Scope welcomes Government’s support of the NDIS

For immediate release: Wednesday 10th August 2011

Scope, a leading disability service provider welcomes the announcement made today by Julia Gillard, that the Australian Government will support the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Gillard announced that the Government will work with the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) in establishing an advisory committee dedicated to disability reform. $10 million in funding was also announced to establish the foundations of the NDIS, building on a future to implement the NDIS.

The announcement is a milestone in the long journey to introducing the NDIS. Today’s announcements are a step in the right direction of revolutionising the way people with a disability, their families and carers, are supported in Australia.

For Maria D’Aspromonte, the NDIS would make a huge impact for her family, and her 7-year-old daughter Gabby, who lives with cerebral palsy. “The introduction of the NDIS would be a peace of mind for all parents who have a child with a disability.”

“I worry for the future with Gabby and the costs involved for us as a family.  Our family is constantly out of pocket a lot for equipment and resources for Gabby, including home modifications and wheelchairs. Gabby will always need support, and the NDIS will ensure that Gabby get this support that she needs,” says Maria.

“Scope believes that the NDIS has the potential to transform the lives of Australians with a disability and their families,” said Diana Heggie, Scope’s CEO.

“The scheme would provide assistance to all people with a significant disability, no matter how their disability was acquired. It will put an end to the current inequities that see people receiving different levels of support depending on how, when and where their disability was acquired”.

-ENDS-

About Scope

Scope is a not-for-profit organisation providing disability services that positively impact the daily lives of thousands of Victorian children and adults.  Scope’s mission is to support people with a disability to achieve their potential in welcoming and inclusive communities.

Available for interview:

• Maria D’Aspromonte – mother of a child who lives with a disability

For media enquiries or to arrange comment or interview, please contact:
Melissa Hay, Marketing and Internal Communications Manager
Ph: 0457 758 238 / 9843 2031
E: mhay@scopevic.org.au

Rachel Palmer, Media Relations Advisor
Ph: 0411 381 290 / 9843 3002
E: rpalmer@scopevic.org.au