North Queensland disability service provider Cootharinga has stopped off in Mount Isa with advice about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to local neighbourhoods.
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With NDIS still rolling out across Queensland until June 2019, there are still many unanswered questions for people living with disabilities in regional and rural areas about what the scheme will mean for them and their families.
That’s why Cootharinga invited people to join Conversations With Cootharinga to find out more about NDIS in regional area and how they could tailor support to meet people’s needs.
Cootharinga North Queensland General Manager – Services Brett Edwards, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer Sheila Scope, Manager – Customer Connect Glenda Bolk and Area Manager for Mount Isa and North West brought the information sessions to Mount Isa on April 11 and 12.
Mr Edwards said that for more than 65 years, Cootharinga has been ‘building a better world for people with all abilities,’ and operated throughout North Queensland with an ongoing presence in Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Mount Isa, the Burdekin and regions in between.
“The information in the two day workshop is for people who need assistance, whether it is those requiring support in their home or in their community,” Mr Edwards said.
“We are engaging with families, people with disabilities, service providers in the community and health professionals who want to find out more about the (NDIS) changes.”
Cootharinga North Queensland Services Support Officer Robyn Wills said the purpose of the Conversations With Cootharinga information sessions was to provide firsthand experience and knowledge regarding the NDIS to customers and potential customers.
“The information is from a provider’s point of view and not the NDIS,” Ms Wills said.
“Often the NDIS do not fully explain all intricacies involved from the planning meeting to receiving services.
“We feel it is important to understand changes to existing funding and when that cuts out from and discuss the benefits and offerings of the NDIS. Importantly, these sessions are all about sharing experiences and giving people an understanding, in plain English, of what to expect, how to prepare for your meeting and selecting service providers and assessing their offerings.”
The NDIS started rolling out to the Mount Isa region on October 1, 2016.