Overview
FECCA is pleased to announce that it is working with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as part of the recently announced Plan to improve access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
As part of this plan, Minister the Hon. Stuart Robert acknowledged the ongoing challenges that people with disabilities from CALD communities face when accessing the NDIS and committed to addressing them.
FECCA in partnership with The National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) is working with the NDIA to implement a component of the National Community Connector Project focusing on CALD communities in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania. The aims of this project are to use a community-based approach to support more CALD Australians to understand whether they are eligible for support from the NDIS, and if so, access and utilise that support.
The National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) is also being engaged by the NDIA and more information can be found on their website.
Subcontractors
FECCA is now seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified not-for-profit (NFP) organisations who have a demonstrated history of providing quality support to CALD people, and their communities, to deliver Community Connectors services in one or more of the LGAs specified in the Project Summary.
Successful organisations will employ new staff or utilise existing staff time to achieve positive outcomes in the identified Local Government Areas where participation levels in the NDIS are low. The program is funded for 12 months to July 2021.
These Community Connector staff will receive training and resources to support CALD Australians with disabilities to navigate the NDIS registration and plan development process. Services will be delivered by organisations with strong ties to CALD communities in the target LGAs, social service experience and connections with disability services.
Community Connector services will include:
a. providing Assertive Outreach to CALD communities
b. providing education and awareness about disability to CALD communities
c. linking potential Participants to existing NDIS offices including using online platforms and resources
d. supporting potential Participants and their representatives to attend relevant appointments
e. building connections between potential Participants and PITC or NDIS
f. providing information and support to help potential Participants understand, access, and utilise the NDIS services
g. providing advice to the NDIA staff and PITC regarding culturally sensitive approaches and culturally specific barriers
Expression of Interest
To lodge an expression of interest, please complete the EOI form and return it to comms@neda.org.au by 6 July 2020.
For further information relating to the FECCA project, please contact Alexandra at alexandra@fecca.org.au
For further information relating to the NEDA project, please contact Neha at spo@neda.org.au or visit their website here.
Supporting documents: