NSW Government reaffirms commitment to person centred approach to disability services

This media release was issued to coincide with the Minister's address to The Big Event, being held today in Penrith, NSW:

Media release:  27 August 2010
Peter Primrose MLC
Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services
Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteering

Keneally Government reaffirms commitment to person centred approach to disability services

The Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, said today that people with a disability should be “front and centre” in making their own life choices.

He said this view was expressed ‘loud and clear’ at the 13 consultations held across the State on the next 5-year phase of Stronger Together.

“People with disabilities, their families and carers are demanding more choice and I say to them, we hear you,” said Mr Primrose.

“People want person centred approaches, including individualised funding packages and we will deliver that as part of Stronger Together 2.”

“Its no longer about ‘if’ we do it, its about how we do it and making sure we get the model right.”

“That’s why this was at the centre of our consultation on the next 5-year phase of Stronger Together and that’s why we’re now doing the detailed planning as part of the Stronger Together 2 framework,” he said.

He said that the NSW Government had provided $17 million to National Disability Services to establish the Industry Development Fund, which would help service providers introduce more flexible and adaptive services that were responsive to individuals.

“We also have provided $600,000 over three years to the Resourcing Families Project that provides information and seminars for families of children aged up to 18 about using self directed and self managed funding.

“People with a disability and their families will need more information about the services and supports available within the service system and in the community so that they can make informed choices about the services they use and support they access.

“Pilot programs that we have been undertaking will inform us about ways in which information can be provided and how individuals and families can be supported to develop person centred plans which enable them to set life goals based on their strengths and capacity.”

Mr Primrose said that experience with individualised support options had shown that “one size will not fit all”.

“Individuals and families will require a variety of delivery options to choose from in order to meet their needs."