Local disability service providers say there is a severe lack of clear and understandable disability service information for people with disabilities and their carers – as well as a lack of information about available government support services.
The providers voiced their concerns when they met this week with the Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren and Sophie Cotsis, the shadow minister for disability services.
The representatives from 15 disability service providers from across the Macarthur and South West Sydney region held a round table meeting at Campbelltown Library with the two Labor MPs.
Some of the other concerns expressed by the service providers included:
• A general lack of understanding and confusion regarding implementation of the NDIS from both service providers, and people with disability;
• Lack of support or assistance from Family and Community Services (FACS) where housing needs are desperate;
• backlog of children on assessment waiting lists, causing delays in diagnoses of a disability – leaving children missing out on funding that could assist in their care;
• University degrees for psychologists not having any course units about disability.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Today’s meeting provided us with a much deeper and more personal assessment of the issues facing disability service providers in our local region,’’ Mr Warren said after the round table meeting.[/social_quote]
“These issues are no doubt relevant across NSW.
“Communication is key – these organisations work with and support some of the most vulnerable members of our society.’’
Ms Cotsis acknowledged the large number of service providers that took the time to discuss issues facing the sector and promised to take their concerns to state parliament.
“The NDIS is a fantastic Labor initiative but it is concerning to hear these issues around its implementation,’’ Ms Cotsis said.
“There are going to be a number of challenges during this transitional period.
“I am very appreciative of the time service providers gave to discussions and I am committed to referring the issues raised by organisations to parliament and the minister for action,’’ Ms Cotsis said.
