The Palaszczuk Government is investing $5.7 million in 2022-23 to help young people with disability get life-changing support as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford said the Queensland-run Assessment and Referral Team (ART) will be available for a further 12 months, providing one-on-one assistance to at-risk children and young people aged 7-25 years.  

“ART has helped to transform the lives of almost 3,000 Queenslanders over the last three years by helping them access the NDIS,’’ Mr Crawford said.

“Today 2,700 of these people have NDIS plans in place valued at almost $307 million,’’ he said.

“The NDIS can provide life-changing supports for people with disability, but the application process can be complex and difficult to navigate without assistance. 

“ART helps potential participants through the entire NDIS application process, including completing forms, liaising with specialists and facilitating free clinical assessments where required.

“ART will have a revised focus on supporting vulnerable children and young people through the $5.7m funding from the 2022-23 State Budget.”

Mr Crawford said ART provides tailored, wrap-around support for eligible Queenslanders with disability to meet their very individual needs.

ART will continue to offer its intensive supports to children and young people aged 7-25 years seeking access to the NDIS who:

·         identify as First Nations, LGBTQIA+ and culturally or linguistically diverse

·         engaged in, at risk of entering the justice or child protection systems

·         disengaged from education or transitioning from school

·         experiencing, or at risk of, domestic and family violence, harm, homelessness or social isolation

·         living in regional, rural and remote communities.

Referrals can be submitted to ART by young people, their families and carers, government agencies or local service providers.

To access support from ART or to find out more information, phone 1800 569 040 or email: artreferrals@dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au

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Media contact: Peter Michael 0477948091