People with disability share their NDIS experiences at Toowoomba forum

A National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) forum has been held by the Palaszczuk Government in Toowoomba today to explore the area’s transition to the scheme with participants, potential participants and disability advocates.

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke today attended the forum, initiated by the Palaszczuk Government and held at the Grand Central Shopping Centre, to meet with disability advocates and local residents with disability.

“The main focus of this forum was to hear locals’ experiences with the NDIS and to find out how the Palaszczuk Government can further support people with disability to access the scheme,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Ensuring Queenslanders with disability can access the supports they need to meet their goals across their lifetime is a top priority for our government.

“This includes opportunities for employment, independence and improved wellbeing, creating a level playing field when it comes to being included in the community, and having access to all the opportunities our state offers.

“That’s why the NDIS was created, to put people who have a permanent and significant disability in the driver’s seat, to select who supplies their services, and to use resources innovatively to achieve their own goals.

“But we understand the transition hasn’t been without its challenges, including here in Toowoomba, so we want to do everything we can to make this process easier and better for people with disability.”

Disability advocates including Chair of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council, Sharon Boyce, and local advisory council members, along with representatives from the National Disability Insurance Agency and some local disability providers attended the forum.

Mrs O’Rourke said people with disability across all areas of Queensland could now apply to become a participant in the NDIS.

“We already have over 22,000 Queenslanders who have an approved NDIS plan,” she said.

“This includes more than 3,700 people with disability in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs area who have already signed up to the scheme.

“It’s a particularly exciting time right now, as we’ve entered into the third year of the NDIS rollout across Queensland – and this is the biggest year yet.

“I want to see as many Queenslanders as possible get the benefits of the scheme. If you have a disability, or care for someone who does, I encourage you find out more about the NDIS.”

Toowoomba residents can talk to NDIS partners in the community, Carers Queensland on 07 4646 2800, or if your child is aged 0-6, UnitingCare Community on 1300 778 081.

For more information on the NDIS, visit www.ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110 and for people with hearing or speech loss, phone TTY 1800 555 677.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389