THE gap for Leeton shire residents needing to access the correct disability services continues to widen.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, one organisation is hoping to assist in closing that gap by identifying what residents with a disability require, as well as bringing businesses into the mix.
Many of the problems lie with ongoing confusion surrounding the National Disability Insurance Scheme - both for families and providers of services.
The program provides funding for people with a permanent and significant disability and helps them participate in everyday activities.
However, the problem for many is they are not sure what they may be entitled to under the NDIS or how to access services.
MORE NEWS
The Business Enterprise Centre in Leeton is hoping to bridge the gaps by providing advice to both people with a disability, their carers and businesses in town.
Business advisor Jodie Ryan said the idea was to provide support all around.
One of the significant issues in Leeton is the lack of services, particularly when it comes to professions such as speech therapists and occupational therapists.
"Basically what we want to do is help small businesses start up in the NDIS area and assist them through the process," Ms Ryan said.
"I also want to work with families and identify what their needs are.
"What many people don't know is disabilities don't have to be just physical.
"It can relate to things like autism and intellectual disabilities."
Those with these conditions are able to access services under the NDIS.
According to Ms Ryan, many providers don't sign up with the NDIS as they find it hard to identify clients. This is where she would like to help provide awareness throughout the wider community.
Ms Ryan has started a support group named NDIS Participants and Providers - Leeton and District.
The group has been formed to inform all NDIS participants and their families about options in Leeton and surrounding towns, as well as any changes that pop up.
All NDIS businesses are welcome to be part of the group, as well as registered and non-registered NDIS providers.
"There's a lot of options out there, so it's just about bringing everyone together and trying to take some of the confusion away," Ms Ryan said.
The Leeton BEC is already working with several businesses, with advances being made in bringing several allied health professionals to town.
Ms Ryan will host an NDIS Q&A workshop on November 14 at the Leeton Business Hub from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/leeton-ndis-qa-workshop-tickets-73368169169.
****
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you're up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.