Keeping up pressure on the government to swiftly introduce the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was the focus for a tea party held in the Armidale Mall last Friday.
Local disability service providers including The Ascent Group, The House With No Steps and Challenge Disability Services hosted the ‘DisabiliTEA’, attracting a healthy crowd who saw first-hand the important services offered to people with a disability and the urgent need for the implementation of the NDIS.
Kevin Mead, Ascent Group CEO said the NDIS will be vital to supporting local people with disabilities, their families and carers.
“The ‘DisabiliTEA’ is happening Australia-wide today and is a major event to bring awareness to people across Australia of the need for a National Disability Insurance Scheme,” said Mr Mead.
“We already have a proposal on the table from the Productivity Commission which looked at the way disability services work in Australia concluding that it is underfunded, doesn’t work and we need a new system.
“We have a commitment from the Australian and state governments. However, we need more than a commitment, we need to see the money on the table. There are currently some pilot projects throughout Australia but people really need a commitment that it is actually going to happen, not just promises.”
Denise Aldridge, Operations Manager New England of The House With No Steps believes there is a long way to go yet and a lot of apathy out in the community.
“It is important annually to do events like this to raise the profile of people who have a disability,” Ms Aldridge said.
“Our program here in Armidale is going really well and it is really good for us to provide other service options for local people. House With No Steps is actually celebrating its 50th year, with 40 years in the northern region, but only in the last 18 months have we had a presence here in Armidale.
“At the moment we have a couple of accommodation services and some case management, but we can also provide self managed models for community participation programs.”
