Monday 15 July 2013

CALL FOR DISABILITYCARE NAME CHANGE

Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance today called for the name DisabilityCare Australia, the independent agency for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), to be changed.

“The current name does not reflect what the NDIS is about,” Mr Constance said.

“It contradicts the key objective of this significant reform which enables people with disability to make decisions for themselves and exert their right to independence and individuality.”

“What the NDIS is officially called is symbolic but it is also its most influential and enduring communication tool.

“The name is critical to how the public view people with disability as we strive for a more inclusive society.

“DisabilityCare Australia does not represent contemporary values and thinking about disability, and more importantly the direction we are headed thanks to the NDIS.”

The NSW Government fully supports the introduction and roll out of the NDIS and the appointment of the independent statutory agency known as DisabilityCare Australia.

“It is just the name which we are objecting to,” Mr Constance said.

“The NDIS is not about charity or welfare for people with disability but takes a completely different approach to disability support.

“Under a NDIS, people with disability, their families and carers, will have choice and control over their supports and services instead of these being prescribed to them.”

The NDIS was launched in NSW at the beginning of this month in the Hunter, firstly starting in the Newcastle local government area, followed by Lake Macquarie and Maitland.

For more information about the NDIS and the launch site visit: www.adhc.nsw.gov.au.

MEDIA:Dominic Cuschieri 0467 741 503