Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles, and Assistant Minister for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health and Disabilities, Ngaree Ah Kit, have launched ‘Talk-Up’ materials designed to ensure Territorians with a disability know they have the right  to access high quality services.

It is especially important that Territorians know what services are available and how to access them during the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS at full scheme in the NT is expected to provide over $200 million in funded supports for 6500 Territorians, and expected to create 1000 jobs.

The Government said it was committed to the roll out of the NDIS and ensuring that all Territorians no matter where they live are able to access to high quality disability services.

The Materials including a catchy cartoon, book marks and poster have been translated into a number of Aboriginal languages including Kriol.

These materials will educate Territorians with disability about their rights and how they can seek help to improve the services that they receive through the Health and Community Services Complaints Commission.

‘Talk-Up’ Materials are available from the Health and Community Services Complaints Commission or visit  www.hcscc.nt.gov.au

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said: “Territorians with a disability deserve to have access to the best services, and we are making sure they are fully informed about how to access these schemes, including the NDIS.

“The NDIS is a big financial investment and a significant change in the way we fund and provide services for people with disabilities. It is often described as the biggest social policy reform since the establishment of Medicare.

“Like all new systems which bring major change, it is important that everyone knows how it will work and what its important features are.

“The Talk Up materials launched today all have the following message: Everyone who receives services under NDIS has a right to expect that they will be high quality and safe. If they aren’t, people should have the confidence to ‘Talk-Up’.”