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SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019
EvERYThINg YOU NEED TO KNOW AbOUT ThE NDIs
THE NDIS Is hERE
SupporTINg pEoplE wITH DISAbIlITy IN AuSTrAlIA
TIPs & ADVICE
YOUR QUEsTIONs ANsWERED
hOW WILL ThE NDIs
LOOK FOR YOU?
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU
One mOnth intO the nDiS
nDiS ROLLOUt On the COASt
“We’ve got that ‘on the ground’ community knowledge – the knowledge about caring family support networks, and also the knowledge about working with people with disability,” Jocelyn said. “We’ve been a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) partner in Queensland since we rolled out the NDIs in Toowoomba and Ipswich in January ‘17, so we feel very experienced to be bringing this to the sunshine Coast now.” Jocelyn said Carers Queensland had an experienced team on the sunshine Coast, including locals that really know the area and know their community. Plus, the staff are skilled in working with people with disability and their families. “It’s early days yet. We’ve only been live for a couple of weeks but so far the (NDIs) Plans we’re seeing and the conversations we’re having in that area continues to be very, very positive,” she said.
“We feel really privileged to be in a position to work with so many people through Carers Queensland. “It’s busy, and we’ve got a lot of really important work to do, but it’s incredibly rewarding as well. All the staff are really enjoying the experience of supporting people to get the reasonable and
WE’RE REALLY KEEN TO hEAR FROM PEOPLE IF ThEY’vE gOT QUEsTIONs OR IF ThEY WOULD LIKE sOME sUPPORT TO gET ACCEss.. necessary supports they need to live a good life. We’re seeing that start to occur on the sunshine Coast, which is incredibly exciting for everyone involved.” Jocelyn said the LAC role involved working with all people across the community to link them in with appropriate community and mainstream support: both those with a disability, and also supporting carers to support services as well. Another important aspect of Carers Queensland work has been going into the
Jocelyn wills, general Manager, Carers Queensland.
community to find the people who don’t yet know about the scheme. “We’ve got a real responsibility to make sure that everyone’s who’s eligible for the NDIs knows about it,” she said. With a satisfaction rating of 99.4 per cent from the more than 200 people they’ve already assisted, Jocelyn said if she could leave people with just one message, it
would be to contact Carers Queensland with any questions at all about the NDIs, or how you might get access to that scheme. “We’re really keen to hear from people if they’ve got questions or if they would like some support to get access. We can provide support to people who have a disability but are not eligible for NDIs as well.”
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his year marks 30 years that Carers Queensland has been on the sunshine Coast, so it’s been an exciting time for them to watch the rollout of the NDIs across the region. general Manager of Carers Queensland, Jocelyn Wills said it meant that the organisation was already well established in the community, and able to deliver the services needed to people in the area.
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SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019
Living Life tO the fULLeSt
with the heLp Of nDiS For Trevor boone, joining the National Disability Insurance scheme (NDIs) allowed him to live out two very special dreams right here on the sunshine Coast. Trevor has spina bifida, a condition that causes his right leg to be weaker and shorter than his left leg, impacting on his mobility. born in Northern Ireland, Trevor migrated to Queensland with his family in 1983.
With a leg brace for support, he has worked continuously for the Queensland public service for more than 30 years and maintained a healthy, active social life.
but I stayed positive thinking that it would improve.
In recent years, however, Trevor’s mobility started to become more limited.
“Just as tasks were becoming much harder and I was becoming more isolated, the NDIs came through just at the right time,” he said.
“As my condition worsened, the muscles had been contracting without me realising so I ended up on crutches,” Trevor said.
Trevor joined the NDIs in september, which brought a change he describes as ‘unbelievable’.
