South Australians now have a dedicated avenue for support when dealing with challenges with the NDIS.
The new Disability Advocacy Service (DAS) run by the Uniting Communities Law Centre was brought in by the SA Government in response to the findings of the Safeguarding Taskforce, which called for more focused advocacy and legal support related to the NDIS.
Uniting Communities senior manager, Sarah Watson, said DAS is filling an important service gap for those who are eligible for the NDIS or receiving NDIS-funded services.
“While there are existing general advocacy and legal services for people with disability, this is the first with a specific focus on the NDIS,” she said. “The NDIS can be confusing to navigate, so it’s important that people know how to apply and find the right support, but also the options they have to dispute an NDIS decision.”
South Australians who are eligible for the NDIS, or already receiving support, can access DAS. The team works with people having trouble accessing support or experiencing discrimination or unfair treatment. DAS can advocate on their behalf, as well as provide people with the knowledge and skills to advocate for themselves.
Where matters cannot be resolved directly with the NDIS, DAS helps people to work through the appeals process with the relevant tribunal.
“Every person’s situation is different,” service manager and lawyer, David Ferraro said. “We are working with people with a range of needs – physical, intellectual or psychosocial – to provide legal representation, help plan support, assist with disputing decisions, or connect with other useful services.
“However, where we are supporting someone, it’s important that we offer a well-rounded service. For this reason, our team is made up not only of solicitors, but also disability advocates, social workers, developmental educators and speech and language pathologists.”
Among the enquiries received have been about matters such as requests to help with the next steps once an NDIS request is denied, with tribunal appeals or with Guardianship applications. DAS also supports people whose circumstances have changed or whose situation is complex. The service is working with people across the state, in metropolitan, rural and remote locations.
“We have also been supporting NDIS support coordinators with next steps for some of these issues, providing information and guidance in areas they may not be familiar with,” Ferraro said. “DAS is already giving people with disability and those working with them practical help and real confidence, knowing that someone is in their corner, advocating for their needs.”
Find out more at: www.unitingcommunities.org/DAS or call: (08) 8202 5960