Image:Image: Shutterstock; Nils Versemann

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has heralded significant increases in the funding of disability support in Australia. In regional and remote Australia, individuals living with disability are no longer subject to what was described as the ‘postcode lottery’ to determine funding eligibility.

However, almost eight years after the NDIS launched in 2013, the absence of locally based workers outside of Australia’s major cities continues to be felt acutely by people with disability, their carers and family. This is experienced even more strongly in remote aboriginal communities where there is a belief that decision makers have not listened to their needs and ignored local practice.

In communities such as Amata, Imanpa and Warburton across the NPY lands – workers and elders are calling for the development of a locally based workforce that offers culturally sensitive support. It’s a request that’s shared throughout the Central Australian disability community.

Produced By: Evan Wallace

Featured In Story: Rene Kulitja, NPY Women’s Council Director, Beth Sometimes, Interpreter, Adrien Scholtes – CEO, Disability Advocacy Service, Yuminya Ken – Disability Worker, NPY Women’s Council, Sandy Robinson – Member, Alice Springs Access Advisory Committee. , and Kim McRae – Tjungu Disability Program Manager, NPY Women’s Council

First aired on The Wire, Monday 12 July 2021