HELP AVAILABLE: Gemma Bennett of CareWest explains the range of respite services available in Orange for carers and people with a disability at Thursday’s disability morning tea. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1026ndis1
WHILE people with a disability and their families wait for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), they face a complex system of services that can prove frustrating, time consuming and emotionally draining, according to one disability provider.
CareWest chief executive officer Tim Curran says, for many people, it is difficult trying to source support and assistance through a variety of agencies.
“The current system under which people with a disability and their carers have to operate is completely unfair and totally inadequate,” he said.
Mr Curran is disappointed no further federal government funding was announced in the mid-year economic report, with the setting up of the pilot scheme the only bright spot on the horizon for people in the disability sector.
“That will roll out in July next year, but at this stage there seems to be no additional money,” he said.
On Friday, several organisations involved with the delivery of support services for people with a disability held a series of morning and afternoon teas in Orange to inform people how to access services, and the impact of the NDIS.
At the CareWest morning tea disability information officer Gemma Bennett explained the respite services that are available.
She also explained the diverse role of carers.
“You don’t necessarily have to be on a carer’s pension,” she said.
“You can be a brother, a son or a daughter who is caring for someone with a disability.”
Mr Curran said CareWest was working on several levels to prepare for the introduction of the NDIS.
“We are continuing to talk to both the federal and state governments,” he said.