Seeking OTs' help in shaping inclusive health systems

National Disability Services (NDS) is the Australian peak body for non-government disability services. NDS has provided the following information relating to OTs in Tasmania.

Monday, July 1^st 2019 was an important milestone for the 10,600 Tasmanians eligible to participate in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

This date marks the end of the 6-year transition and the launching of the new regulatory framework of the NDIS called the Quality and Safeguards Commission. 

Did you know that?
1 in 4 Tasmanians live with disability.
The highest in the country.
Tasmania has the highest rates of MS, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. 

The end of the NDIS transition is therefore only the beginning for all people living with disabilities. 

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has defined FIVE overarching goals for every person with disability, they are:

1. Have the information needed to make their own decision and choices;
2. Be connected to the right mainstream/disability supports;    
3. Have skills and confidence to be an active member of the community;
4. Use the same mainstream services as everybody else;    
5. Take part in the same community activities as everybody else.  

As a consequence of these goals, the shared responsibility to build capacity to include all people with disability in all mainstream services, community based activities and all other government programs is now more clearly defined and measured.

But much more needs to be done to link people living with disabilities and their families to your both public and private medical services.

NDS is proud to launch a critical research initiative which will identify the gaps, priorities and opportunities; and importantly expand Tasmania’s success in securing national capacity building investment. Enter Project ECHO.

Project ECHO works to Engage, Connect, Help and Open opportunities for Tasmanian organisations (mainstream services, community groups and local governments); to include all Tasmanians with disability in their services and in the broader community.

All levels in the Health Sector will gain capacity to better align their access and inclusion plans through the new investment opportunities. Specifically:

• An understanding of the NDIS and the service arrangements for people with disability;
• Assessment of their inclusion readiness; and
• Access to information, resources and local networks

This is your opportunity to tell us the best way the health service systems in Tasmania should focus their investing in capacity building efforts which will help your organisation develop more inclusive services and supports for all Tasmanians.

CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY

CLICK HERE FOR PROJECT WEBPAGE 

Thank you in advance for your support,

Will Kestin
NDS Tasmanian State Manager
Will.kestin@nds.org.au