The blindness community welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to amend the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill – effectively guaranteeing that those who join the scheme early in life will continue to receive disability support after they turn 65 years.
This assurance gives certainty to thousands of Australians who were previously worried about losing vital disability support and services in their older years.
“Our sector has actively and constructively engaged with the various consultations and inquiry processes associated with the development of these reform proposals to ensure the scheme is fair,” said Mr Dan English, Chair of Australian Blindness Forum.
Existing services for older Australians, such as hearing and vision services, that complement the assistance available through aged care, will also continue to provide supports to people who develop a disability after age 65.
“This is a huge step forward towards a seamless interface between the NDIS and Aged Care which covers disability services for older Australians,” said Mr English.
The Government has also introduced a series of bills into Parliament underpinning the ‘Living Longer Living Better’ aged care reforms, which are designed to complement the support provided to people through the NDIS.
The reforms include nationwide Consumer Directed Care packages providing people more control over the care they receive.
“We have consistently urged decision makers to take account of support for Australians who are blind or have low vision, especially those over 65 years, and we congratulate the Government on this announcement,” said Maryanne Diamond from Vision Australia.
The Government will seek the support of the Opposition, Greens and Independents to pass the NDIS Bill through the House of Representatives this week and the Senate next week.
Download the NDIS statement
This assurance gives certainty to thousands of Australians who were previously worried about losing vital disability support and services in their older years.
“Our sector has actively and constructively engaged with the various consultations and inquiry processes associated with the development of these reform proposals to ensure the scheme is fair,” said Mr Dan English, Chair of Australian Blindness Forum.
Existing services for older Australians, such as hearing and vision services, that complement the assistance available through aged care, will also continue to provide supports to people who develop a disability after age 65.
“This is a huge step forward towards a seamless interface between the NDIS and Aged Care which covers disability services for older Australians,” said Mr English.
The Government has also introduced a series of bills into Parliament underpinning the ‘Living Longer Living Better’ aged care reforms, which are designed to complement the support provided to people through the NDIS.
The reforms include nationwide Consumer Directed Care packages providing people more control over the care they receive.
“We have consistently urged decision makers to take account of support for Australians who are blind or have low vision, especially those over 65 years, and we congratulate the Government on this announcement,” said Maryanne Diamond from Vision Australia.
The Government will seek the support of the Opposition, Greens and Independents to pass the NDIS Bill through the House of Representatives this week and the Senate next week.
Download the NDIS statement