“After a while, I started losing mobility,
After reaching out to his Local Area Coordinator – Carers Queensland. The organisation provided him with the guidance and support to find new services that enabled him to do things he never thought were possible. For the first time in more than 20 years, Trevor has been able to honour the ageold Australian tradition of a day trip to the beach. “because it is quite difficult for me mobility-wise, going to the beach is something I had avoided for a long time. “That was easy in Ireland in the cold but over here it is a very popular thing to do, it has been at least 20 years since I was on the beach. I have been three times in the past few months to Mudjimba and then to byron bay.” however, this was not the only goal ticked
ThE NDIs hAs shOWN ME ThAT YOU CAN sTILL hAvE A LIFE, YOU MIghT JUsT NEED A LITTLE sUPPORT. off Trevor’s bucket list thanks to his new funding flexibility. As an avid lover of music, Trevor had always dreamed of going to a music festival, and this year he was able to bring in the New Year at one of the largest festival’s in the southern hemisphere – Woodford Folk Festival. “Prior to the NDIs I would have found this type of camping experience way too difficult but now I have some beautiful memories.” Trevor said the NDIs has given him renewed confidence and a more positive outlook on the future. “When I got on these crutches and lost my mobility I sort of thought that that was it for me. That I wouldn’t be able to have these experiences. “The NDIs has shown me that you can still have a life, you might just need a little support.”
Your registered NDIS building provider servicing the Coast DON’T RISK IT, USE THE HEALTH INDUSTRY BUILDING EXPERTS • Health industry compliant with required insurances and work cover
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Once the participants support budget has been approved, Qspec • Industry experts in providing home can arrange a site visit to provide a modifications and assistive technology quote for the home modifications or assistive technology solutions required. solutions for NDIS participants Alternatively, Qspec can arrange a site visit and quote for submission to the • Liveable Housing Australia NDIS for budget allocation. accredited Builder • Team of fully qualified trade professionals that hold all required police checks and certification to service the health industry • Prior experience delivering services to NDIS participants living in the Brisbane area • Extensive experience dealing with clients with specialised needs
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WHERE DOES QSPEC SERVICE?
Qspec services Gympie to South Brisbane for non-structural modifications and are happy to provide quotes for participants residing in regional areas. For complex modifications Qspec services the area between Gympie and the northern suburbs of Brisbane but can assess some complex modifications in the greater Brisbane area.
Visit www.qspec.com.au to learn more about the home modifications and assistive technologies offered by Qspec.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU
hOw tO ACCeSS the nDiS? Ensure you have the best chance at receiving the support you need
N
ow the NDIs is available in the region, you won’t be able to access the support you need until you lodge an access request. This is where you officially lodge yourself as someone who would like to receive the NDIs. If you are currently receiving disability services, you would have received a letter in the mail prior to a phone call to let you know an NDIA representative will soon make contact. You will then be asked if you’d like to do your request over the phone, or through a paper form. If you choose to process over the phone, you will be asked a series of questions, including: >> Confirmation of your identity and/or a person’s authority to act on your behalf >> Questions in relation to providing consent to enter the scheme >> Questions to determine if you meet the NDIs eligibility requirements.
If you would prefer not to do the request over the phone, the NDIA representative can send you the appropriate paperwork to complete. Following the initial access process, you may be asked to submit further information regarding your disability. If this is the case, you will be sent a letter and a form to have completed by a health professional. You will be informed within 21 days if your access request has been approved or denied. If you have not been approved, you can request a review of the decision within three months of the decision being made. If there is a delay in the application approval process, you will be informed. n If you are not currently receiving disability services, but think you may be eligible, phone the NDIS hotline on 1800 800 110 between 8am– 11pm, Monday to Friday.
wHAT SupporT IS CoVErED? Every case is evaluated on an individual basis and support provided accordingly. In a general sense, the NDIS provides personalised: » Information and referral » support to access community services and activities » Individualised plans and supports » Early intervention » Where necessary, funded supports that may be one-off support or a funded support package. Examples of funded supports include assistive technology, Auslan and housing.
wHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNology? Assistive technology, as defined by the World health Organisation, is ‘any device or system that allows individuals to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do or increases the ease and safety with which tasks can be performed’. Some examples of assistive technology that an NDIS participant may be eligible to receive funding for include (but is not limited to): » Over-toilet frame » Mobility cane » video magnifier » Non-slip bathmat » bed rails » Non-electronic magnifiers » Wheelchair » Talking watch » hoist » Long-handled or adapted grip equipment » hearing aids » shower stool/chair » bath seat
five tipS tO
pRepARe
If you haven’t started preparing for the NDIs, start now. The scheme was made available to the region on January 1, 2019 and if you still don’t have your support plans in place, here’s how to get started.
