Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, Craig Crawford, has launched the state’s Assessment and Referral Team (ART) in South East Queensland today.
Mr Crawford said more than 1,700 Queenslanders with disability – including the homeless and children in regions – have had their lives transformed under a state-led push to help them access the $14.5 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
He said the ART program came after the Queensland Government found the Commonwealth had not done its job of attracting new participants to the NDIS.
“As an outcome, the Queensland Government negotiated a $20 million investment from the Commonwealth to help more people with disability to access the NDIS,” Mr Crawford said.
“The Disability Connect and Outreach Program is how we are making an impact with that Commonwealth money.”
ART has so far been rolled out in Townsville, Mt Isa, Mackay and Far North Queensland.
It is now available to residents with disability in Ipswich, Redlands, Logan, Beenleigh, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset – and will open up to residents in Brisbane and the Gold Coast later in the year.
“We know the program has transformed the lives of over 1,700 Queenslanders by helping them to access the NDIS. Over 1,500 of those people already have active NDIS plans valued at more than $111.5 million,’’ Mr Crawford said.
“This is a win for people living with disability and a win for Queensland, creating growth in the disability services sector and stimulating the region’s economy.”
To access support from ART or to find out more information, phone 1800 569 040 or visit www.qld.gov.au/disabilityoutreach.
