Mid-Western Region parents and carers of children with autism have been briefed on the National Disability Insurance Scheme two years ahead of its anticipated delivery into regional NSW.
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Mudgee’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Education and Support Group met with Parkes MP Mark Coulton to discuss the scheme on Wednesday.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty about the NDIS and how it will be rolled out and there are a lot more questions that will need to be answered,” Mr Coulton said.
About nine parents and carers voiced their concerns over a lack of autism spectrum specialist and support services in the region.
“We have a local paediatrician who is retiring - it took four months to get into a new one. I know others who have waited a lot longer,” group member, Tina Young said.
They explained difficulties in the initial diagnoses of children and the challenges they face as their children grow into adulthood.
A recent report commissioned by Anglicare found ageing parent carers suffered high degrees of stress and anxiety brought on by the uncertainty about who would care for their children after their death.
The Caring into Old Age report, released last month, recommended the NDIS be amended to include assessments for the level of support required by carers.
Under the scheme, funding for disability supports will be allocated to each eligible individual, not to a service provider, who will choose their supports and who will provide them.
The first NSW trial began in the Hunter Valley in 2013 and is expected to be finalised by 2016.
Mr Coulton made no apologies for the delay in the roll-out.
He said the government was not prepared to present an ineffective “half-baked policy” at a cost to taxpayers.
“We have to be confident what we deliver will work,” Mr Coulton said.
From July 2016, the NDIS will progressively roll out into the rest of the state and by July 2018, all eligible residents will be covered.