SUPPORTED LIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance said Family Advocacy, in partnership with the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, will assist people with a disability, their families and carers to build person-centred and sustainable living arrangements which are flexible and individualised.

“We have committed $60 million to the Supported Living Fund over the next five years, as part of Stronger Together 2, to provide support for 300 individuals,” Mr Constance said.

“We have listened to the community and know that access to good information and sharing stories is so important.”

Around 30 consultation sessions about supported living were held throughout the state last year which were attended by 270 people with a disability, their families and carers, advocacy groups and service providers. A web survey was also conducted with more than 100 responses received.  Expressions of interest were then called earlier this month for the first 100 Supported Living Fund places. People who are interested in supported living are now being invited to attend family information sessions over the next two months.

“This is to make sure they truly qualify and the program meets their needs,” Mr Constance said. “We hope support will commence for those selected individuals by the end of June.”

A further round of expressions of interest will be conducted later this year for the second year intake of 100 places.

Mr Constance said that the Supported Living Fund is a great new example of a person centred approach which places people with a disability at the centre of decision making about their lives.

For information session details call Family Advocacy on 9869 0866 or 1800 620 588.  More information about eligibility for the Supported Living Fund can be found at http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/support/somewhere_to_live/slfregistrations.