1
Assess your situation: Write down your current needs, the current support you receive and anything else you require or would make life easier. gather all the information you can about your disability including medical assessments and reports. If you don’t have access to any records, don’t worry, your NDIs caseworker can help you arrange them.
2 3
Think ahead: What do you want your future to look like? Think about the perfect scenario, what you hope to achieve and any ideas on what you might need to get there. Again, write all this down so it’s ready to show your caseworker.
Day in the life: Diarise a typical day or week in your life. Ensure you include any barriers you face, any support you receive etc. Make note of things you think could help make these everyday tasks easier.
WhERE POssIbLE, TRY TO CONNECT WITh OThER PEOPLE AND FAMILIEs IN A sIMILAR sITUATION As YOU.
4 5
Network: Where possible, try to connect with other people and families in a similar situation as you. Compare notes and seek various perspectives. This will help you better understand what others are doing, any things you may not have considered, or types of support you could also be entitled to.
research: become familiar with the language associated with the NDIs. Understand what the various components are and what certain terms mean. Keep up to date with information on the NDIs website, and keep this guide handy to refer to as you need to. start looking at providers in your area so you are familiar with who they are and how they might be able to help you. n
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ThE NDIs gO TO ndis.gov.au
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SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019
ADvERTORIAL
SLeep qUALity...
ARe yOU getting enOUgh?
D
id you know that we spend a third of our life in our bed? Although we spend more time in our bed than we do in our car, we often don’t prioritise sleep and the environment we sleep in the way we should.
It is a well-researched fact that sleep is important for the body to repair and rejuvenate and good quality sleep is essential in maintaining good health and keeping your body able to perform at an optimum level. The quality of our sleep is what often lets us down and affects us not
only physically, but also mentally. For elder people, those who are faced with health challenges or a disability, sleep can be even more important. People who suffer from chronic pain, age-related illness or disabilities should pay closer attention to their sleeping cycles. That’s where Wenatex the sleep system steps in because it is the ultimate adjustable bed system. Made in salzburg Austria with exclusive adjustable
design features to hold the body in its anatomically correct position, The Wenatex system is designed for health. Wenatex is committed to offering solutions to the many sleep problems that people may experience. Whether it’s their sleeping position that can exacerbate chronic health conditions and circulation problems or issues with respiratory conditions, reflux and allergies. Wenatex the sleep system is an essential part of catching up on quality of sleep that we
gOOD QUALITY sLEEP Is EssENTIAL IN MAINTAININg gOOD hEALTh AND KEEPINg YOUR bODY AbLE TO PERFORM AT AN OPTIMUM LEvEL.. have lost over the years. best of all, the system is available at CPAP Direct through NDIs and approved care packages. CPAP Direct Maroochydore and Morayfield are proud to showcase the Wenatex range in store that is available in single, king single, double, queen and king size combinations. The adjustable bed bases can also be adapted to sit inside most existing bed frames, so you can maintain the design of your bedroom. specialised and exclusive “good sleep for a better Life” informational seminars will run at CPAP Direct over the coming weeks. Contact the store directly to book your seat for the next session. It’s the first step to finding a better sleep, plus you’ll get the chance to see and feel the Wenatex sleep system for yourself. To contact CPAP Direct or to make a booking call: Maroochydore 5476 8328 or Morayfield 5316 3327 or visit: cpap.com.au
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU
YOUR NDIS
JOURNEY
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP ROADMAP FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACCESSING THE NDIS
1
1. ASSESS THE SITUATION Do you currently receive disability support, or care for someone who does? Is there anything that prohibits you from leading an ordinary life? Do you think you may be eligible for NDIS support? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, you may be eligible.
2. ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
2
You can access the NDIS depending on your age, residency and disability. » Age: If you are under 65 years of age when the NDIS reaches your region. » Residency: If you are a permanent resident in Australia or are an Australian citizen. » Disability: If your disability is likely to be with you for life and you require support to manage everyday activities. Early intervention can also help children under six years old with developmental delay. For a full eligibility checklist, head to www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist
3. PREPARE
3
Envisage what you want your future to look like. Write down any supports you need and what would make your life easier. Diarise your typical day to document any barriers you have. Where possible, collate any medical records about your condition.
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SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019
5 5. CONTACTED BY THE NDIA After receiving your letter in the mail, you will be phoned by a NDIA representative and asked if you’d like to do your request over the phone, or through a paper form.
7
6. LODGE ACCESS REQUEST If you chose to complete your access request in paper form, you will need to send it to the address indicated on the forms. If you did it over the phone, you don’t need to post anything.
7. FIND OUT IF YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED
6
Your application will take 21 days to process and be either approved or denied. You will be contacted by a NDIA representative if there is a delay.
POST OFFICE
4
8
8. ASSIGNED A LOCAL AREA COORDINATOR Once you have been notified by the NDIA that you are eligible to receive NDIS funding, the NDIA will assign a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to work with you in developing your support plan. Your LAC will discuss your situation with you, and help you seek community activities and services in your community that will help you reach your goals. You can choose the providers you feel are the best fit for you. Your LAC will be able to support you throughout the whole process.
4. NDIS IS HERE If you are currently receiving disability services, you will receive a letter in the mail from the NDIA outlining your next steps. If you are not currently receiving disability services, but think you may be eligible, phone the NDIS on 1800 800 110 between 8am-11pm local times, Monday to Friday and let them know you think you may be eligible.
9
9. YOUR FIRST PLAN Your first plan will stay in place for 12 months. After that first year, you will reassess your situation and adjust if required.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU
hOw wiLL nDiS
LOOK fOR yOU? My family has multiple plans to manage. Do you have any suggestions how to stay on top of it all? Should I set up separate bank account for each plan? If you choose to self-manage all or part of your NDIs budget, it is strongly advised that you have a separate bank account just for your NDIs funds (your NDIs bank account). As each plan is different, it would be helpful to have a separate bank account for each plan. As an NDIs participant, the bank account must be opened in your name. If the participant is a child, the bank account should be in the child’s name and the child’s representative must be listed as a signatory to the child’s account. If the bank account is not able to be opened in the participant’s name, the account must be in the name of the nominee or child’s representative who is approved to self-manage the NDIs funding. Ultimately it does come down to how your family finds it best to manage the financial transaction of each plan. For further information about managing supports in your plan, including the different ways to process transactions, making service bookings and using the myplace Participant Portal, visit the participant section of the website: ndis.gov.au/participants
I am self-managed. Do I need to pay invoices upfront and then claim for a reimbursement? How long does a reimbursement take? As a self-managed participant, you can choose how you wish to pay your service provider’s invoices.
what are the differences between being plan-managed and self-managed? When we talk about managing a plan, we mean the way you manage the financial transactions involved with accessing supports as part of your plan. There are four ways to manage plan budgets: 1. self-managed budgets- self-managing your plan means the NDIs will pay you directly for the supports you claim under your plan’s budgets. being self-managed allows you to choose any provider, whether they are registered with the NDIs or not. 2. Agency-managed budgets - When the NDIA manages your plan, the NDIs will directly pay your support providers for you. You have to choose registered NDIs providers if the NDIA manages your plan. 3. Plan management - If it’s the best option for you, you may have funding for a plan management service provider included in your plan. In this situation, the NDIs will pay your plan manager, who will directly pay for all supports you have asked them to manage. 4. Combination of the above three options can be used together. No matter which option you choose, you remain in control of which support providers you ultimately choose and engage with. For further information about managing supports in your plan, including making service bookings and using the myplace Participant Portal, visit the participants section of our website: ndis.gov.au/participants
some participants pay their invoice as soon as it comes through, and then request a payment (reimbursement) via the myplace participant portal. Other participants may choose to request a payment through the myplace participant portal and once the money has been deposited into their nominated bank account, they pay their service provider. It’s up to you. It usually takes 24 hours for the payment request to be processed through the myplace participant portal and be deposited into your nominated bank account. ndis.gov.au/participants
I’ve heard the paperwork is an ordeal for some to claim NDIS. Can you please offer some helpful tips, so we can prepare? before you become an NDIs participant, you will need to fill out an access request form and provide relevant supporting documents.
