Greens Member for Ballina Tamara Smith hosted a forum for service providers to discuss what services are available for people with a disability in Ballina.
"I was pleased to host this National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) update session so that the community can be more fully informed about the services available to people living with disabilities in and around Ballina," said Tamara Smith.
"The roll out of the NDIS is confusing and complicated and many people in our community living with a disability have contacted my office distraught, overwhelmed by the system and in need of help.
"Aboriginal people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and at risk of missing out on entitlements under the scheme. Adults and children living with autism are no longer covered by the NDIS and don't know where to turn to for support.
"Disability advocacy services in our region who only narrowly maintained their government funding this year are working hard to support people in our community and I want to support them to ensure that nobody misses out and that people who live with a disability are at the centre of their care plans.
"I invited more than 30 local NDIS service providers to come and discuss with me how they are supporting people living with a disability in our community to access services under the NDIS.
"I am hoping we will all walk away from the forum with a clearer idea of what's available for people, what gaps and problems need to be raised with the National Disability Insurance Agency on behalf of our community and how service providers can best support and assist Aboriginal people who are living with a disability through the scheme," said Ms Smith.
The forum was at the Kentwell Community Centre, 20 Bangalow Rd, Ballina NSW 2478 (Corner of Moon St and Bangalow Rd) on Wednesday 30 May, 10am – 2pm.