Local agency, MacKillop Family Services, fears that families with vulnerable children in the Western Remote region, which includes the LGA’s of Bourke, Bogan, Brewarrina, Cobar, Lachlan, Walgett and Coonamble, could be missing out on vital NDIS supports.
MacKillop has established a program called Early Childhood Approach (ECA), which is funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to support families to access the National Disability Insurance Agency Scheme (NDIS), by writing and submitting NDIS plans for children up to the age of six.
In addition, ECA supports local families to find the correct pathway for them when an NDIS plan may not be the most appropriate fit. ECA brings families and local service providers together to find the best pathway solution to support children to develop skills to take part in daily activities and achieve the best possible outcomes in life.
Teagan Harris, Manager of MacKillop Rural Community Services, says the agency wants to make sure that any child eligible for early intervention supports support does not miss out.
“We are getting a regular stream of referrals where we support families through the process of identifying eligibility, writing and submitting plans so they can access the vital support they need.
“And crucially, where a child is found to be ineligible to receive support from the NDIS, ECA can provide short-term intervention where needed and assistance to access mainstream services.”
Teagan added, “there may be families within the region who are not aware of the support that is out there or how to begin the process of application.
“That’s why we are running information sessions, so that the community can come along to find out about ECA and how it can help them and their young children with a disability or developmental delay. We know that it is crucial kids get the right supports as soon as possible, so we are also meeting with service providers in the area to ensure kids aged from birth to six years get assistance when they need it,” Teagen added.
MacKillop is scheduling two information sessions, one for the community and one for service providers at Coonamble Bowling Club on Tuesday 26 July.
9:30 am - 10:30 am: Family & Carer Session
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Service Provider Session
To join an upcoming information session, or for further information, contact ECEIWesternRemote@mackillop.org.au or call 02 6881 2666