what can you use core funding for? I haven’t used it yet and I don’t want respite.
It can be a bit of work, but the NDIA need to ensure that it has a complete picture of your situation so that you get the right supports.
Core funding (or core budget) is allocated in your plan for everyday living activities and working towards your longer-term goals. It is made up of different categories of support such as:
Once you are an NDIs participant, the amount of paperwork depends on how you want to manage your plan.
• Consumables (e.g. purchasing everyday use items such as continence aids) • Daily activities (e.g. support with self-care activities during the day or evening) • Assistance with social and community participation (e.g. supports to enable you to engage in social or recreational activities) As your day-to-day living activities and long-term goals are very specific to you, your core budget is the most flexible part in your funding. What you use your core budget for can look different for everyone. however, it is important to remember that this part of your budget is centered on everyday living activities and long-term goals, so how you decide to use this funding must align with your goals. There is more information on understanding your plan and supports, as well as downloadable resources on managing the different parts of your budget on the NDIs website.
what happens if you use up all your funds? When your NDIs plan is developed, your funding is designed for the life of the plan. As a part of NDIs’s commitment to choice and control, you are ultimately in control of how and when your funds are spent in line with what is reasonable and necessary for your goals. however, if there is a situation where you notice that your plan funding is not going to last the life of the plan, the best thing to do is get in contact with your Local Area Coordinator or planner. On the sunshine Coast this organisation is Carers Queensland. Through Carers Queensland you can request a plan review and submit a change in circumstance form, which will also help the NDIA to reassess your situation. To contact Carers Queensland call: 1800 242 636 or visit carersqld.com.au/contact-us/
Source: ndis.gov.au
For more helpful questions and answers in regards to NDIS plan management please visit ndis.gov.au/qanda/managing-plan-participant-information
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SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019
ADvERTORIAL
it’S time tO
DReAm big F ollowing the January 1 rollout of the National Disability Insurance scheme (NDIs), thousands of people on the Coast can now make their own choices and dream big about their future.
One of the Coast’s largest community service organisations is guiding people, their families and carers through the NDIs transition and connecting them with the
care and support they need to ensure they make the most of their funding.
unknown, particularly when it can lead to big life changes,” said Mr Crothers.
Centacare Operations Manager, Adrian Crothers, said that while the NDIs is a positive change for people with a disability, he understands why some people may feel apprehensive.
“For the first time ever, people with disabilities have the opportunity to think about what they want out of life and choose the kinds of services that are right for them. This can actually be quite difficult for someone who has never really thought about specific goals they wish to achieve. And naturally, the transition process itself can be confusing or even intimidating for some people.
“It’s natural to be concerned about the
hOW TO gET ThE MOsT FROM ThE NDIs If you do not currently receive support or funding: You are now able to contact the NDIs to request access. You will need as much information as possible from medical professionals regarding your disabilities. If you already receive disability funding: You will be contacted in the coming weeks and months to organise your initial meeting with an NDIs planner. Meetings can be conducted in offices, at your home or over the phone – whichever is most convenient for you. The NDIS is a positive change: It’s important to recognise that this important initiative has the potential to change the lives of people with a disability and our whole community, for the better. be prepared: This is your chance to get the support and services you need to achieve your goals. The Centacare pre-planning booklet will help to develop a clear understanding of who you are, what you like and dislike while identifying the specific support you need and want. Ask for help: Organisations such as Centacare can support you through the entire process to make the transition as easy as possible. This includes help to identify your goals, prepare for your planning meeting and connect you with quality services and support that best suit your needs.
your NDIS QuESTIoNS ANSwErED help is available to support you through your NDIs journey. From understanding how the scheme could work for you and what information you need to provide, to preparing for your planning meeting, or questioning decisions about eligibility and what’s included in your plan, Centacare can help you.
