Ipswich Families Clear up Confusion About Transition to NDIS

Brisbane (4 May 2017). Ipswich residents had a chance on Thursday, to clear up their concerns regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ahead of the Scheme roll out on July 1, 2017.

“NDIS - The Real World Experience” - a free information session, was organised by the Coordinating Organisation for The Disabled in Ipswich (CODI) on Thursday, May 4 at the Humanities Building in Ipswich.

Presented by Linda Hayes from Transformative Training Team, the session was designed with families and parents in mind. Ms Hayes, an expert in NDIS and CDC sector readiness, discussed real world examples from trial sites in QLD and NSW. “Today’s session is specifically to help families get the right information they need about the Scheme and the transition,” Ms Hayes commented.

Melissa Bannerman, Care Services Manager of STAR Community Services was also on hand to take questions and run through what families and carers needed to do before the rollout.  STAR Community Services (Managers of CODI) has recently appointed Ms Bannerman as its Care Services Manager, as a part of their growth in new areas and expansion into Disability Support Services.

“In my 23 years of experience of working in the Disability sector, I’ve come across many families who are either overwhelmed with too much information or confused with the jargon. At this session, we wanted to ensure that Ipswich families get the right information, straight from an expert, and in plain English,” Ms Bannerman said.

The short, specific session offered people with disabilities and their families, real life case studies of how to approach their NDIS planning meeting and tips and traps for ensuring they get the most from their NDIS meeting.

“ The NDIS is nearly upon us here in Ipswich and it is important that participants, carers and families are well aware of the opportunities and options available to them,” Ms Bannerman added.

To further assist the community, STAR is hosting a series of free NDIS pre-planning sessions to help people understand how to get the most out of the NDIS, successfully navigate the system and access the support they need. “These free sessions are all about ensuring people know what to expect and how to secure the funding they need to achieve their life goals,” Ms Bannerman added.

To book your free NDIS Pre-Planning Session, please call STAR Care Services Manager, Melissa Bannerman on 07 3821 6699 or email info@starcommunityservices.org.au

STAR provides Disability Support and Aged Care Services to thousands of community members, with the ongoing support of over 120 STAR volunteers. Find out more about STAR on www.starcommunityservices.org.au

Transformative Training offers a number of NDIS-focused business preparedness workshops which can also be provided on an in-agency basis; contact Jen at transformativetraining3@gmail.com

STAR Community Services is a not-for- profit organisation operating in Brisbane since 1996. STAR provides a range of services for people with disability and those over 65, including NDIS, Home Care Packages, In Home Care, Companionship Support, Community Transport and Wellbeing Services. Visit www.starcommunityservices.org.au for more information.