NDIS PARTICIPANTS ENCOURAGED TO USE SUPPORT COORDINATION FOR HELP TO ACCESS VACCINATIONS

NDIS participants encouraged to use support coordination for help to access vaccinations.

NDIS participants, with support coordination funding in their plan, that need help to book and access COVID-19 Vaccinations are being encouraged to work with their support coordinator.

Mr Jess Harper, CEO of Disability Intermediaries Australia (DIA), the peak body for Support Coordination and Plan Management within Australia, said:

“Support Coordinators are a critical and vital service for 46% of all NDIS participants. Support coordinators can assist participants to book and access COVID-19 vaccinations.”

“The health and wellbeing of participants is our sector’s highest priority, and it is really important that those who can get the vaccine, make an informed choice to do so, to protect themselves, their family and their community. But we know there are challenges for some participants in booking and accessing vaccinations.”

“The NDIA has made an additional $150, on top of their plan funds, available to participants with funded Support Coordination for help with booking and accessing vaccinations.”

DIA welcomes the additional $150 available for Support Coordinators, however, some participants will require assistance from their Support Coordinator beyond this addition $150. The NDIA has made it clear that in these circumstances Participants can utilise their existing Support Coordination budget for this further assistance.

NDIS Registered Support Coordinators, can directly claim up to $150 to cover costs of supporting NDIS participants to receive the vaccine, including support to arrange:

• vaccination appointments;
• transport to and from the appointment in a COVID-safe manner; and
• appropriate staff to accompany participants to, during and from the appointments.

Participants across Australia are encouraged to talk to their support coordinators about assistance they might need to book and access a vaccine appointment.

More information on the NDIS additional $150 payment program and how to claim can be found on the DIA website.

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