Disability services trial makes big difference in community

More than 1350 people in the Kwinana and Cockburn areas have engaged a disability services trial over the last 10 months in an effort to drive positive change in their lives.

WA NDIS is a Government initiative that has been working with people with disability, their families, carers and the sector to design the best possible approach to assist those with disability.

Cockburn-Kwinana was selected as a location for the year-long trial, which began in July 2015 and has since been extended for an additional 12 months.

One of those to engage with WA NDIS was Nicole Mai.

The 24-year-old from Parmelia said the initiative was able to connect her with service provider Community First and that she was happy with the support she has received.

Ms Mai’s co-ordinator was Matthew Ford, who helped design a plan so she could fulfil specific goals in her life.

“The system we have here is very much relationship based, it means I got to know Nicole and her situation very well,” he said.

“With Nicole there were things in her life working very well and things that were not working so well.

“One of the things she was struggling with was accessing the community.

“This (the plan) has worked very well for her. I see out and about on occasion and she is so excited that she is out in the community. It was something that was really missing in her life beforehand.”

Mr Ford said WA NDIS was helping a lot of people that had previously not had assistance.

“Nicole is a good example of someone who without these services being out there would have fallen through the cracks,” he said.

“The biggest impact for Nicole is assisting her into a situation where she is more independent and more in control.

“You are adding something to peoples lives that they might not have thought they could have. It doesn’t have to be a big item, it can be quite small, but it can make a big impact.”

WA NDIS regional manager Sue Fielding said the scheme had expanded eligibility so more people can access the service.

“The eligibility has broadened, so we are now able to help a lot more people to get the support they need,” she said.

“Our message for families is that we are committed to supporting them to build capacity and develop skills that are needed for people with disabilities to have to have a good life.”

Ms Fielding urged anyone that felt they may be eligible to call 1800 996 214. For more information visit www.disability.wa.gov.au.