Thousands of people living with disability are benefitting from greater choice and control over the services and supports they need, as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reaches the five-year mark in South Australia.
The NDIS began in South Australia on July 1 2013 for a three-year trial focussed on children with disability. All eligible children up to 17 years of age have been able to access the Scheme since January 2017, with adults aged 18-64 years admitted on 1 July 2017.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the latest quarterly report from the NDIS revealed more than 16,000 South Australians with disability are now benefitting from the Scheme, including more than 8,000 people who are receiving support for the first time.
“Once fully operational, around 32,000 South Australians are forecast to receive support packages through the NDIS, with the State Government to contribute more than $720 million every year towards the Scheme,” said Minister Lensink.
Minister Lensink said today also marked the operational start of the state’s new Disability Inclusion Act, which will deliver improved access and inclusion for South Australians living with disability.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to ensuring all South Australians with disability have every opportunity to live a fulfilling life as equal members of our community,” said the Minister.
“Not only did the government meet its commitment to introduce the Disability Inclusion Bill 2018 in our first 100 days in office, but it became our first piece of legislation to be passed by Parliament.
“While the NDIS gives people with disability more choice and control over the services and supports they need, the new Act is important to ensure mainstream services are accessible to South Australians with disability.
“Without equal access and inclusion, people living with disability may still not be able to fully participate in their community.
“Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural and language backgrounds, and children with disability are a particular focus of the Act, acknowledging that they can often face additional barriers to equal access and inclusion.
“Under the Act, a State Disability Inclusion Plan will be developed, and state government agencies and local government will need to develop and implement Disability Access and Inclusion Plans, in full consultation with people with disability.”
For more information about the NDIS, go to: www.ndis.gov.au
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