Launching DisabilityCare Australia

Learning from launches

Governments are launching DisabilityCare Australia in six selected locations to ensure that the rollout to full scheme is informed by experience and feedback from people with disability, their families and carers, service providers and community organisations.

Hunter region of New South Wales (NSW)

Launch will commence in the Hunter region of NSW from July 2013. Approximately 10,000 people will benefit from individualised supports by July 2016. Existing disability service users in Newcastle will enter the scheme during the first year. Residents in Lake Macquarie will enter during the second year, and residents in the Maitland local government area will commence in the third year.

Barwon region of Victoria

Launch will commence in the Barwon region of Victoria from July 2013. Approximately 5,000 people will progressively access the scheme and receive individualised supports by July 2016. Most people currently receiving Individual Support Plans will transition to the scheme during the first year.

Client numbers across launch jurisdictions

Supporting young adults with disability

Deborah is 17, lives in the Hunter region of NSW and has Down syndrome. With the help of her dad, Deborah completes a short questionnaire about accessing supports from DisabilityCare Australia to prepare her for learning at school and to participate more in the community. They meet with a planner from DisabilityCare Australia to talk about her goals and support needs.

Deborah tells the planner that she wants to learn to be more independent when she finishes school and that she wants to work in the food industry because she likes to cook.

Deborah's agreed plan provides access to supports to help her develop decision making and planning skills and learn to use public transport. A mentor helps Deborah find and attend a cooking class at a local community centre. A disability employment service works with Deborah and her school to explore future job and training opportunities.

Deborah's plan can be reviewed in the future, such as when she decides to start post school training or work, to make sure it still reflects her goals and needs.