WIMMERA people this week gained access to the biggest social health reform since Medicare’s introduction in 40 years ago.
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The National Disability Insurance Scheme has started in the Wimmera Southwest, with the region’s administration office in Horsham opening on Thursday.
Latrobe Community Health Service will run the scheme in the region with a team of 48 staff.
Their role is to help people who are under 65 and have a permanent disability to access support they need to participate in their communities and employment.
Wimmera Southwest area manager Leeanne Thomson said the group employed local area co-ordinators across the region, who would link people to the services they required.
“The co-ordinators are all locals in their communities, and that was important for us,” she said.
“Their role is to work with those eligible for the service to look at the support they require in everyday life, and their short and long-term goals. The aim is to help these people become more resilient and build their capacity to participate and live an ordinary life.
“The plan the participant and co-ordinator come up with goes to the National Disability Insurance Agency – who are implementing the scheme – and they then build funding around that plan.
“It then comes back to us for implementation.”
Funding will go to flexible service plans for individuals rather than disability service providers, meaning providers need to market their services to attract business.
The Wimmera Southwest will cover 10 municipalities including Horsham, Yarriambiack, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians, and Hindmarsh.
The Horsham centre at 142 Firebrace Street will employ 18 people. There will also be an office in Stawell, and visiting offices in Nhill, Edenhope and Warracknabeal.
Ms Thomson said staff recruitment was a staged process.
“Myself and the team leaders were the first stage, and we had a small number of local area co-ordinators come on in the second stage,” she said. “We just had our final intake of staff. We have already commenced planning with some participants.
“Staff are very excited. It is such significant reform.
“In some respects staff are pioneers in the area, and they are excited to see such a wonderful change coming to their communities for people with disabilities.
“There are a lot of people who haven't accessed disability services before who will be able to access the scheme.”
Ms Thomson said people could call 1800 242 696 or visit any of the offices to access support.
