The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is now available in Katherine.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The disability services market in the Territory is expected to double to $320 million by June 2020.
Assistant Minister for Disability Services Jane Prentice said it was an exciting occasion for the local communities.
“From 1 July, people with disability in Katherine and Darwin Remote will join more than 300 other Territorians who are accessing the NDIS and getting the supports and services they need to live the life they choose,” Mrs Prentice said.
“The NDIS will provide people with disability with reasonable and necessary supports, such as personal care, therapy services and equipment, to help them achieve their goals, increase their independence and be more involved in their community.”
The NDIS is available to people under the age of 65 with permanent and significant disability.
The Darwin remote region spans Roper Gulf, Tiwi Islands, Victoria-Daly, West Arnhem and West Daly Region.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disability at twice the rate of the general population, and experience poorer outcomes in health, education, access to justice and employment
- Scott Avery
Ms Prentice said governments and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) were working on a community-by-community approach to guide the implementation of the NDIS in remote communities.
“We are committed to undertaking culturally appropriate activities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure the views of these communities are central to the design, delivery and services which affect them,” Mrs Prentice said.
The First Peoples Disability Network deputy CEO June Riemer has previously raised concerns about access to NDIS services for people in remote communities.
“It is vital that our mobs have the opportunity to share information and experiences in a culturally appropriate way,” Ms Riemer said.
“We must ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability are not left behind as this major national reform is rolled out.”
FPDN Research and Policy director Scott Avery said research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disability at twice the rate of the general population, and experience poorer outcomes in health, education, access to justice and employment”.
“Our research is going behind the numbers and reporting on the intersectional impact of disability and Aboriginality to understand the barriers that are holding Aboriginal people with disability back from achieving their potential.
“Most importantly we are looking at how we can address this by adopting an inclusive, culturally appropriate approach in our communities.”