Hon Adele Farina questions the Minister for Disability Services regarding the low engagement of people with psychosocial disabilities in the NDIS My Way trial in the lower south west. The Minister refutes these concerns, citing high engagement and a flexible, community-based approach.

AnsweredQoN 1230Legislative Council
Asked
23 October 2014
Portfolio
Disability Services

QuestionView source ↗

NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME — MY
WAY TRIAL
1230. Hon ADELE FARINA to the Minister for Disability Services:
I directed my question to the
Minister for Mental Health but that office continues to redirect it to the
Minister for Disability Services, so it becomes very difficult to get an answer
from the Minister for Mental Health. I might seek some advice from the
President later as to how I get an answer from the Minister for Mental Health.
(1) Is the
minister concerned about the low number of people with a psychosocial
disability and no physical disability determined to be eligible under the
National Disability Insurance Scheme My Way trial in the lower south west?
(2) Is the
minister concerned with the low number of applications received under the NDIS
My Way trial in the lower south west from people with a psychosocial disability
only and no physical disability?
(3) Does the
minister agree that the current application process to access the NDIS My Way
trial and the need to attend the NDIS My Way office in Busselton is proving a
significant barrier for many people with a psychosocial disability?
The
PRESIDENT : My advice is that the Minister for Mental Health talks to the
Minister for Disability Services and provides that answer!

AnswerView source ↗

Thank you very much, Mr President,
for your advice. Can I say that I have done just that and I would be proud of
this answer whether I was answering as the Minister for Mental Health or the
Minister for Disability Services—both are equally applicable!
(1) No. On the
contrary, people with psychosocial disability are engaging with the National
Disability Insurance Scheme My Way in the lower south west at a much faster
rate than was the case in all the other trial sites around Australia. The
Disability Services Commission is also reporting a high level of interest and
engagement by people with psychosocial disability and their families and
carers. The individualised approach that characterises My Way has been well
received and there is already evidence of positive outcomes for people who are
connected with the My Way team.
(2) No. The
Disability Services Commission is reporting a strong and growing interest from
people with psychosocial disability and service providers, and the number of
applications is exceeding expectations. As of 10 October 2014, 41 people who
self-identify as having a psychosocial disability have engaged with a My Way
coordinator and are at various stages along the My Way pathway, from eligibility
determination to a fully implemented plan.
(3) In the WA
NDIS My Way model, people are not required to attend any office for any aspect
of the My Way trial. It is actually one of the things that distinguishes My Way
from the other NDIS trials. The long-established practice of local area
coordinators engaging with individuals and families in their own homes or
community settings is a fundamental element of the My Way model and will
continue to be so.

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