Media Release: Targeted Outreach Project rolls out in Brisbane and Gold Coast
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) a state-wide organisation of, by, and for people with diverse disability are proud to announce that the ‘Targeted Outreach Project’ has been rolled out today, 8 November 2021, by the Honourable Craig Crawford MP, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services across the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions.
The aim of the project is to identify and engage more people with disability who may be eligible to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), particularly those who experience a range of additional barriers to accessing the scheme. The project partners work with local community groups, organisations, and leaders to identify and support vulnerable and ‘hard to reach’ people.
QDN looks forward to working with ‘Local Champions’ for the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions, Uncle Willie Prince, Alison MacLean and Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM. The Local Champions will be able to bring their lived experiences of disability to the project.
Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM said, “I grew up in Sri Lanka, a country stricken by poverty. I moved to Australia when I was ten. After my car accident, I acquired a spinal cord injury. The NDIS has enabled me to enjoy what life has to offer. I look forward to sharing my experiences and ensuring people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can access the NDIS, and have their needs understood and addressed”.
The Targeted Outreach Project can help a wide range of Queenslanders with disability aged between 7 and 65 to access the NDIS, including:
- Students leaving or have recently left school
- Students 7 years or over who attend a special school
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Children and young people engaged in the youth justice system
- Adults subject to supervision by Community Corrections
- Prisoners leaving the criminal justice system
- People with psychosocial disability; and
- People experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
QDN Chief Executive Officer Paige Armstrong said, “QDN have responded to enquiries from over 1,600 people who had struggled to gain access to the NDIS and provided pathways to support. The Project starting in Brisbane and Gold Coast will mean more vulnerable people with disability will be able to get access to the scheme and have more choice and control over their lives.”
“The Targeted Outreach Project team will work closely with the Queensland Government’s Assessment and Referral Team to help people gather the evidence they need to prepare and submit their access application to the NDIS”.
“QDN and project partners look forward to working with local communities, organisations, leaders, and partners in the new regions to help more Queenslanders access the NDIS”, said Paige.
To view the launch click here.
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Media Contact: Steve Coulter, Media Officer 0409 784 735
More Information:
- Project partners Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia), AMPARO Advocacy and the Queensland Government.
- The work is made available through a collaboration between the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments. More information can be found by clicking here.
