A new team has been established in the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors to boost participant numbers in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Far North Queensland.
Minister for Disability Services, Craig Crawford said the new Assessment and Referral Team (ART) would help people living with disability to gain greater access to the NDIS.
“People living with disability make valuable and far-reaching contributions to our communities,” Mr Crawford said.
“We know that the number of NDIS participants in Far North Queensland could be increased and we want to ensure those living with disability have access to the supports and services they need to participate in the community and reach their goals,” he said.
Mr Crawford said the Department’s other ART groups had already helped more than 1,200 people across the State.
The Minister said the success of ART was due largely to the Team’s ongoing commitment to supporting participants with their NDIS applications, including preparing and collecting documentation; arranging specialised assessments; and lodging completed forms.
“This dedicated team is on hand to support people with disability, their families and carers to navigate the NDIS process,” he said.
Mr Crawford said ART accepted referrals from Government Agencies, community members and local disability service providers.
He said the Teams operated in Townsville; Bundaberg; Rockhampton; Toowoomba; Maryborough; the Sunshine Coast; North and South Burnett; the Fraser Coast; Gympie and Moreton Bay; and Far North Queensland.
