Ability Links: taskforce appointed

Ability Links NSW, the NSW approach to local area coordination, includes the creation of 248 Ability Links NSW coordinator (ALNC) positions across the state, including 27 Aboriginal identified positions. Coordinators will work with people with a disability, their families and carers to plan for their future, build their support networks, and access community based services.

The Ability Links NSW tender process (RFT ADHC.12.03) was unsuccessful.
The NSW Government remains committed to Ability Links NSW being fully established by 1 July 2014 when individualised budgets become available to people with a disability. An Ability Links NSW Taskforce has been formed to provide advice on the establishment of an entity to achieve this.
ADHC is continuing to develop a community engagement model to identify suitable Aboriginal non-government organisations to deliver the 27 Aboriginal ALNCs.

Ability Links NSW Taskforce

ADHC is establishing a seven-member taskforce to provide advice on the establishment of an independent entity to deliver Ability Links NSW.

To be chaired by the ADHC’s incoming Chief Executive, Jim Longley, the taskforce will include seven members with expertise in disability services and the non-government and business sectors:

• Cain Beckett, Disability Council NSW
• John Walsh, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
• Patricia Forsythe, Sydney Business Chamber
• Peter Shergold, University of Western Sydney
• Kerry Doyle, NSW Department Trade and Investment
• Ken Baker, National Disability Services

The taskforce is required to report on the outcome of its deliberations by 30 September 2012.

Source: ADHC website, 30th July 2012 (features)