1. Autism Advisory and Support Service & Bonnyrigg High School
NDIS Information Night
Presenter: Shannon Watson
Date: 14/3/17

2. This workshop will cover
A brief introduction to
Autism Advisory and Support Service.
Brief information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

3. Autism Advisory and Support Service
Autism Advisory and Support Service (AASS) was established in 2007 by a group of parents from South West Sydney to fill the void in the health care sector encountered by families of children with autism. AASS was established as a support, networking and advisory service to empower children with autism and their families through knowledge and support, and to positively impact and influence their children's social and emotional development. AASS is a not for profit incorporated charity. AASS historically relies on funding grants, donations, fundraising and sponsorships to meet its operational costs. Despite these financial challenges AASS has grown in size and now offers an extensive range of services as we move into the NDIS.

4. Autism Advisory and Support Service
Since its inception AASS has achieved the following:
AASS assists families, carers and professionals from NSW, around Australia and overseas
Opened the AASS Community House/drop in centre, located in Memorial Avenue, Liverpool
Established Australia's only 24 hour free Autism Hotline
Established a number of support and carer groups
Opened a sensory toy and resource shop
Runs an autism resource library

5. Autism Advisory and Support Service
Successfully advocated for many individuals with autism and their families
Organised and run workshops, seminars and other information and Autism Awareness programs
Are called to be key note speakers at conferences and do ad hoc Autism training
AASS continues to provide these services or at a resonable fee to the parents and carers of children with ASD. Always affordable and accessible
AASS handles approximately 200 enquiries/cases per month through the hotline and direct enquiry for assistance

6. Therapy Services
AASS provides services for children and young adults with autism.
Services include:
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Psychology
Music Therapy
Behaviour Support
Early Years Therapy Playgroup (Supported Playgroup 0-6 years)
Social Skills Therapy Group (7years and up)
Young Adult Social Group (16-24 years)
Parent Training
Parent Support Group (Carers Support, Arabic Support Group, Community based)
School Outreach Therapy program
Transition to school support
24 hour free Autism Hotline

7. AASS Team Board CEO – Grace Fava CFO Program Coordinator
Family Support Coordinator
Therapists (Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Psychologist, Early Childhood / Special Education teacher, Music Therapist, Physiotherapist, Social Skills Coach)
Other staff and volunteers

9. Aims of NDIS
To support people with permanent and significant disability, including their families and carers.
It involves funding individualised support for people with disability (choice, control and lifetime approach).
The focus is on early intervention, providing timely support to minimise the impact of a disability.
Children with developmental delay may also access support.

10. Old New Comparison of service delivery program 1 Government agencies
funding & reporting
contracts
service delivery
program 1
program 2
program 3
participant
Government agencies
Capped funding Limited choice Limited control
Old
National Disability Insurance Agency
service delivery & payment
Plan & budget
payment
New
support
participant 10
Individualised funding Choice and control Supports not programs

11. NDIS Roll out July 1, 2016 South Western Sydney roll out
July 2015 Nepean roll out
July 1, 2016
South Western Sydney roll out
local government areas of:
Bankstown
Camden
Campbelltown
Fairfield
Liverpool
Wingecarribee
Wollondilly

12. NDIS Roll out July 1, 2016 Western Sydney Auburn Blacktown Holroyd
July 2015 Nepean roll out
July 1, 2016
Western Sydney
Auburn
Blacktown
Holroyd
Parramatta
The Hills Shire

13. Eligibility Significant and permanent disability.
For individuals who can’t join in activities or do things without assistive technology, equipment or home modifications, or
you usually need support from other people to join in activities or do things at home or in the community.
Early intervention
The parent or the child have a permanent disability, or
The child has a developmental delay, and
There is evidence that shows getting early supports will reduce impact of disability.
Disabilities covered can include: intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairments, or a psychiatric condition.
Support cuts off at 65 years old.

14. How are individuals funded?
The NDIS have specific guidelines and prices based on different types of supports (clusters). These include:
Assistance with self-care activities: day
Standard needs / High Intensity: assistance with self-care activities
Assistance to access community, social and recreational activities
Standard / High Intensity
Group based community, social and recreational activities
Standard / High Intensity (1:1 or Group and Centrebased)
Coordination of Supports
Increased Social and Community Participation
Improved Relationships (Behaviour Support)
Improved Learning (Transition to school)
Improved daily living skills (Transdisciplinary, Therapy, 1:1 or group)

15. NDIS Pathways For individuals / families to access support:
Families / individuals may access pre-planning support from non government organisations. This should be a free service
They can meet the Local Area Coordinators (LAC) or with Planners from the NDIA to confirm eligibility, develop plan (My First Plan)with goals.
3. Implement plan.
4. Review of plan after 12 months.

16. NDIS Planning Process

18. Participant Statement NDIS working document (Goals)
Person’s name
NDIS Number
Name of person assisting with / preparing the statement on behalf of the participant
Daily life
Living arrangement
Relationships and supports
Table of current supports
List of aids / equipment / modification
Child’s goals
Education relation goals
Social participation related goal
Independent related goal
Living arrangement goal
Health and well being related goal

19. Management of funding for supports to be resolved with Participant
Self management
(by participant or nominee)
Agency Management
NDIA
Plan Management Provider
The type of funds management that the participant chooses can vary depending on their circumstances.
Different options can be chosen for different supports.
Plans may have a combination of the options as shown.
Agency can limit self management where financial or personal risk.

20. Early Intervention (0 -6)
(Nov 2014)
Transdisciplinary Model
Provision of a mix of therapies, and a key worker for the family, are expected to fall into one of the three categories;
Level 1 – low needs – up to $6000 to $8208 per annum,
Level 2 – medium needs - $8209 to $12312 per annum, or
Level 3 – high needs - $12313 to $16416 per annum.

21. Early Intervention (0 -6)
Level 1 (low needs) is generally appropriate for a child with a developmental delay, or mild disability, who is developing slower than their peers.
Level 2 (medium needs) is generally appropriate for a child with a disability or developmental delay
who either has moderate single and/or multiple areas of needs/concern that require specific intervention,
or behavioural concerns or some family complexities that require referral to other agencies.
Level 3 (high needs) us generally appropriate for a child with a disability and/or/severe developmental delay, multiple disabilities, severe behavioural difficulties,
rapid deterioration and/or complex health/medical needs who has severe and/or multiple needs that require specific intervention.

22. 7 to 65 age group Individual therapy supports
Transition to school / work

23. Questions?

24. Thank you!

25. Links
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will provide information about existing supports in launch areas including Local Area Coordinators to assist with information, linkage and referral.
NDIS Phone number:
Website:
NDIS Slides ddc.org.au/.../NDIS%20Presentation%20-%20David%20Bowen%20and.
(My pathway, my choices and my goals)

26. Links
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will provide information about existing supports in launch areas including Local Area Coordinators to assist with information, linkage and referral.
NDIS Phone number:
Website: