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Friday, 5 December, 2014 Page 11
Conference examines local trial
NDIS reviewed By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN GEELONG hosted a conference to monitor the progress of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) this week as mental health advocates warned people were still being left out. Barwon Disability Advocacy Network (BDAN) organised the conference after monitoring the local NDIS pilot since its rollout in July 2013. BDAN spokesperson Len Jaffit said the conference examined the NDISâs performance for its 3200-plus clients in the region. âItâs a good time for those who have been involved to explore how well itâs meeting its goals of a better life for people with a disability,â Mr Jaffit said.
âWe looked at whoâs eligible so far and whoâs missing out and whether people with a disability have a strong enough voice in designing their care plans to make a real difference to their lives. As this is a pilot program there are inevitably still grey areas about which supports are covered and how the NDIS is reaching decisions when designing an individual plan. âThere have also been concerns about how people who have missed out on an NDIS package are being supported.â Mr Jaffit said the NDISâs involvement of clients in shaping service plans was âgreat in theoryâ but could be difficult for people with communication or cognitive impairments.
Mental Health Australia chief Frank Quinlan said uncertainty around the scheme was threatening services to the mentally ill. Feedback from trial sites consistently showed the mentally ill were left âconfused and disheartenedâ, Mr Quinlan said. âThe NDIS is too important to be rushed without proper planning and design. Good intentions are not enough. âEligibility remains a major point of confusion. Indeed, weâve heard that some apparently eligible people are still being rejected for support. âWeâre very concerned programs are being absorbed into the NDIS and people currently using these services will no longer be able to access them.â
Spirit spreads in windows of shops MORE Christmas window displays are appearing in central Geelong as the festive spirit spreads among traders. And the best of the crop are vying for weekly Independent advertising packages worth $1000 in the Central Geelong Christmas Windows Competition. The competition finishes before Christmas when Mayor Darryn Lyons chooses his favourite to win a $2500 Independent package. Shoppers can visit facebook.com/ GeelongIndependent to âlikeâ their favourite window each week. The window with the most likes wins the weekly prize. This weekâs winner was Spirit Body and Skin Care. Shops can nominate their windows at the Indyâs Facebook page or by emailing editorial@geelongindependent. com.au.
FESTIVE: Provinial Home Livingâs Sue Coote and Kim Crowhurst Picture: Reg Ryan dress up their window for Christmas. 131803
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