Tassie in trial for disability scheme

Tassie in trial for disability scheme

BY ROSEMARY BOLGER
26 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

ALMOST 1000 young Tasmanians with a disability will be the first to benefit from greater and more flexible support in a trial of the national disability insurance scheme.

Tasmania was yesterday named as one of three sites to trial the much-anticipated scheme from July 1 next year.

The pilot will target only 15 to 24-year-olds, but is not limited geographically.

National Disability Service state manager David Clements said participants in the scheme can expect to get a much higher level of support that is tailored to their individual needs.

“They will be able to exercise more control over the types of activities they do and it gives greater opportunities for better involvement and participation within the broader community,” Mr Clements said.

Launceston disability advocate Jane Wardlaw said young people desperately needed more assistance to make the transition from high school to adulthood.

“There is a massive gap for young people,” she said.

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• Tasmanians with disabilities set to benefit from NDIS trial

Tasmanian adolescents and young adults with disabilities are set to benefit from yesterday’s
announcement that Tasmania will be one of three trial sites for the National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Cosmos, an award-winning community organisation offering learning opportunities for people
with intellectual disabilities, is geared up to lead the trial.

Cosmos CEO Catherine Viney said the Tasmanian trial would focus on adolescents and young
adults (aged 15-24 years) with disabilities, which was a key area of service delivery for
Cosmos.

“Young people with disabilities are demanding a wider range of services to suit their needs,
and the NDIS gives them, their families and carers the power to purchase services that meet
these needs,” Ms Viney said.

“Cosmos has seen the demand for services for young people increase in recent times and is in
a position to meet this demand.

“We are focused on providing skill development opportunities across the broad spectrum of
learning and recreation programs.

“Our awarded accredited training programs are run in partnership with training and
apprenticeship providers, allowing young people who experience a developmental disability
to receive a tailored program designed for their specific learning needs.

“The outcomes have been more successful than anyone anticipated and there is already
strong demand for this range of training options, with double the number of courses being
offered next year.

“One of our most popular programs is the Recreation Adventure Program (RAP) for clients
aged 12-18 years, which provides three weekend activities a month, including trips to
restaurants, movies and theatre performances.

“It also incorporates a youth camp, which runs for three days and two nights over the
Christmas break before school returns, as well as care during the school holidays, with inhouse
and outside activities such as boat trips, lunches and sporting events.

“RAP also includes 48-hour weekend breaks four times a year, where we travel all over the
state and participate in community activities.”

Ms Viney said the feedback received from families and clients in a recent Cosmos survey
(July 2011-June 2012) had been really positive and encouraging.

“Some families use the after school and holiday program to allow their children to be with
people other than their parents and in an age-appropriate environment,” she said.

“Other parents have told us the program has helped their children to interact with other kids
and that it allows them the freedom to socialise with friends again, which is really important
for carers.

“It is always rewarding to hear that families are happy to bring their children to us, knowing
they are well cared for, supported and stimulated.”