Funding boost for the Independent Living Support Initiative

NSW Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance has announced the state-wide expansion of a program to help people with a disability live more independently in the community.

$4.26 million is being delivered to service providers across NSW for the Independent Living Support Initiative, which will help 58 people plan for their long term living arrangements and learn the necessary skills to be more independent.

“Service providers will work one-on-one with ILSI participants for up to 35-hours a week to develop their everyday skills,” Mr Constance said.

“Some of the skills training provided in the program could be anything from cooking, money management, washing, shopping, personal health and safety, or communication.”

“Once the person with a disability builds on their strengths and skills, they may choose to move out into a granny flat, share a house with friends or siblings or remain in the family home but be less reliant on help from their ageing parents.”

Service providers across NSW receiving new ILSI funding include:

• Endeavour Industries Ltd and Mai-Wel Group (consortium) in Hunter/Maitland, Muswellbrook and Hunter/Cessnock - $367,500 to support 5 people.
• House With No Steps on the Central Coast and in the Illawarra - $588,000 to support 8 people.
• Lifestyle Solutions in Cumberland Prospect - $735,000 to support 10 people.
• Sunnyfield in Nepean and New England/Armidale - $588,000 to support 8 people.
• Sunshine in Northern Sydney - $367,500 to support 5 people.
• Uniting Care Disability Services in the Inner West - $735,000 to support 10 people.
• Coffs Harbour Support Services on the Mid North Coast - $294,000 to support 4 people.
• Caringa Enterprises on the Far North Coast - $220,500 to support 3 people.
• Kurrajong Waratah in the Riverina/Murray, Bland, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora - $367,500 to support 5 people.

This boost in new growth funding now sees the ILSI program reach $5 million per annum assisting 68 people with a disability, their families and carers across NSW.

Interested applicants should contact Mr Scott Bridges, ILSI Project Manager, Down Syndrome NSW on 02 9841 4414 or scott.bridges@dsansw.org.au to find out further details about the initiative.

Individuals are expected to start in the ILSI program in March 2012.

Mr Constance said that the ILSI program falls within the policy direction of Stronger Together 2; the O’Farrell Government’s $2 billion plan to expand and improve disability services in NSW.

Minister's media release, 11th January 2012

ILSI Carer-Client Fact Sheet
ILSI Expression of Interest