“We’ve helped hundreds of people through earlier roll outs and have achieved some fantastic outcomes for our clients. We encourage people to ‘think big’ about their goals and ask for what they need. We can also attend their planning meeting with them to help ensure they end up with a personalised plan that works for them.” For more information about how Centacare can help with preplanning or service support, please phone 1300 236 822.
Let’s talk about your goals Call 1300 236 822 centacarebrisbane.net.au/ndis
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU
ADvERTORIAL
ben LOOKS fORwARD tO
new OppORtUnitieS UnDeR nDiS
C
ooroy resident ben Riley watched as the rest of Queensland transitioned to the National Disability Insurance scheme (NDIs) – now it’s his turn.
The final NDIs rollout for the sunshine Coast, Noosa and gympie regions commenced on January 1, 2019 with thousands of residents in these regions to transition to the scheme over the coming months. Mr Riley, who sustained paraplegia from a spinal cord injury more than a decade ago, said he was excited about the transition and hoped he could use his NDIs funding to improve his personal and social life. “The main thing I’d love to get is a motorised walking frame that would allow me to manoeuvre around the house while upright – it would be a huge help,” he said. “I’m also hoping for little things to help me stay active and healthy and get more involved in my community.” Mr Riley said he was feeling a lot more confident about his first NDIs planning meeting after attending an information session run by spinal Life Australia last year. “I felt a lot more confident and reassured after hearing what the experts had to say,” he said. “since then, I’ve talked one-on-one with
I WANT TO MAKE sURE I CAN MAKE FULL UsE OF ThE OPPORTUNITIEs AvAILAbLE UNDER ThE NDIs TO LIvE ThE bEsT LIFE I CAN. spinal Life staff and have another session with them organised before my first planning meeting, so I can make sure I’m prepared,” Mr Riley said. “I want to make sure I can make full use of the opportunities available under the NDIs to live the best life I can.” spinal Life Australia Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell said the organisation was focused on supporting people with spinal cord damage and related physical disabilities to achieve their goals as participants of the NDIs. “We’ve been working with many of our members and clients to help them prepare, hosting a series of informational workshops across the state and providing personal one-on-one support over the phone and face-to-face,” Mr Powell said. “We’re also delivering specialist services to NDIs participants, including allied health and personal support, home care and assisting them to coordinate their supports and implement their plan effectively.”
Mr Powell said spinal Life members were also able to access expert advocacy services, including support to navigate concerns or issues as part of the NDIs rollout.
provided for much-needed nursing services, along with air conditioning which is very important for people with spinal cord injuries who cannot regulate their own body temperature.
This also included working with members on recent appeals for funding to be
For more information about preparing for the NDIs, visit spinal.com.au/ndis
27
SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019
ADvERTORIAL
ARe RegiOnAL qUeenSLAnD DiSAbiLity CUStOmeRS
miSSing OUt? P eople with disabilities living in regional Queensland could be missing out on services due to the scarcity of available providers registered with the National Disability Insurance scheme (NDIs).
Andrew Kiel, co-founder of Leap in!, a registered charity providing NDIs plan management services, said that almost half of Queensland’s NDIs participants continue to have their funding managed by the National Disability Insurance
Agency (NDIA) direct. All you need to do is request to have a plan manager during your NDIs plan meeting.
