People with disabilities are relying on behavioural support services from as far away as Melbourne because assistance is winding down following the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
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The “significant unmet need” across the Loddon region means some people with disabilities are sourcing assistance from as far away as Melbourne, Amicus CEO Ann-Maree Davis says.
“They are at an automatic disadvantage because the level of funding in their package doesn’t factor in therapist travel.
“Not everybody in receipt of the NDIS requires these services. But for those who do it is an essential service for them to live and actively participate in the community.”
The shortage has been created by the local introduction of the NDIS in 2017, Ms Davis said, with pre-existing government assistance largely winding down to make way for private providers.
“The marketplace needs to develop and there has not been, really, an adequate response to meet the community need,” she said.
Dealing with a waiting list for behavioral support services is one challenge noted in Amicus’ annual report.
The organisation held its AGM this week, reporting that there had been a 40 per cent jump in participant numbers triggered in part by the introduction of the NDIS.
Ms Davis flagged a new behavior support service to help tackle wait times and dampen costs for participants and practitioners travelling from Melbourne.
Amicus already employs one psychologist and is searching for another to help service the Loddon region.
The service will assess people, create strategies to help support them as well as provide training for families, support staff and organisations.
It will also work one-on-one with individuals, including those who had experienced trauma.
“We know that incidents of trauma, and incidents of abuse in particular, are higher for people with disabilities,” Ms Davis said.
“Their behavior often can be informed by very traumatic experiences and the individual therapeutic work would be an important part of working with them.”
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Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
