Referral service for people with disability in NSW

People with disability in New South Wales will be able to make better and more informed decisions with information provided with the help of a $3.1 million grant.

The Turnbull Government will fund Information on Disability, Education, Awareness Services (IDEAS) to provide a range of services, including face-to-face, phone, written, digital and hardcopy publications, SMS, and peer-to-peer programs to people with disability in NSW.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said the project would collate independently sourced information to help people with disability to make informed decisions.

“The IDEAS project addresses barriers to information about the available mainstream supports in the community for people with disability, their families and carers,” Mr Tehan said.

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice said the NDIS is making the community more accessible and inclusive of everyone with disability, through projects such as this.

“IDEAS aims to reach up to 30 per cent of people with disability in NSW. It is one of 209 projects funded across Australia to help build inclusive communities,” Mrs Prentice said.

IDEAS Chief Executive Officer Diana Palmer said the grant reflected the importance of making multiple communication platforms available, so people can engage how and when they need to.

“IDEAS is excited to extend our highly valued service to reach more people with disability seeking independent information, advice and referral services,” Ms Palmer said.