12 August, 2011
Release of the Productivity Commission's report into Disability Care and Support.
The Federal Government announced that it will start work immediately, allocating 10 million dollars, with states and territories on measures that will build the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme, following the release of the Productivity Commission's final report into the matter. You can download a copy of the report below.
http://www.inabilitypossability.com/disability-support-plain english.pdf
http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/report
12 May, 2011
Presentation of Australia Day Honours and Awards
Mary Nolan, founding member of Inability Possability and the Family and Friends Association was among the 97 Victorian award recipients gathered at Government House for the annual ceremony.
Mrs Nolan was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to people with acquired brain injuries and also for her work as an advocate for age-appropriate accommodation. "I was really moved and completely and utterly surprised when I found out," she said. "It's recognition of a lot of people though, not just myself. The attention this raises for people with brain injuries is really important."
06 April, 2011
Inability Possability presented at the Productivity Commission Disability Care and Support Public Hearings
Mary Nolan and Megan Atkins presented to the Commissioners on behalf on Inability Possability and the Family and Friends Association.
A transcript of the public hearings can be accessed below:
http://www.inabilitypossability.com/20110406-melbourne_IP.pdf
21 March, 2011
The National Disability Strategy - launched by Senator Jan McLucas.
'The National Disability Strategy sets out a ten year national plan for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development. This new approach will assist in addressing the challenges faced by people with disability, both now and into the future.The Commonwealth, State and Territory and Local Governments have developed the Strategy in partnership under the auspices of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).'
A full overview of the National Disability Strategy can be access from the FAHSCIA website
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/govtint/nds_2010_2020/Pages/default.aspx
Inability Possability made a submission on behalf of the Family and Friends Association which lead to the report SHUT OUT: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia. You can find a link this report below.
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/community_consult/Pages/default.aspx
Please click on this link to access the submission prepared by Inability Possability
http://www.inabilitypossability.com/IP_NDS_Sub_Dec_2008.pdf
28 February, 2011
Productivity Commission inquiry into a National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme - Draft Report
A draft report in response to submission was released on February 28, 2011. The link to this report is:http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/draft
Inability Possability will be presenting evidence at the public hearings in Melbourne on Tuesday April 5, 2011. A copy of the submission is available below:
http://www.inabilitypossability.com/sub0514_2010.pdf
January 26, 2011
Australia Day Honours
Inability Possability Member Mary Nolan was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for Services to people with acquired brain injury particularly as an advocate for age appropriate accommodation. We would like to congratulate Mary on her award.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/01/27/3123295.htm
http://www.gg.gov.au/res/file/2011/honours/ad11/Media%20Notes%20AM%20(M-Z)%20(final)%202.pdf
December 21, 2010
References inquiry into the Funding and Operation of the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement
The Senate Community Affairs Committee today received a Government Response to its former References inquiry into the Funding and Operation of the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement.
The Government Response is available via the following link:
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/general/cstda_agreement/Documents/cstda_agre ement.pdf
November, 2010
National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme
Australia's approach to disability services is crisis-driven and welfare-based. A National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) would change this. The Scheme would provide funding for essential care, support, therapy, aids, equipment, home modifications and access to the community, education and training.
Productivity Commission inquiry into a National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/govtint/Pages/tor.aspx
Terms of Reference
'The Australian Government is committed to developing a National Disability Strategy to enhance the quality of life and increase economic and social participation for people with disability and their carers.
The Commonwealth, along with the States and Territories, has a major investment in disability specific support. However, there remains a significant level of unmet demand for disability services which impacts upon the lives of people with disability, their families and carers. Demographic change and the anticipated decline in the availability of informal care are expected to place further pressure on the existing system over the coming decades.
While Australia's social security and universal health care systems provide an entitlement to services based on need, there is currently no equivalent entitlement to disability care and support services.
The Government is committed to finding the best solutions to improve care and support services for people with disability. An exploration of alternative approaches to funding and delivering disability services with a focus on early intervention and long-term care will be an important contribution to the National Disability Strategy.'