9 July 2016

St John of God Accord is registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme and its clients who reside in the north east of Melbourne will be part of the initial roll-out of the scheme across Australia.

The National Disability Scheme will provide all Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability reasonable and necessary supports to achieve their goals and aspirations.

The focus is on early intervention and a lifetime approach, investing in people with a disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. It focuses on the person involved and their goals and aspirations, giving participants the means to enjoy a more fulfilling life.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme was introduced in response to a Productivity Commission report into a long-term disability care and support scheme, which found that current arrangements were inequitable, underfunded, fragmented and inefficient.

Through the scheme, people with a disability, their families and carers have choice and control over their funding and the supports they want to access.

St John of God Accord Chief Executive Officer, Tony Hollamby said the advent of the National Disability Insurance Scheme marks a significant social change for Australia.

“The National Disability Insurance Scheme is changing the relationship between participant and provider as individuals take control of their funding.

“Investment in early intervention has been proven to increase participation and quality of life for people with a disability; as well the National Disability Insurance Scheme will provide appropriate support for people with complex needs.

“These changes are significant for people with a disability,” Tony said.

St John of God Accord began preparations for the National Disability Insurance Scheme in 2013, completing an $8 million redevelopment of their Greensborough site and extensive overhaul of their back of house operations and customer service.

As part of their preparation, they also built and launched a brand new website www.accorddisability.org.au.

“We have been preparing for the National Disability Insurance Scheme for three years,” Tony said.

 “We are ready and excited to be a part of Australia’s most significant social change to people with disability and their families with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”