Disability service providers gear up for NDIS

More than a hundred and fifty service providers will gather at a community services forum in Gatton tomorrow (Friday), to help prepare for the much anticipated roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland next year. 

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the Preparing for Transition forum would bring together a range of high profile speakers to discuss how the sector was getting ready for transitioning to the NDIS.

“The NDIS can be complex and organisations need to be confident and ready for the transition,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Under NDIS, the number of people receiving disability supports is expected to double in Queensland to 97,000 by 2019. People eligible for the NDIS and their families and carers will have greater choice and control over disability support services and will be able to choose who provides this support and decide how and when it is provided.

“It’s an exciting time for the sector in Queensland as the NDIS gets closer as it is expected to revolutionise disability services and create around 13,000 additional jobs across the state.

“This forum is a great opportunity for disability service providers to discuss the opportunities and implications of the NDIS, share sector knowledge and experiences, and participate in group panel discussions.”

Ray Jeffery from the National Disability Insurance Agency and Karni Liddell, Queensland’s Ambassador for the National Disability Insurance Scheme will attend the forum.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was working hard to help get service providers ready for the new scheme, which would commence from July 2016.

“With the roll-out of the NDIS fast approaching, now is the time for disability service providers to gather together and get informed,” she said.

“This forum is a terrific way for organisations to obtain and share information to prepare for this challenging but wonderful journey.”

The regional community forum will be held on Friday 10 April at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre in Gatton from 8.30–3.30pm.

To register or for more information about the forum phone Robyn Greatrex, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services on (07) 3437 0509.

For more information about the NDIS visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/ndis.

Media Contact: 0417 119 473