MEDIA RELEASE
On Thursday 30 June Minister for Disability Services, The Honourable John Ajaka MLC, officially announced the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for Western Sydney. Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) hosted the launch of this historic event.
“I am delighted to announce the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme at RIDBC,” said Minister Ajaka. “The NDIS will support a better life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability and will ensure they get the support they need.”
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing support to Australians with disabilities. The scheme is intended to fund reasonable and necessary supports that help a participant to reach their goals, aspirations and build skills so they can participate in the community and employment.
From July 1 the progressive roll out of the full NDIS scheme will commence in all Australian states and territories (except Western Australia). In New South Wales, the NDIS will be rolled out by district with Northern, South-Western and Western Sydney going live on July 1.
RIDBC is well prepared for the roll out of the NDIS after having participated in trial sites in the Hunter, ACT and Nepean Blue Mountains districts.
Mr Chris Rehn, RIDBC Chief Executive, said, “The introduction of the NDIS has a significant and positive impact on the way services are provided to people living with a disability, allowing for greater control, flexibility and choice.
“RIDBC already leads the way in providing individualised and tailored services to meet the unique needs and life goals of the children, adults and families we support. Access to our services is strengthened under NDIS, ensuring the best outcomes for people with vision or hearing loss.”
To celebrate the NDIS launch, students from RIDBC Garfield Barwick and Thomas Pattison School choirs performed for Minister Ajaka, and RIDBC families living in the Nepean Blue Mountains and Western Sydney NDIS districts shared their experiences of living with vision or hearing loss.
RIDBC supports people with vision or hearing loss to access the NDIS. Further information is available online at ndis.ridbc.org.au or call 1300 581 391 to speak to an RIDBC consultant.
NDIS information packs on the NSW roll out are available for providers and future participants online at ndis.gov.au/about-us/our-sites/nsw
RIDBC is a charity and Australia’s largest non-government provider of therapy, education and cochlear implant services for people with hearing or vision loss, supporting thousands of adults, children and their families, each year.
RIDBC relies heavily on fundraising and community support to be able to continue to make a difference in people's lives.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Melissa Henningham, RIDBC Communications Manager on 9872 0334 or 0448 919 723
Linda Berrigan, RIDBC Director Marketing & Communications on 9872 0304 or 0478 119 066