More resources and support for Australians with Motor Neurone Disease
Australians with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will have better access to essential information through a new website and national information line.
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC and Minister for Families and Social Services Senator the Hon Anne Ruston said the new resource, MND Connect, was developed through a Morrison Government grant of $1.2 million to MND Australia under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program.
MND Connect comprises a website and national information line, with advisors available to support people with MND, their families, carers, health professionals and service providers.
“MND Connect will make it easier for people with MND to access the information they need, when they need it, providing support and comfort,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The grant funding also provides training and peer support for the advisors who will be available to speak to people about their diagnosis, the support available and the next steps.”
MND Australia has also adapted an award-winning end-of-life care resource, to create The MND Australia End of Life Guide. The guide provides practical information and support about planning ahead and making decisions about end-of-life care for people living with MND.
Minister Ruston said the new one-stop shop would build the knowledge and confidence of people with disability and improve their access to services.
“We want people with disability to have access to the information they need to overcome barriers and achieve their goals, particularly during times when they may need extra support or assistance,” Minister Ruston said.
“The website draws together a range of information and advice in one place making it easier for people to find consistent and accurate resources quickly.”
There are 789 Australians with MND accessing support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Minister Reynolds said prospective participants with MND seeking access to the Scheme receive priority access decisions.
“The Morrison Government recognises the need for people with MND to receive supports quickly, helping them to make the most of those supports, to have the greatest possible impact on their lives,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Through MND Connect and the NDIS, the government is working to support individuals and their families living with MND.”
MND Australia CEO David Ali said the project would be a guiding hand for those diagnosed with MND.
“We were grateful to receive the funding as it has allowed MND Australia to work alongside a broad range of stakeholders, including people living and working with MND to develop innovative content and resources, a MND Connect website and to work towards development of the national MND information line service model,” he said.
MND Connect can be accessed through the website www.mndconnect.org.au and the MND Info Line is 1800 777 175 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The End of Life Guide can be accessed through the website www.mndaust.asn.au.
Other information on support for people with disability and their families and carers is available at the new Disability Gateway or by calling 1800 643 787 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST.