Ability Options makes a splash at NDIS Rally

On Monday 30 April, 200 representatives from Ability Options celebrated the announcement of the initial rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) during one of Australia’s largest ever rallies for disability at the AllPhones Arena, Homebush.

This event, which was attended by more than 8000 people, was one of six rallies held concurrently in capital cities across the country.  

The rallies were an opportunity for people of all abilities to send a message to Canberra about the importance of the NDIS. And the message was certainly received― During the Sydney Rally, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that from mid 2013, approximately 10,000 people with significant and permanent disabilities will start to receive individualised funding and support.

By July 2014, that figure will rise to 20,000 people.

Ability Options’ Self-Managed Services assists people with a disability plan and fund their own activities or programs in accordance with their interests and life goals. Ability Options was one of two organisations in NSW to pilot this approach and now supports more than 240 people through this program and more than 3000 people across NSW.

Chief Executive of Ability Options, Matt Donnelly, said today’s announcement was a positive step for Australians with disability and their families.

“People with disability should be entitled to the same opportunities as everyone else,” Matt said.

“A NDIS will not only help address significant unmet need but will offer more choice and independence for people with a disability in our community,” he said. “It will ensure that supports and services are built around each person rather than people fitting into existing programs or service delivery models.”

“Through pioneering alternative approaches to community participation we have seen people’s lives change for the better,” Matt said. “We hope that the NDIS will allow all Australians these same opportunities.”

Over the past 12 months, Ability Options has proactively supported the campaign for the NDIS, Every Australian Counts, through community forums, staff sign up campaigns, letterbox drops and by handing out information at local train stations.

For more information about the NDIS and the Every Australian Counts campaign, visit: www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au

 The Ability Options' NDIS crew.

CEO, Matt Donnelly and Ability Options' Board Member, David Bamford.

 Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces the initial rollout of the NDIS.

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland joins the Ability Options' crew at the Rally.