A Palaszczuk Government project has helped more than 1500 Queenslanders access $100 million in life-changing support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Minister for Disability Services Craig Crawford said the Disability Connect and Outreach Program's Assessment and Referral Team (ART) improves access to disability support.
"The Assessment and Referral Team supports people living with disability across rural, regional and remote parts of the state," Mr Crawford said.
"This is a win for people living with disability and also creates jobs growth in the disability services sector, and more economic stimulus for Queensland's regions.
"The strength of the model lies largely in ART's partnerships across government and with outreach agencies.
"ART provides tailored, wrap-around support for Queenslanders with disability to meet their individual needs.
"An important part of this work is our connection with Queenslanders with Disability Network and its project partners who undertake outreach activities.
"The network builds trusting relationships with clients to gather information and then refers clients to ART for assistance in submitting their NDIS application.
"Some people have never engaged with government services for their disability, so ART helps Queenslanders navigate the NDIS and access the support they need," he said.
ART prioritises referrals from community members, government agencies and local disability service providers for people who meet one of the following criteria:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities
- Young people attending special schools and those leaving school
- Young people engaged with the youth justice system
- Adults subject to supervision from Community Corrections or being released from prison.
"The Palaszczuk Government is empowering people with disability, treating them with respect and dignity, and providing equal access to employment, social, cultural and economic opportunities," he said.
This initiative has been made available through a collaboration between the Queensland Government's Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and the Commonwealth Government.
