand resident needs, handover processes and to respond to emergency situations. Disability ACT is strengthening its shift handover processes by requiring staff to take additional steps to understand residents’ support requirements, especially around mealtime management, epilepsy and positive behavioural support plans. Disability ACT is extending staff handover for clients with complex health and behavioural needs, and we are providing training to staff so that they have the skills and knowledge to meet resident needs.
Therapy ACT is supporting the transition of clients to non-government organisations. We are also seeing changes to the service model of Therapy ACT, which continues to provide services for ACT residents aged from birth to 65 years during 2016. One service area which is being further considered with the closure of Therapy ACT in December 2016 is therapy services for school students. Therapy ACT and the Education and Training Directorate are working together to determine a plan for the future.
A transition team continues to work with families and staff to facilitate referral to the NDIS, develop quotes for in-kind therapeutic services, support the projects associated with the service step-down and engage with the non-government sector to build robust services that give families choice for the future. Therapy ACT is also continuing to provide assessments to clients on its waiting list to ensure participants have the proof of eligibility they need to enter the NDIS.
The ACT Child Development Service is another important element of our service. Since January 2016 the ACT Child Development Service has been delivering intake, referral and assessment services to determine eligibility for the NDIS and pathways for intervention.
The ACT government is working in collaboration with local disability organisations to maximise opportunity and minimise the financial impact of the changing market. At 30 December 2015, 197 organisations were registered with the NDIA to provide services in the ACT. During 2015 there were two rounds of business investment
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video