They have the potential to make huge changes in the lives people who are blind or have low vision and Vision Australia is encouraging Shepparton residents to learn all they can about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the world of assistive technology.
Vision Australia will hold a combined NDIS Information Session and Technology Expo on August 21 to showcase what both have to offer in terms of supporting people with vision loss to live active and independent lives.
The NDIS will be available in Shepparton from January 1, 2019, however people are urged to begin planning for the roll-out now.
“NDIS packages are tailored to individual needs identified in the planning process that occurs with National Disability Insurance Agency,” Helen Vey, Vision Australia Murrumbidgee Hume Regional Business Manager, said
“It’s vital that people are prepared for this process and have an idea of what services they would like their package to cover,” Ms Vey said.
Individuals are required to identify goals they want their NDIS package to support them to achieve, whether it be finding employment, living independently in their own home or remaining active in the community.
“By working with our team before and during the planning stages, we can help people both identify the services that will best support their individual needs and give them the best chance of receiving an NDIS package that will allow those to be delivered,” Ms Vey said.
In particular, Ms Vey said Vision Australia is keen for people who are blind or have low vision to explore what’s available in the world of assistive technology, given the difference it can make in their lives.
“The advancements that have happened around assistive technology in recent years have been significant and we want to give people the opportunity to experience firsthand what’s available.
“With the right product and the right advice, assistive technology can often be the difference in supporting people who are blind or have low vision to carry out everyday tasks like reading the mail, identifying medication or communicating with friends and family that may otherwise be off limits to them.”
NDIS Information Sessions will be held at Vision Australia’s Shepparton Centre on August 21 from 10:30mm-12pm and 5pm-6:30pm with the Technology Expo to take place from 12pm-5pm. Call (03) 5831 9400 or email adminN3@visionaustralia.org.
For out more about how Vision Australia can support you with the NDIS here.