Pathways for people deemed ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), who were receiving Community Care Support Program Services, are being driven nationally by Singleton's Ourcare Services Ltd.
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Last year the organisation was selected to deliver the Pathways Project, a $1.4m state government contract, aimed to support service providers with the transition of ineligible NDIS clients to alternative support services.
This project is a massive undertaking and one that Ourcare Services CEO Lesleigh Adie says reflects the organisation's demonstrated capacity to deliver tangible and positive outcomes..
"We undertook a pilot project in 2015 in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland areas which were trial sites for the NDIS and as a result of that work, Ourcare Services was invited to roll out this state project," Mrs Adie said.
"In the past, a project of this size would traditionally have gone to a major state player in the disability and aged care sector and I guess the request that Ourcare Services conducts the project reflects our capacity and experience." she said.
Ourcare Services Operations Officer Kathy Nelson is leading the project with support of staff and reports back monthly to Family and Community Services on outcomes achieved for clients.
The project involves liaising with the State's service providers in this sector to ensure they are aware of changes and the potential and appropriate pathways for clients.
"We have a situation that a significant number of people who have had access to general supports for many years will find themselves accessing other alternatives for support. The Year 1 roll out is now completed and the Year 2 roll out has commenced and will be completed for all providers and clients by 30 June 2018, when all funding will be transitioned over to the NDIA," Mrs Nelson said.
"This project ensures that Service Providers understand the most appropriate pathways for support for their clients. It may well be that there is enough evidence to support a reapplication to the NDIA as their initial application did not have the appropriate documentation and evidence. This is where the Project can guide Service Providers on what is required and if appropriate fund assessments that will support a person’s reapplication."
The project is also based on the Enablement Philosophy which promotes and encourages people to be more independent in undertaking activities of daily living. It is about giving people access to information, equipment and links to alternate services in the community so they can live life independently.
