Ep13: A Fresh Start for Disability Services

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide better care for the 460,000 Australians who have significant and permanent disability. The NDIS supports individuals in making personalised therapy goals, accessing appropriate care, and participating in mainstream life. Since 2013 the scheme has had a staged launch across parts of Australia. This month, the NDIS will start rolling out across New South Wales and Victoria and will have complete coverage by 2019.

On this episode internal medicine physician Dr Robyn Wallace FRACP, of Calvary Hospital in Hobart, explains how the NDIS differs from past disability services, and rehabilitation specialist Dr Elizabeth Thompson FRACP shares the hopes her Sydney clients have for the personal funding. Kerry O'Kane talks of her relief at having found a secure future of care for her son in the ACT, while Dr Katherine Langdon FRACP describes the impact the scheme has had for paediatric therapy models in Perth.

 This episode was produced by Mic Cavazzini with recording assistance from Diana Darmody. Music from David Szesztay ('Farewell', 'The Hangover') and Gillicuddy ('Adventure Darling'); photo courtesy Markus Spiske. Pomegranate's executive producer is Anne Fredrickson.

Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Stephen de Graaff, Dr Robyn Horsley, Dr Anne Kynaston, Dr Robert Leitner, Dr Jacqueline Small and Prof Graham Vimpa

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.  ices