REGIONAL ROUND UP Northern Rivers - Lee Clark
Our regional people Spinal Cord Injuries Australia’s (SCIA) regional team supports people with disability living in regional areas through their NDIS journey and in exercising their rights to choice and control. They are committed to creating independence, dignity and unlimited opportunities for people living with spinal cord injury and through our Support Coordination service have achieved some remarkable outcomes for people. Our team looks forward to hearing from you. Lee Clark Northern Rivers Shop 27, Alstonville Plaza, Main Street, Alstonville NSW 2477 T: 02 6628 3409 M: 0421 055 992 E: northernrivers@scia.org.au Craig Lees Central West/Mudgee PO Box 1140 Mudgee NSW 2850 T: 02 6372 1892 M: 0413 367 523 E: centralwest@scia.org.au Mel Gorman Illawarra/South Coast Suite B, Level 9, Crown Tower Wollongong Central, 200 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 T: 02 4225 1366 E: illawarra@scia.org.au Vicki Gow New England 20 Murray Street Tamworth NSW 2340 T: 02 6766 6422 E: newengland@scia.org.au
Catherine Rae New England 20 Murray Street Tamworth NSW 2340 T: 02 6766 6422 E: newengland@scia.org.au
26 accord magazine
NDIS - make sure you get the right inclusions in your plan It’s been a very busy time at the Northern Rivers office since the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). I have attended many planning meetings with new participants over the past year and have now started to support them to complete their annual reviews. Unfortunately, I have found that many people have had to go back for a review of their plan due to so many details and daily needs being left out by those collecting the information. Too many individuals are still being told by their Local Area Coordinators that they will not be offered either Plan Management or Coordination of Supports. This goes completely against the recommendations for participants to be able to take control of their plan and choose who they work with and it’s left many still very confused as to what the funding will actually pay for. It’s a hectic time for SCIA in our region and very important to get the supports you need in your plan in order for it to work effectively. However, since 1 July some local service providers no longer provide Plan Management services which means an increase in requests for the services from SCIA. If you or a family member is looking for either Support Coordination or Plan Management, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0421 055 992 or email northernrivers@scia.org.au
Carers Week – we’d love to see you! Carers Week is coming up in October and we’re hosting two events for carers. If you’re caring for someone with a disability or similar, and want to connect with others in our region doing the same, then come along to one of our luncheons in October. Save the date: Tweed on 16 October and Alstonville on 18 October Please email me at northernrivers@scia.org.au to register your interest and find out more details!