HELP AVAILABLE: Gemma Bennett of CareWest explains to carers and the disabled the range of services available for respite in Orange at Thursday’s disability morning tea. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1026ndis1
WHILE disabled people and their families wait for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) they face navigating a complex system of support services which can often prove frustrating, time consuming and emotionally draining, a disability provider said.
Chief executive officer of CareWest Tim Curran said for many people it is a minefield 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,” Mr Curran said.
He said he was disappointed that no further federal government funding was announced in the recent mid-year economic report by the government leaving the setting up of the pilot scheme the only bright spot on the horizon for people involved 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 a number of organisations in Orange involved with the delivery and support of services for children and adults with disabilities held a series of morning and afternoon teas in the city to provide an opportunity to update those attending about how to access services and the impact of the NDIS.
At the CareWest morning tea disability information officer Gemma Bennett opened the session explaining a range of 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 - you can be a brother, a son or a daughter who is caring for someone with a disability,” she said.
Mr Curran said CareWest which is a provider of services for the disabled is working on a number of levels to prepare for the introduction of the NDIS.
“We are continuing to talk to both the federal and state governments,” he said.