“If you’re an NDIs participant having your budget managed by the NDIA, it means you are limited to using NDIsregistered providers. In regional areas, those providers are often in high demand, unavailable or non-existent,” Mr Kiel said. “There is a solution. The NDIs has been designed to offer customers more choice
and control over their support services. The most user-friendly choice is a new model called plan management, where there are no out of pocket expenses and participants can choose the supports and services that suit their individual needs.” Mr Kiel said under the plan management model, participants can access a wider range of allied health professionals who may not currently be registered with the NDIs. These may include speech therapists, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, podiatrists and social workers.
Andrew Kiel, co-founder of leap in!
ThE gREAT NEWs Is ThERE Is NO COsT FOR ThIs ADDITIONAL FLEXIbILITY AND sUPPORT..
“Using a registered plan manager like Leap in! means participants have more control over their NDIs funds. Leap in! helps connect people with services and support whilst managing budgets, service agreements and invoices.”
“The great news is there is no cost for this additional flexibility and support. The NDIs covers the costs of plan management over and above a person’s NDIs funding,” said Mr Kiel. As a national organisation headquartered in Queensland, Leap in! is currently focusing on encouraging participants across the state to take advantage of the scheme’s flexibility.
“We encourage regional Queenslanders to call us for advice on how to ensure their NDIs plan has the greatest flexibility with the widest access to services to suit their individual circumstances,” Mr Kiel said. Leap in! is a plan manager and registered charity with the goal of helping Australians with disabilities, and the community groups who support them to navigate the NDIs. For more information, call 1300 057 878 or go to www.leapin.com.au
Live the life you want to lead with Leap in! NDIS Plan Management. No waiting and no cost to you Use the providers you want
(whether registered with the NDIS or not)
Track your NDIS budgets in real time Fast payment for your providers Great advice plus a free planning and budget app
Join today, claim tomorrow.
1300 05 78 78 leapin.com.au
28
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 SUNSHINECOASTDAILY.COM.AU
ADVERTORIAL
Kawana waters Learning Hub
a paradise for eden while he’s waiting to go out onto the waters of the stunning Lake Kawana, Eden Portelli listens to his favourite music, takes a moment to himself and appreciates the view.
OuR AcTIVITIEs ARE REALLy TAILORED TO ThE nEEDs Of ThE InDIVIDuALs whO ATTEnD OuR sERVIcE.
The 21-year-old attends Endeavour foundation’s Kawana Learning and Lifestyle hub and while he’s kayaking today, tomorrow he could be doing anything; from learning new skills in virtual reality technology to performing with a local drama group. support and operations manager Meegan cignoli, a 17-year veteran with Endeavour foundation, said Kawana waters Learning and Lifestyle hub was one of the most unique services in the region, geared towards meeting the different needs of people with an intellectual disability.
here themselves.”
and getting out into the community.
After a morning spent out on the water, Eden Portelli is a little tired but also relaxed and refreshed.
when asked where he sees himself in five years’ time, the teenager has a simple answer.
Thanks to Endeavour foundation, he’s already meeting his goals of socialising
“I want to be a strong and good man,” he said.
something that would make any parent proud. To book a tour of Kawana waters Learning and Lifestyle hub or find out more about Endeavour foundation’s services in the region, call 1800 112 112.
“Our activities are really tailored to the needs of the individuals who attend our service,” she said “Our customers decide what they want to do, and we make it happen for them. “The location is just amazing, overlooking Lake Kawana, which has this calming effect on everyone here. “we’re really close to public transport too, so we put a big emphasis on independence and spend time teaching people how to catch the bus to get
Hey Sunshine Coast Endeavour Foundation supports people with intellectual disability to live, learn, work and flourish in your local area. Our services on the Sunshine Coast include: •
Learning and Lifestyle programs in Kawana Waters, Noosaville and Nambour
•
Employment opportunities in Maroochydore
•
Supported accommodation across the region.
Call Endeavour Foundation today on 1800 112 112 to book a site tour or find out more. EF415.SCD.0119
1800 112 112
envelope
hello@endeavour.com.au
endeavour.com.au
Registered NDIS Provider